Netflix fans told 'perfect' drama to binge after Adolescence (2025)

Netflix fans say they binged all seasons in just a week.

Fans of the recent Netflix series Adolescence are being encouraged to binge-watch the 'brutal' crime drama that viewers 'couldn't stop watching'.

The recently released series, starring and co-written by Stephen Graham, has been a revelation and one of the biggest hits of the year. It's been the most-watched title across multiple regions by Netflix subscribers, including in the UK and US.

Despite the limited series only consisting of four episodes, audiences have quickly consumed it in its entirety. However, fans need not worry as the streaming platform already has a perfect title that may have slipped under some radars.

Top Boy, originally a British drama produced and broadcast on Channel 4 from 2011 until 2013, was rescued by Netflix after the broadcaster ended it after just two series and declined a third instalment.

The streaming giant commissioned a revival in 2019 and went on to renew the series twice more, allowing it to conclude on its own terms with its fifth season overall. While the show was a revival, it continued the story of the original series, staying true to long-term fans while also providing an easy entry point for newcomers, reports Surrey Live.

According to its synopsis, the series immerses viewers into the housing estates of East London, where tension exists between the drug gangs operating almost openly and those striving to live honest lives against the odds in the crime-ridden area.

The series delves into the tension through the intertwined tales of Dushane, a 20-something drug dealer hell-bent on becoming the Top Boy in his area, and Ra'Nell, a good-hearted but susceptible teenager who is thrust into adulthood after his mother's mental breakdown.

Netflix's reboot introduces Jamie, a street-smart newcomer eager to make a mark with his own gang. However, he soon finds himself out of his depth, facing serious repercussions for his actions.

The show was conceived by writer Ronan Bennett, who also created The Day of the Jackal series and the forthcoming release, MobLand. The cast features Ashley Walters, star of Adolescence, and rapper Kane Robinson, better known as Kano, in the main roles.

In an article for Esquire last year, Bennett disclosed that a chance meeting with a young drug dealer sparked the idea for Top Boy. He wrote: "When one morning in 2009 I saw a boy of around 10 or 12 dealing outside my local Tesco in Hackney, I was naturally curious. I wanted to know his story, what he was doing there, what his life was like, what he wanted. I approached him.

"He thought I was police. I told him I was a writer and just wanted to talk. He asked for money. I said no. He walked off, and as far as I know I have never seen him since. I hope he's avoided jail. I hope he hasn't been shot. But I have no way of knowing."

Top Boy has not only achieved a high score on Rotten Tomatoes across all of its series, never dropping below 90% but also boasts perfect scores for its first and last seasons. As it grapples with societal issues, the show continues to be impactful amongst viewers, mirroring how Adolescence has stimulated conversations.

A fan emphatically expressed their take online, posting: "Compulsory viewing for all teens looking to get into crime. What a great dissuader. A truly brutal show."

Their review highlights a commendable aspect of the show's portrayal: "It maintains this perfect balance between the violence of their actions and their complex, otherwise redeemable personalities. This doesn't glamorise the street life, it's ugly, anxiety-inducing and ultimately, unprofitable for everyone but the top boys."

Another viewer couldn't hide their adoration, adding: "I loved every minute of this show! It's so well done. The plot twists will leave you gob smacked The dialogue, tension, dramatic build up and character development are superb."

And praising the cast, another commented: "Many of the actors and actresses aren't well known but they put in some amazing performances. I totally binged it."

One more enthusiast shared their binge-watching escapade: "I finished all seasons in a week. I couldn't stop watching. It gets better and better after every episode."

Top Boy is streaming on Netflix.