The British series “Adolescence,” already one of Netflix’s top hits of 2025, has achieved something extraordinary. As per the latest viewing statistics released by the platform, the gritty coming-of-age drama featuring Stephen Graham is now officially the second most-watched Netflix original series ever — surpassing worldwide sensations like “Stranger Things 4” and Ryan Murphy’s “Dahmer.”
Netflix’s all-time Top 10 list is refreshed periodically based on viewing hours within the initial 91 days of release. The newest update indicates that “Adolescence” has swiftly ascended to second place, lagging only behind “Wednesday,” the popular Addams Family spinoff that remains at #1.
Here’s Netflix’s up-to-date all-time Top 10:
1. **Wednesday**
2. **Adolescence**
3. **Stranger Things 4**
4. **Dahmer: Monster**
5. **Bridgerton Season 1**
6. **The Queen’s Gambit**
7. **Bridgerton Season 3**
8. **The Night Agent Season 1**
9. **Fool Me Once**
10. **Stranger Things 3**
“Adolescence” narrates the journey of a working-class British youth confronting trauma, identity, and disrupted family relationships, all while facing a crime that looms over his existence. It’s a raw, emotionally potent series that gained traction through word of mouth, positive reviews, and particularly accolades for Graham’s poignant performance.
Even UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted to being touched by the series. “As a father,” he remarked to reporters at a roundtable earlier this year, according to CBS News, “watching this series with my teenage son and daughter, I can say it resonated deeply.”
What has contributed to the show breaking into rarefied Netflix territory is its fusion of social realism and profoundly personal narratives. Audiences across the globe connected with the immersive direction — each episode of the series being filmed in a single, uninterrupted take — as well as the emotional authenticity the show delivers. Additionally, this marks another victory for the streamer’s global initiative.
As Netflix continues to invest in content beyond the US, shows like “Adolescence” demonstrate there’s a significant demand for character-driven drama grounded in local cultures with universal themes.
Whether “Adolescence” will ultimately surpass “Wednesday” is yet to be determined. However, for now, its rise to the #2 position signifies an important achievement not just for the creators and cast, but for UK television overall. It’s indeed a rare occurrence for a series this understated to become such a powerhouse.
