Netflix’s Adolescence: A Groundbreaking Series That Outshines 2025 Oscar Nominees

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Netflix had a strong year for streaming in 2025 with many Oscar-nominated shows, but “Adolescence” truly stood out. Although this four-part series might not qualify for an Academy Award, its quality feels award-worthy.

As a total film and TV fanatic, I can honestly say this show is something special. It really stands up with some of the most groundbreaking dramas ever made. When Adolescence dropped last March, everyone was raving about it, and for good reason. The way they pulled off four whole episodes in single takes was mind-blowing, and Owen Cooper? Seriously, what an incredible debut! He completely blew me away.

Beyond these highlights, the series truly shines thanks to moments like Cooper’s intense confrontation with Erin Doherty in episode 3, and the deeply moving performances from Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco as grieving parents. Throughout it all, Jack Thorne’s brilliant writing is the driving force, and it’s worthy of an Oscar nomination.

Netflix’s Adolescence Is Better Than Every 2025 Oscar Nominee

As everyone discusses the films up for Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars, it’s clear that Adolescence is the strongest contender. While films like F1, Frankenstein, and One Battle After Another are technically impressive, Adolescence‘s production team accomplished something even more remarkable last year.

Yorgos Lanthimos’s new film, Bugonia, could be another brilliant and complex work, and while Sentimental Value is a moving and well-crafted story, Adolescence is a stronger narrative overall. The acting in this series is even more impressive than the already excellent performances in Hamnet and Marty Supreme.

While films like Sinners, The Secret Agent, and Train Dreams explore compelling themes, none have had the same widespread emotional impact as Adolescence, which deeply resonated with audiences globally last year. Even the current Oscar nominees don’t measure up to Stephen Graham’s most impressive achievement.

Adolescence Would Win Best Picture If It Were Eligible For The Oscars

After its huge success at the Emmys last September and winning all the major awards at the Golden Globes in January, it seems very likely that Adolescence would win Best Picture at the Oscars – if it were even eligible. For the past ten months, the series has consistently won every award it’s been nominated for.

Since its release on Netflix, Adolescence has quickly become a critical favorite – the kind of show Hollywood loves to celebrate. It’s a breakthrough for the relatively unknown creators behind it, and it introduces a young actor delivering a truly remarkable performance.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been following Adolescence, and it’s clear that having Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment behind it has given the film a real boost. They’ve managed to turn all its incredible qualities into a fantastic PR story. Honestly, it feels like this film has everything it needs to be a massive success at the Oscars – it’s just baffling why it hasn’t even been considered for a nomination.

Why The Oscars Doesn’t Include TV Shows

Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

TV series aren’t eligible for Academy Awards, also known as Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscars, only considers feature films and other cinematic releases, like short films.

However, the awards show now features films released directly on streaming services, reflecting how platforms like Netflix have changed the distinction between movies and TV. The Academy is adapting to these new trends, as shown by their recent agreement with YouTube to stream the Oscars starting in 2029.

The success of shows like Adolescence and other critically acclaimed TV series highlights how far behind the times the Oscars are when it comes to recognizing television. The Academy might need to start including awards for high-quality TV shows, which now often rival the best films in terms of quality and artistry.

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2026-01-30 16:42