After bingeing Netflix’s new limited series,Adolescence, viewers may be craving more heartrending crime dramas, and the following five Netflix series are the perfect follow-ups. Soon after its release on July 31, 2025,Adolescencemade a name for itself, becoming Netflix’s #1 trending TV series, and also garneringa 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series tells the story ofJamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who is accused of murdering his classmate. In just four episodes, the show explores not only Jamie’s journey, but how it affects his family, friends, and the detectives on the case.
There are truly countless crime dramas available to watch these days, but when it comes toAdolescence,the best follow-ups have to be a bit more specific. For example,some of the best companion pieces toAdolescenceare those that are about crime, but also young peopleinvolved in crime. Furthermore,Adolescence’ssetting and its focus on why people commit crimes are other elements that should appear in a solid follow-up. Fortunately, these five Netflix series have plenty of strong ties toAdolescenceand its themes.
One Netflix series that has a very similar premise toAdolescenceisA Nearly Normal Family.Released in 2023, this Swedish drama follows the Sandells,a seemingly normal couple whose lives are shaken up when their 15-year-old daughter becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Over the course of six episodes, audiences see the Sandells' struggle to protect their daughter, even if it means hiding the truth.
A Nearly Normal Familydoes not have the samestrong reviews asAdolescence,but it is a very sensible companion to the show.Both series consider the idea of a young person committing a horrifying crime, and the search for truth that comes with that. The big difference that setsA Nearly Normal Familyapart fromAdolescenceis the fact that the Sandells are more concerned about saving their daughter than solving the actual crime at hand, which is different fromAdolescence’ssense of realism and justice.
Adolescenceshowcases various intense moments throughout its four-part run, but one scene that is particularly stand-out is Jamie’s interrogation in the first episode. Those who were particularly captivated by this, and the methods used by Ashley Walters' DI Bascombe should check outCriminal: United Kingdom.This two-season series takes place solely inside a police interrogation suite, where audiences see suspects put in tough positions.It is true thatCriminal: United Kingdomforgoes a lot of the main elements ofAdolescence.There is no overarching storyline and no particular focus on youths and crime. However, the series does capture a lot of theessenceofAdolescence.There are cases that need to be solved and criminals that detectives are eager to crack. In this way,Criminal: United Kingdomis just as thrilling and high-octane asAdolescence.
For those seeking moretop-quality crime dramason Netflix,Mindhunteris a must-watch. The thriller series takes place in the 1970s and follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, who are part of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. Together,the men carry out a project wherein they interview serial killers, hoping to gain more knowledge about their mindsets and motivations. Ultimately, their work leads to what is now known as criminal profiling.
Just as Ford and Tench get to know blood-chilling killers,Adolescencedives into Jamie’s personality and the events that led up to his supposed crime.
Once again,Mindhuntermay not have the most obvious ties toAdolescence,but their connection goes beyond mere plot. At their core,bothMindhunterandAdolescenceare interested in why criminals commit crimes.Just as Ford and Tench get to know blood-chilling killers,Adolescencedives into Jamie’s personality and the events that led up to his supposed crime. Both series are intense and disturbing, but they also treat their characters with the utmost respect and humanity.
Owen Cooper,who plays Jamie inAdolescence,is one of the greatest parts of the series. Another show which boasts an incredible young actor in the leading role isUnbelievable.The show centers on Kaitlyn Dever asMarie Adler, a teenager who reports that she has been sexually assaulted, only to recant her statement. With many accusing her of being a liar, a team of female detectives sets out to figure out the real story.
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Unbelievableshares a lot of DNA withAdolescence.Just like Jamie, Marie is thrown into the midst of a criminal investigation that may not be as forgiving as she would hope. Because of her age, the consequences of everything feel giant and horrifying. Fortunately, though,two detectives are invested in her story, and uncover a long history of corruption and crime that keeps victims quiet and criminals on the loose. Plus,Unbelievableboasts yet another amazing Rotten Tomatoes score at 98%.
The raw intensity ofAdolescenceis one of the show’s most striking qualities, and it may have brought to mind another Netflix series that gained similar praise last year:Baby Reindeer.The series is aboutDonny, a young man and aspiring comedian who begins to be stalked by an obsessive womannamed Martha. As Donny’s livelihood comes into danger, he is reminded of past traumas that he let go too far, and must face his own issues in order to finally achieve justice.
LikeAdolescence,Baby Reindeeris vulnerableand shocking. It is yet another show that doesn’t pull punches, letting audiences in on some truly disturbing moments. Yet, these dark scenes are important because they are full of realism.They are reminders that crime is not just a fiction on TV, but has real effects on people and may not be as clear-cut as it is on-screen. Ultimately,Baby Reindeeris a strong companion toAdolescence.
