Why Parents Should Stream "Adolescence"

Adolescence is a notoriously unstable and unpredictable time. As well-known child and adolescent psychologist Anthony Wolf, PhD, puts it: Parenting is essentially like driving a car. There are periods of smooth sailing, and sometimes there are traffic jams and bumps in the road. Parenting an adolescent is also like driving a car—except your hands are no longer on the steering wheel.

The new Netflix original series Adolescence is a fictional drama that captures this chaotic period, shining an unflinching light on the darkest corners of what we don’t know about our teenagers. From the pressures of school to navigating dating, sex, identity, and social media, the show delves deep into the painful complexities of adolescent life in today’s world.

Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t watched the series yet, I highly recommend doing so before reading further.

The third of the series’ four episodes may be the most gripping and psychologically insightful hour of therapy ever depicted on screen. Thirteen-year-old Jamie has been accused of murdering his high school classmate, Katie. One piece of evidence against him is so strong that he is being held in a secure facility for the mentally ill while awaiting trial. Briony is hired by Jamie’s family to be one of the two independent clinicians tasked with evaluating Jamie’s fitness to stand trial.

The interview between Briony and Jamie is filmed with a single camera, creating a raw, almost suffocating intimacy. Their conversation escalates in such a consuming, realistic way that viewers may find themselves holding their breath, completely absorbed in the emotional and psychological tension unfolding onscreen.

The episode begins as Briony arrives at the facility to conduct the second phase of her clinical assessment. Briony enters the session with hot chocolate and a sandwich—small but significant gestures meant to create a safe, welcoming environment. Initially, their rapport is friendly, even flirtatious, possibly offering a glimpse into Jamie’s complex feelings about women. But as the interview progresses, the dynamic shifts dramatically, particularly when Briony holds firm to her clinical boundaries and refuses to indulge Jamie’s social expectations.

The first eruption comes when Jamie recalls how, as a soccer player, he would look up after making a mistake and see his father’s face turn away in what he perceived as shame. (Viewers will easily envision this gesture because of the dramatic manner in which Jamie's father turned away from Jamie during his police interview following his arrest.) A more lenient therapist might challenge Jamie’s perception, offering an alternative narrative about his father’s feelings. But Briony doesn’t do that. Instead, she probes deeper, asking Jamie what his father’s shame means to him. Jamie’s response is explosive: He becomes physically imposing and enraged that Briony won’t dispel his interpretation of his father’s emotions. This is especially striking considering Jamie is incarcerated under suspicion of murder—an experience that is presumably a source of overwhelming shame for his family.

Rather than back down, Briony maintains her composure. After the guard intervenes and calls for a break, Briony recalibrates and re-engages with Jamie, refusing to give him what he wants. The conversation shifts from family history to social dynamics, then to a chilling discussion about the "incel" subculture—a group of men who blame their inability to form romantic relationships on the belief that 80 percent of women are attracted to only 20 percent of men. Jamie identifies with this "manosphere" mindset, explaining how he views himself as unattractive and unable to gain positive attention from women.

We learn that Katie mocked Jamie on social media, which only reinforces his feelings of inadequacy. Jamie refers to himself as “ugly.” Rather than dismissing his negative self-image, Briony focuses on understanding Jamie’s internal narrative. She doesn’t try to soothe him with reassurances or challenge his perception. When she refuses to comfort him in the way he expects, Jamie’s temper erupts once more. He essentially confesses, revealing the frighteningly explosive nature of his rage. It’s in this moment that viewers—and Briony—are confronted with the full extent of Jamie’s emotional volatility, offering a glimpse into the isolation and hatred that may have festered in the confines of his bedroom and the dark corners of the incel online community.

The acting and emotional rigor of this conversation are extraordinary and heartbreaking. Briony’s single tear following the interview speaks volumes about the emotional toll some therapy sessions can take. Therapy is hard work. Mostly for the client, but sometimes also for the therapist. I imagine it’s especially difficult to do this brave, bold work on the front lines of the legal system. When the series concludes after four episodes, we learn that Briony’s intervention was transformational.

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For parents and therapists, Adolescence is an essential, humbling viewing. Briony’s portrayal reminds us of the emotional bravery therapy sometimes demands, and the lasting impact it can have.

To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.