Adolescence makes history as Netflix’s second most-viewed English series, overtakes ‘Stranger Things’ season 4

Adolescence makes history as Netflix’s second most-viewed English series, overtakes ‘Stranger Things’ season 4

Since its debut on March 13, Adolescence has captivated a global audience with its gripping storyline centered around a teenage boy accused of murder. Co-created by acclaimed writer Jack Thorne and actor Stephen Graham, the British limited series has now achieved a major milestone, surpassing Stranger Things Season 4 to become Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series of all time.

According to Netflix’s latest viewership data, by June 1, Adolescence reached 141.2 million views within just 80 days of release. This narrowly eclipsed the 140.7 million views amassed by Stranger Things Season 4 in its first 91 days. With 11 days still left in its official viewing window, Adolescence is poised to widen the gap and solidify its place in Netflix history—at least for the time being.
Despite its soaring popularity, Adolescence still trails behind Netflix’s reigning champion, Wednesday Season 1, which garnered an astonishing 252.1 million views in its first 91 days back in 2022. That record remains unchallenged for now, though the competition is heating up again later this year.

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Both Wednesday and Stranger Things are set to return with new seasons in the second half of 2025. Wednesday Season 2 will be released in two parts—August 6 and September 3, 2025—while Stranger Things will conclude its globally beloved saga with Season 5, split into three parts. The final installment of the supernatural thriller will roll out strategically around major U.S. holidays: Part One on Thanksgiving (November 26), Part Two on Christmas, and Part Three on New Year’s Eve.

While it remains to be seen whether Adolescence can maintain its position amid these high-profile releases, its rapid ascent signals a strong appetite for tightly written, emotionally charged dramas. With critical acclaim and international buzz on its side, the British series has carved out a historic moment for itself—and may just influence what Netflix greenlights next.