The world of television welcomed a bold new drama in March 2025 with the release of Adolescence, a four-part British crime series that has everyone talking. This Netflix miniseries, co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, dives deep into the emotional chaos of a family rocked by a shocking accusation. A 13-year-old boy stands accused of murdering a classmate, and the story unfolds in real-time, captured in stunning single-take episodes. What makes this show truly stand out, though, isn’t just its innovative filming style—it’s the incredible cast bringing the tale to life. Let’s explore the talented actors behind Adolescence, their roles, and what makes their performances unforgettable as of March 15, 2025.
The Vision Behind Adolescence
Before we meet the stars, let’s set the stage with a quick look at what Adolescence is all about. Stephen Graham, a powerhouse in British acting, teamed up with acclaimed writer Jack Thorne to craft a story that tackles tough questions about youth, masculinity, and societal pressures. The series follows the Miller family as their lives unravel after their teenage son, Jamie, faces a murder charge. Director Philip Barantini, known for his work on Boiling Point, brings his signature one-shot style to each episode, creating an immersive, almost suffocating sense of tension. Now, let’s dive into the actors who make this vision soar.
Stephen Graham: The Heartbroken Father
Stephen Graham doesn’t just star in Adolescence—he pours his soul into it as both actor and co-creator. He plays Eddie Miller, the father of the accused teen, Jamie. Graham delivers a raw, gut-wrenching performance as a man grappling with disbelief, guilt, and desperation. His character stands by his son during police interrogations, torn between protecting his child and facing the horrifying possibility of his guilt. Graham’s ability to convey quiet devastation makes Eddie the emotional anchor of the series.
This isn’t Graham’s first rodeo with intense roles. He burst onto the scene in films like Snatch and Gangs of New York, then cemented his status with This Is England. More recently, he’s dazzled audiences in Line of Duty and Peaky Blinders. In Adolescence, his real-life experience as a father adds depth to Eddie’s struggle. Speaking to Netflix, Graham shared, “We wanted to explore what’s happening to young men today—the pressures from peers, the internet, everything.” His passion for the project shines through in every scene.
Owen Cooper: The Newcomer Stealing the Show
If Adolescence has a breakout star, it’s Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old at the center of the storm. At just 15 years old, Cooper steps into his first-ever acting role with jaw-dropping confidence. Casting director Shaheen Baig sifted through over 500 teens to find him, and the choice pays off big time. Cooper’s portrayal of Jamie is haunting—equal parts vulnerable and volatile, leaving viewers questioning what really happened that fateful night.
In the series, Jamie’s arrest kicks off a whirlwind of police interviews and family turmoil. Cooper shines brightest in Episode 3, where he shares a single-take showdown with a child psychologist. His ability to shift from defiance to despair keeps audiences on edge. With no prior acting credits, Cooper’s natural talent stuns critics, earning him praise as a “revelation.” As of March 2025, Hollywood buzzes with speculation about his next move—mark my words, this kid’s going places.
Ashley Walters: The Detective Seeking Truth
Ashley Walters brings grit and gravitas to the role of Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, the lead investigator on Jamie’s case. Walters commands the screen as a cop who’s seen it all, yet finds himself shaken by this particular crime. His character digs into the murky world of teenage social dynamics, even turning to his own son for insight into modern youth culture. Walters balances authority with quiet empathy, making Bascombe a standout figure in the investigation.
Fans of British TV know Walters as Dushane Hill from Top Boy, where he ruled the streets with steely charisma. His transition to a detective in Adolescence showcases his versatility. Walters told The Guardian, “Stephen said, ‘You’ve never done anything like this,’ and he was right.” His chemistry with the cast, especially Faye Marsay as his partner, adds layers to the police procedural side of the story. As of now, Walters remains a hot name in TV, with Adolescence boosting his already stellar reputation.
Erin Doherty: The Psychologist Unraveling Jamie
Erin Doherty steps into the spotlight as Briony, the child psychologist tasked with assessing Jamie before his trial. Her performance in Episode 3—a nearly hour-long, one-take session with Cooper—ranks among the series’ most powerful moments. Doherty’s Briony probes Jamie’s mind with a mix of compassion and steel, peeling back layers of rage and confusion. Critics call her work “award-worthy,” and it’s easy to see why—she holds her own against a tornado of teenage emotion.
Doherty’s rise has been meteoric. She first caught eyes as Princess Anne in The Crown, then worked with Graham in A Thousand Blows. Her theater roots, honed at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, shine through in her precise, grounded acting. In Adolescence, she embodies a professional caught in an ethical storm, making Briony a key piece of the puzzle. As of March 15, 2025, Doherty’s star continues to climb, with fans eager for her next project.
