Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper: Why the Adolescence Emmys Made Waves in India

‘Adolescence’ Sweeps 77th Primetime Emmys with 8 Wins

The critically acclaimed Netflix limited series, Adolescence, dominated the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home an impressive eight trophies. The biggest news of the night was 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who became the youngest person ever to win the Outstanding Supporting Actor award for his gut-wrenching portrayal of Jamie Miller.

Another standout moment was delivered by lead actor and series co-writer Stephen Graham. In his acceptance speech for Outstanding Lead Actor, Graham concluded with a heartfelt “Namaste,” a gesture that resonated globally.

The Story Behind the Success

Released on March 13, 2025, Adolescence is a four-episode psychological crime drama that captivated audiences worldwide from the moment it dropped on Netflix. The show follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) after he is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The series delves deep into the psychological fallout of the crime, exploring its impact on Jamie’s seemingly normal family—his father, mother, and sister—as well as the investigators and psychologists working on the case.

Why the movie resonated instantly with the global audience

The show’s power lies in its unflinching exploration of how online culture and social media influence the young generation. It tackles pressing issues such as social isolation, misogyny, and toxic masculinity. This highlights how the overwhelming influence of digital spaces can create a distorted sense of self in teenagers. The series poignantly shows how parents, like Jamie’s doting father Eddie, can be completely unaware of the turmoil brewing in their children’s minds, misinterpreting their quiet time in front of a computer as harmless. The show’s subtle narrative touch, like a detective making amends with his own teenage son, serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate bonds within families.

A Global and Indian Phenomenon

Within its first three weeks, Adolescence garnered tens of millions of views globally, breaking streaming records in the UK. Audiences were quick to share their reactions. The described the series as “gut-wrenching” and “staying with them,” particularly praising its sensitive handling of the family’s internal struggles and the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Many viewers expressed that the show prompted them to reflect on the impact of online spaces on teens, the responsibilities of parents, and the role of society at large.

How Indian audience received the movie

The series found a particularly strong resonance in India, drawing high praise from both critics and the public. Despite its British setting, themes of teen aggression, online toxicity, and misogyny struck a chord with Indian viewers. Bollywood celebrities also joined in the chorus of praise. The show’s ability to address many under-discussed issues—the online influence on young boys, masculinity pressures, and the psychological dimensions of crime—has spurred significant public engagement.

This response in India set against a backdrop of growing mental health concerns among India’s youth. According to Data, The National Mental Health Survey (India) estimates that mental disorders affect around 7.39% of the 18-29 age group. That excludes substance abuse. For younger children (5-15), the figure is around 10%. Post-COVID, surveys have indicated a noticeable increase in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among young people. Also, another survey found that 11% of students reported anxiety. 14% experienced extreme emotions, and 43% reported mood swings. This highlights the urgent need for a societal conversation on these issues—a conversation that Adolescence has powerfully ignited.