Is Adolescence inspired by Southport stabbings of Taylor Swift fans? Here’s what we know

Netflix’s latest crime drama, Adolescence, has sparked widespread discussion and concern since its release last week. With the series' growing popularity worldwide and high ratings on Rotten Tomato, many viewers question whether the chilling storyline is inspired by a true story. One that is commonly referenced is the Southport stabbings that left three children dead at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The four-part British mini-series, which premiered on March 13, has quickly become the talk of the town, on and off social media, with actors and directors also raving about the filming style. However, it is the buzz around the subject of the series that is raising questions about the impact of online toxicity, bullying, misogynistic influences and violence among children today.
Record-Breaking Launch
In its debut week, Adolescence raked in an estimated 24.3 million views, making it Netflix’s most-watched show globally between March 10 and 16, according to Variety. The series follows Jamie, a seemingly ordinary 13-year-old boy, and his family as their lives are turned upside down when armed police storm their home and arrest the teen on suspicion of a violent murder.
The show has resonated with audiences and even government officials. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed in Parliament that he is watching the series with his children, reflecting broader concerns about youth violence and digital dangers.
Southport Stabbings Connection?
Amidst the online chatter are reports that state that the series draws direct inspiration from the Southport stabbings, a tragic incident where three children were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. One victim reportedly suffered 122 injuries, while another sustained 85 wounds.
However, while the similarities are striking, reports indicate the show is not based on any single event, but on multiple stabbing incidents that have been on the rise. According to Harper’s Bazaar, the show’s creators acknowledge drawing from multiple real-life cases of knife crime involving young boys, but reports deny direct links to the Southport tragedy.
According to data from the UK House of Commons Library, there were around 18,500 cautions and convictions for knife possession in March 2023 alone. Alarmingly, 17.3% of those charged were aged 10 to 17.
Series creator Stephen Graham explained the motivation behind the show in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, saying, “I was thinking, ‘What’s going on? What’s happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death?’ And then it happened again, and again, and again. I wanted to shine a light on it and ask, ‘Why is this happening today?’”
Graham also added that his goal was not to focus solely on gang violence or child abuse, but to explore how such tragedies can strike ordinary families. He explained, "We wanted you to look at this family and think, ‘My God. This could be happening to us.’ This is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare.”