Understanding Psychological Crime Drama: An Analysis of the Netflix's Series Adolescence

Lakshmi Raj

doi:10.63635/mrj.v1i3.111

Authors

Raj Lakshmi Centre for Media Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India-110067 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63635/mrj.v1i3.111

Keywords:

OTT platform, Web series, Crime, Social media, Adolescent

Abstract

Web series are transforming the entertainment sector in India and the world. The Internet is a boon forthe information technology industry. By circumventing restrictions, online shows are changing the entertainment industry by offering a varied range of fresh content. The web series“Adolescence” explores the thoughts of a 13-year-old regarding females, his involvement in criminal activities, and the influence of social media content on him. “Adolescence”is one of the most-watched shows globally on the OTT platform Netflix, used as a case study. The BBC reports that Netflix's series “Adolescence”attracted over 120 million viewers worldwide in its inaugural month of 2025. This series examines adolescent psychology, sexual behaviour, familial relationships, and societal reactions to the murder of a female student who had bullied the protagonist online, despite his continual denial of involvement. Crime occurs as an exceptionally impartial phenomenon, ignoring the victim's age, class, race, social status, etc. The research investigates toxic masculinity, the influence of social media on the accused, and familial involvement in adolescent cognitive development, among other factors. The study also analyses the impact of social media on modern adolescent behaviour, the repercussions of cyberbullying, and the rise of online misogyny. In the contemporary context, adolescents experience accelerated maturation, partly due to the influence of social media and the internet.

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