Sudhir Mishra says he is shocked as Netflix’s Adolescence becomes India's No 1 show: Indians are not supposed to like slow burners

Sudhir Mishra on Netflix series Adolscence

Netflix’s newest hit, Adolescence, has unexpectedly soared to the top of the charts in India, leaving filmmaker Sudhir Mishra both surprised and intrigued. The British crime drama series, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and directed by Philip Barantini, has defied conventional storytelling norms—and it’s this boldness that has sparked massive conversation in the Indian film community.

Sudhir Mishra took to social media to express his disbelief at the show’s success, stating, “How come Adolescence is the No. 1 show on Netflix India? All conventional wisdom is against it. Indians are not supposed to like slow burners. It violates every rule taught by bad scriptwriting schools. It spirals down instead of soaring up. It’s the best news in years.”

The series, which spans four episodes, revolves around the arrest of a 13-year-old schoolboy, Jamie Miller (portrayed by Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a female classmate. What sets Adolescence apart is its unconventional style—it features a slow, emotionally intense narrative and each episode is filmed in a single continuous take. This approach adds to the show’s realism and amplifies its emotional impact.

Mishra admitted he was taken aback by the Indian audience’s love for a show that breaks away from the typical formula. “It violates every rule taught by bad scriptwriting schools,” he said, adding that its slow-burn storytelling goes against what many believe Indian viewers typically prefer. Yet, despite this—or perhaps because of it—the series has become the most-watched show on Netflix, with over 66.3 million views.

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The popularity of Adolescence signals a shift in viewer preferences in India. Mishra’s remarks have ignited discussions among cinephiles and critics, many of whom believe the show’s success represents an evolving appetite for experimental and unconventional narratives. As Mishra put it, “It’s the best news in years,” especially for creators who want to move beyond predictable plots and cookie-cutter storytelling.

The show has also earned praise from Bollywood celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Hansal Mehta, Masaba Gupta, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar, and Sara Ali Khan, among others. Their appreciation of the series further confirms its wide-ranging appeal and cultural impact.