Mesmerised Netflix fans have unleashed lavish praise on the young star of a brand new psychological drama that centres around a schoolboy accused of murdering his female classmate.

Adolescence aired on the streaming service today and his been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, as well as calls for its protagonist to be nominated for a BAFTA. 

Executive producer Stephen Graham said the idea for the four-episode mini-series came to him from looking at the epidemic of knife crime in the UK.

Hopes were high as the show earned a perfect 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and it seems to not have disappointed with a now-wider audience.

A lot of the praise is being directed at actor Owen Cooper who plays 13-year-old Jamie Miller.

One person said on X, formerly Twitter: ‘If you work with young people then this is the one thing you need to watch this year!

‘Stephen Graham – superb acting.’

She then added: ‘Take a bow Owen Cooper. I’ve worked in a children’s secure unit and your acting was on the money.’

Another added: ‘Adolescence on Netflix is a stunning piece of work. 

‘Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper are absolutely amazing. 

‘Give them all the Emmys. I hope it will have the same success as Baby Reindeer.’

Someone else said: ‘Watching Adolescence – brilliant and a star is born in the form of Owen Cooper. Wow an amazing performance, hopefully a TV Bafta for best newcomer or some other award – it would be well deserved.’

Cooper’s dynamic acting in the film takes on multiple forms as the young actor manages to appear confused, scared, angry and indifferent throughout.

Jamie Miller is the brainchild of Stephen Graham, who plays the boy’s father while Top Boy actor Ashley Walters takes on the role of DI Luke Bascombe.

The critically acclaimed four-part production is uniquely shot in nearly hour-long continuous single takes.

Its opening two episodes track Jamie’s arrest and follow the efforts of DI Bascombe and DS Frank (Faye Marsay) in getting to the bottom of the stabbing. 

Its outstanding rating on review website Rotten Tomatoes has come from fans and critics alike praising its realistic portrayal of British society and its gripping plotline, with some even comparing it with Netflix’s 2024 triumph Baby Reindeer.

One viewer wrote: ‘By far one of the best British drama series I have ever watched it was such a good representation a British family culture. Absolutely gripping, I couldn’t keep my eyes away from the TV.’ 

Meanwhile on X, a hooked fan said: ‘Highly recommend #adolescence starting today on @netflix.

‘Compelling storyline, excellent cast, shot in real-time one-take eps – especially stressful plot/themes when my son turns 13 today. Must-see TV.’

Another added: ‘First impression of Adolescence on Netflix: Holy Bloody S***e.’ 

A third posted: ‘The boy who plays Jamie… he does creepy little f***er extremely well. What a star. Excellent find. He’s in for a brilliant career if he sticks at it.’ 

Another user said: ‘Wow what an emotional rollercoaster. I feel this should be shown in high schools. A very strong message is being made. Incredible cast and brilliantly produced/directed. #adolescence #ToxicMasculinity’

One posted: ‘I have never ever seen anything like #Adolescence on Netflix. 

‘Stunningly acted. Each episode shot in ONE take!!! It’s insane.’

And a sixth said: ‘Is there any part that Stephen Graham can’t play? #adolescence’

The Mail’s own Christopher Stevens has been among those raving about the new crime drama, giving Adolescence a perfect five stars out of five.

He said: ‘It’s effectively a live performance without retakes.

‘This sometimes gives the production a theatrical air, as if the action is taking place on a revolving stage. But the effect is always impressive and never distracting.

‘The strong supporting cast includes Mark Stanley as a solicitor well out of his depth, but the most exceptional performances come from the teenagers – especially Owen Cooper as Jamie and Fatima Bojang as the dead girl’s bereaved best friend.

‘Adolescence paints our schools, police and an entire generation in a grimly unforgiving light. Watching it is a gruelling experience.

‘But no drama has ever depicted the nightmare of knife crime better.’

All episodes of Adolescence are available to stream on Netflix now.