Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s Adolescence has proved an international hit for Netflix, and now there’s talk of a follow-up installment.
The first series explored the dangerous dual influence of the misogyny-nurturing manosphere and social media bullying, and the production company behind it, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, has revealed it’s exploring what a next iteration of the show may look like. Plan B co-president Dede Gardner told Deadline the company was considering how to “widen the aperture, stay true to its DNA, [and] not be repetitive.”
A second season of Adolescence is yet to be confirmed, but the fact that it’s on the table is exciting. If you’re an actor who aspires to work on a virally successful TV show – or one written by Thorne, whose credits include the BBC adaptation of His Dark Materials and the West End hit Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – here’s what to know in order to prepare.
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A whydunnit rather than a whodunnit, Adolescence follows Jamie (breakthrough actor Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy arrested for murdering a girl from his school. Over four tense episodes – each done in a single shot – the show explores the influences that may have contributed to Jamie carrying out the terrible act, and its effects on his family: dad Eddie (show co-creator Graham), mum Manda (Christine Tremarco), and sister Lisa (Amélie Pease).
The limited series felt complete, but there’s plenty more the same creative team could explore. Gardner’s hint about a potential second season not being “repetitive” suggests a linear continuation of Jamie’s story won’t be in store. Perhaps the series will focus on issues affecting young people beyond social media and toxic masculinity. Or it could age up or down, and explore adulthood or childhood in the current climate. Through lines could include episodes being shot in a single take, or stalwart characters such as Erin Doherty’s forensic psychologist Briony Ariston or Ashley Walters’ DI Luke Bascombe. But, of course, that is just speculation.
Shaheen Baig, of Black Mirror and Peaky Blinders acclaim, headed up the casting team for Adolescence Season 1. In an interview with Curzon, Baig spoke about her passion for opening up the industry and casting child actors who are truthful representations of real kids. “I love going into communities and offering opportunities,” she said.
There is no casting currently taking place since a follow-up to Adolescence has yet to be announced, but it’s worth having your materials at the ready if and when a second installment is greenlit. That includes your acting CV, headshots, and showreel. If you’re not currently represented, try to get signed with an acting agent, who will be your best shot at getting inside the audition room.
You could also get ahead of the curve by clueing up on what to expect at an audition and how to ensure that you’re off book before the day.
If you’re the parent or guardian of a young actor and you’re wondering how to help them get seen for scripted TV roles, check out our guides to:
While we await official news of a follow-up to Adolescence, check out these scripted TV shows currently casting talent.