By Brad Pitt’s Plan B in Talks for ‘Adolescence 2’ Sequel as Netflix Crime Drama Climbs Popularity Charts
The critically acclaimed British crime drama miniseries Adolescence may soon be getting a much-anticipated sequel, as Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, is reportedly in early discussions with Netflix and director Philip Barantini. According to a recent interview with Deadline, Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner revealed they are in talks about a potential continuation of the powerful and emotionally charged story that captivated audiences earlier this year.
The first season of Adolescence, which debuted on Netflix on March 13, has already made a significant impact. The show was co-created by actor Stephen Graham and celebrated writer Jack Thorne, and directed by Philip Barantini. Its intense narrative, coupled with an innovative filmmaking style, garnered widespread praise from both critics and audiences alike. Now, fans have reason to be excited as discussions about what comes next are already underway.
In the Deadline interview, Gardner and Kleiner shared insights into how they are approaching the possibility of a second season. Gardner emphasized that any follow-up would aim to build on the emotional and thematic depth of the first season without sacrificing its unique qualities. “We’re having early conversations with Philip Barantini about the next version of the story,” Gardner explained. “The challenge is to expand the universe while keeping the original spirit intact.” Kleiner added that the team hopes both Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne will return to help shape the sequel, ensuring continuity in tone and storytelling.
One of the standout elements of Adolescence was Barantini’s bold stylistic choice to shoot each episode in a single, continuous take—a decision that added an intense, immersive quality to the storytelling. Gardner noted that this choice was far from a gimmick. “Phil’s style of doing the episodes in one take is not a trick. It’s deeply connected to the themes of the show,” she said. The idea, she explained, was to create a viewing experience where the audience couldn’t simply look away from the issues being portrayed.
In her discussion with Deadline, Gardner further elaborated on the philosophical and creative motivations behind this technique. She recounted how early conversations with Graham and Thorne centered around the idea that society often turns a blind eye to difficult issues—be it violence in schools, systemic failures in institutions, or family trauma. “You can look away from the school, the police station, the counseling sessions, or even the family. But what happens if you can’t look away? What happens when you’re forced to see everything as it unfolds in real time? That was the question we wanted to explore,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Adolescence continues to perform exceptionally well on Netflix. The series has recently climbed to the fourth position on the platform’s Most Popular English TV list, up from ninth place just a week prior. According to Deadline, between March 31 and April 6, the show attracted an additional 17.8 million views—a clear indication that interest in the story remains strong, even a month after its premiere.
The four-episode miniseries centers around the harrowing arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate. The series explores the social, emotional, and legal fallout of the case, delving deep into themes of guilt, family loyalty, and institutional breakdowns. Stephen Graham, in addition to co-creating the series, delivers a powerful performance as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, who struggles to navigate the emotional storm surrounding his son’s arrest.
The unique approach to storytelling, the raw emotional performances, and the intense subject matter have all contributed to the series’ growing acclaim. As anticipation builds for a possible second season, fans and critics alike are hopeful that the team behind Adolescence will continue to push boundaries and deliver yet another gripping chapter in this powerful narrative.
