‘Suspenseful’ drama about teen accused of murder now streaming - but it’s not Adolescence

A hard-hitting drama about a family’s world crumbling around them when their young son is accused of murder. Sound familiar?

While this perfectly describes Netflix’s latest hit series, the harrowing four-part drama Adolescence, it’s also the premise of an equally gripping drama from the States that already came out a few years ago.

This equally acclaimed series features a similar narrative, but instead takes place over the course of eight episodes and embraces the traditional murder-mystery trappings more than the brilliant Stephen Graham-led drama.

It also stars some incredible talent, from Marvel legend Chris Evans to Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery and the young breakout star of It and Knives Out, Jaeden Martell.

We’re talking about the chilling thriller Defending Jacob, which is currently streaming on Apple TV+ and was released back in 2020. 

Evans stars as district attorney Andy Barber, who becomes determined to uncover the truth when his 14-year-old son Jacob (played by Martell) is accused of a grisly killing. Much like the harrowing crime in Adolescence, the victim is a classmate of Jacob’s who is found stabbed - but was he really the culprit?

This slightly under-the-radar series is ideal for fans who were hooked on Graham’s relentless drama as well as Apple subscribers who have just finished the second season of Severance and are looking for their next binge.

Its stellar cast also includes Pablo Schreiber (Halo), Cherry Jones (Succession) and JK Simmons (Spider-Man: No Way Home).

One Google reviewer raved: “I love a gripping, suspense thriller and Defending Jacob is just that.

“It draws you in and leaves you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the next episode to be released.

“Both Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery give great performances as parents who feel helpless and tortured by their thoughts of "is he innocent" or "is he guilty," but it's Jaeden Martell who is the standout here.”

Another fan highlighted the central performances: “Chris Evans is at his understated best as an emotional father passionately defending his son's innocence in the face of any and all evidence to the contrary.

“His performance is poignant and heart-wrenching without dramatic overkill.

“The supporting performances are stark, streamlined and effective, including that of the titular character's portrayal.”

Someone else wrote: “I absolutely adored this show. Defending Jacob had me looking forward to watching the newest episode every week. It was thrilling, suspenseful, and captivating.”

And a final enthusiast gushed: “I'm just about to watch Episode 5 of this show and let me say two words: TRULY AMAZING!

“Every bit of this show is very good and I don't think I was ever bored.”

Will you be checking out this underrated crime thriller this week?

Defending Jacob is available to stream on Apple TV+.