Christine Tremarco: The Mother Holding It Together
Christine Tremarco plays Manda Miller, Jamie’s mother and Eddie’s wife, with a fierce intensity that cuts to the core. Her character fights to keep her family intact as the accusation tears them apart. Tremarco infuses Manda with a quiet strength, her eyes often brimming with unspoken pain. She’s the glue in the Miller household, even as cracks widen with every episode.
A longtime friend of Graham’s, Tremarco brings a wealth of experience from shows like Casualty, Waterloo Road, and The Responder. Her chemistry with Graham feels authentic, likely thanks to their real-life bond. In Adolescence, she tackles a role that’s both universal and unique—a mother facing every parent’s nightmare. Her performance resonates deeply, earning her buzz as one of the series’ unsung heroes in 2025 reviews.
Faye Marsay: The Detective’s Right Hand
Faye Marsay rounds out the investigative team as Detective Sergeant Misha Frank, Bascombe’s sharp and determined partner. She dives into questioning Jamie and his classmates, piecing together clues with a cool-headed focus. Marsay’s Misha complements Walters’ Bascombe perfectly, offering a fresh perspective on the case. Her subtle reactions often speak louder than words, grounding the police storyline.
Marsay’s resume sparkles with hits like The White Queen, Fresh Meat, and Game of Thrones. Another Bristol Old Vic alum, she’s no stranger to complex characters. In Adolescence, she holds her own in a crowded cast, proving her knack for understated brilliance. As of March 2025, her role here adds another feather to her cap, with critics noting her seamless fit in the ensemble.
Amélie Pease: The Sister Caught in the Chaos
Newcomer Amélie Pease makes her acting debut as Lisa Miller, Jamie’s older sister. Lisa tries to maintain normalcy at home while her brother’s arrest upends everything. Pease plays her with a mix of teenage defiance and heartbreak, capturing the collateral damage of the family’s crisis. Her scenes with Graham and Tremarco highlight her natural ease on screen.
Like Cooper, Pease steps into the spotlight with no prior credits, yet she handles the role like a pro. Her fresh face and raw energy make Lisa relatable, especially in the final episode’s emotional climax. As of now, Pease hasn’t announced future projects, but Adolescence marks a promising start. Keep an eye on this rising talent—she’s got the chops to stick around.
The Ensemble: A Perfect Storm of Talent
Beyond the main players, Adolescence boasts a tight-knit supporting cast that elevates the story. Mark Stanley shines as Paulie Hunter, Jamie’s lawyer, bringing a no-nonsense edge to the legal battles. Each actor, from cops to classmates, adds texture to the world Barantini builds. Together, they create a tapestry of grief, suspicion, and resilience that feels achingly real.
The one-shot format demands precision, and this cast delivers. Rehearsals stretched over weeks, with actors syncing movements and emotions like a dance troupe. Graham praised the teamwork, saying, “Everyone brought their A-game.” Critics agree—Rotten Tomatoes gives Adolescence a 100% rating as of March 15, 2025, with an average score of 9.1/10. Metacritic’s 92/100 echoes the universal acclaim, spotlighting the cast’s flawless execution.
FAQs About the Adolescence Cast
Who plays the main character, Jamie Miller, in Adolescence, and what makes his performance special?
Owen Cooper takes on Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old accused of murder, in his first acting role ever. At 15, he beat out over 500 hopefuls to land the part. His performance grabs attention for its raw honesty—he swings between anger and fragility with ease, especially in the intense one-take Episode 3. Critics hail him as a natural, and his lack of experience only adds to the authenticity.
What role does Stephen Graham play, and how does his real-life experience shape it?
Stephen Graham stars as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s dad, and co-created the series. He portrays a father wrestling with his son’s arrest, showing quiet strength and shattering heartbreak. As a dad himself, Graham brings real emotion to Eddie, saying he wanted to explore modern pressures on boys. His hands-on role in writing makes his acting even more personal.
How does Ashley Walters’ character differ from his Top Boy role, and what does he bring to Adolescence?
Snow Ashley Walters plays DI Luke Bascombe, a detective far removed from his Top Boy drug lord, Dushane Hill. Here, he’s a lawman seeking truth, not power, with a softer, reflective side. Walters adds depth with his knack for showing inner conflict, making Bascombe a grounded, relatable figure in the chaos.
Why is Erin Doherty’s Episode 3 performance getting so much praise?
The Tummy Erin Doherty plays Briony, the psychologist assessing Jamie, and her Episode 3 face-off with Owen Cooper steals the show. The hour-long, single-take scene pits her calm probing against his explosive reactions. She keeps Briony steady yet human, earning raves for her control and emotional power—critics say it’s a career-defining moment.
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