As the prime minister speaks about Adolescence, here are other shows that prompted change

Adolescence has been a show so big for Netflix that it not only is smashing viewing figures and getting critical acclaim, but it’s prompting important cultural conversation too. As the show tackles the rise of incel attitudes and the radicalisation of young men online from controversial figures like Andrew Tate – the huge viewing figures are doing more than impress creatively, they’re causing discourse. Even prime minister Keir Starmer has spoken out. But what are some other shows like Adolescence on Netflix that prompted change – either in government or in society?

Adolescence wise, i a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Prime Minister Starmer responded to Adolescence by sharing his concerns about the troubling pressures young boys face but rejected the idea of creating a new ministerial role just for men. He argued that such an approach wouldn’t address the root of the problem. He also directed people to Gareth Southgate’s speech about young men as better insight.

But what about other TV shows like Adolescence on Netflix that prompted change? Here are a few worth noting.

Mr Bates VS The Post Office

Via ITV

Last year, on a similar level to how Adolescence has been in 2025, Mr Bates VS The Post Office had a profound impact on the Horizon IT scandal, leading to significant changes. By dramatising the wrongful accusations faced by sub-postmasters due to flaws in the Post Office’s Horizon IT system, the show garnered widespread public attention and outrage. This heightened awareness put pressure on the Post Office, leading to a public inquiry and the eventual quashing of wrongful convictions for many affected individuals.

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Paula Vennells, the Chief Executive from 2012 to 2019, faced intense criticism for her role in the wrongful prosecutions and resigned under pressure. Her departure, along with public outrage and the subsequent public inquiry, highlighted the systemic failures within the Post Office and prompted wider scrutiny of senior leadership. The scandal led to reforms within the organisation, as well as compensation for the wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters, marking a turning point in the Post Office’s history.

It was also a bloody great and emotional watch to boot.

Threads

Via BBC

A bit of a harrowing one here, and one I only watched this year because it’s available to stream now on iPlayer. On an unsuspecting night in the 1980s, the BBC aired Threads and traumatised a generation. It is still traumatising to this day. An unrelenting and unflinchingly bleak look at what would happen should nuclear war actually happen – Threads caused huge change because it made people realise that any downplaying from the government about what the world would be like post nukes was nonsense. Truly harrowing.

Chernobyl 

Via HBO

In a similar vein to Threads but more contemporary, the huge success of Chernobyl critically and commercially had people pushing for more transparency nuclear industry oversight, and it influenced conversations about renewable energy policies and nuclear safety in the UK.

Years and Years

The dystopian Russell T Davies drama has been one of those shows that feels more scary as the years go by. It first aired in 2019, and yet a lot of the plot points the drama theorises about a dystopian future have come true. It’s been credited as changing the political future of the UK in the attitude of voters.

It’s A Sin

Via Channel 4

Another Russell T Davies show, It’s A Sin had a profound impact on the UK by raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during the 1980s and 1990s. The series humanised the experiences of those affected by HIV, challenging the stigma and misinformation surrounding the virus. It sparked national conversations about HIV prevention, treatment, and the government’s past failures to address the epidemic, particularly during the Conservative government of the 1980s.

By highlighting the challenges of the LGBTQ+ community, the show also contributed to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Ultimately, It’s a Sin encouraged greater public empathy, increased visibility for LGBTQ+ stories, and influenced policies around HIV care and public health education.

On a personal note, it was incredibly moving as a gay man to hear my parents had watched this show off their own back – and I really feel like queer people up and down the country got to witness their loved ones educating themselves.

Adolescence is on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.