Netflix is making waves again and we have got all the exciting updates for you! From a mind-blowing series that is breaking records to a beloved cartoon getting a live-action makeover Netflix is bringing the heat. Let's dive into the details.
'Adolescence' is a One-Take Wonder and a Netflix Record-Breaker: How Did They Film This Crazy Show?
Have you heard of 'Adolescence' yet? If not you are missing out! This Netflix series is not just emotionally gripping it is also a total technical marvel. The show is about a 13-year-old named Jamie who gets arrested for murder. Each of the four episodes happens in real-time and get this each episode is filmed in one single continuous shot. No cuts no editing tricks just pure unbroken filming.
You might be thinking "Wait how is that even possible?" Well it is and it is seriously impressive. Cinematographer Matthew Lewis said "There’s no stitching of takes together. It was one entire shot whether I wanted it to be or not." They didn't use editing magic like in 'Birdman' it was all done for real.
The Secret Behind the One-Take Magic: Planning Rehearsals and Crazy Camera Work
Making 'Adolescence' was no easy task. Each episode took three weeks to produce. The first week was all about rehearsals. The cast walked through each scene over and over until it was "muscle memory" as actor Ashley Walters put it. Director Philip Barantini said they rehearsed each scene until the performers knew it backward and forwards.
The second week the crew came in. They had to plan everything like a puzzle. Cinematographer Lewis compared it to a dance between him and the cast. They mapped out camera movements transitions and even how to hide crew members during the long takes. They did not even have a shot list it was all about feeling the space and flow. Rewrites happened constantly to fit the locations and camera moves. Screenwriter Jack Thorne reworked scripts to make sure character movements made sense with the technical needs.
The final week was filming time. Everyone was feeling the pressure. Lewis said "Before each take my heart is pounding absolutely everyone feels it because everyone knows how important their job is." Director Barantini emphasized that every single person on set was crucial for pulling this off.
Why One-Take? Immersion Tension and Realism are the Goals
Why go through all this trouble to film in one take? It wasn't just a gimmick. The creators had a vision. Barantini wanted viewers to be completely immersed in the story to feel the tension and rawness in real-time. He explained "[The single-take] creates a tension and forces a perspective on the audience to where they can’t look away even if they feel anxious or awkward. [The one-shot] doesn’t lend itself to all genres but for this show we wanted to dip the audience in for an hour and we pull them out."
The actors felt like they were in a play. Stephen Graham who co-created and co-wrote the show called it a "marriage" of theatre and TV. He said "You are in that character from the moment we say ‘action’ and start until the moment we say ‘cut’ and finish.”
Camera Magic and Take Numbers: Fun Facts About 'Adolescence' Filming
They used the DJI Ronin 4D camera. It is small could be used handheld on a gimbal on a drone and even on a crane attached to a car. For that amazing episode 2 ending where the camera flies out of the school and over the town they actually hooked the camera to a drone last minute request from Netflix execs. They had just days to figure it out but they nailed it.
They aimed for 10 takes per episode but sometimes needed more. Episode 4 for example took 16 takes to get right. But Episode 1 was take 2 Episode 2 was take 13 and Episode 3 was take 11. Talk about dedication!
'Adolescence' Breaks Netflix Records: A Limited Series Viewership Monster
'Adolescence' is not just technically impressive it is also a massive hit! It set a new Netflix record for limited series viewership. In its first two weeks it racked up a staggering 66.3 million views. That's more than any other limited series on Netflix has ever achieved in the same timeframe. It opened with 24.3 million views in its first four days and then added another 42 million views in its second week. It was the most-watched title on Netflix for the week of March 17-23.
Scooby-Doo Goes Live-Action Origin Story Series Coming to Netflix from Berlanti Productions
Hold on to your Scooby Snacks because Netflix is bringing Scooby-Doo to life in a whole new way. They just ordered a live-action Scooby-Doo origin series from Berlanti Productions. Yes live-action Scooby-Doo! This is not something we have seen as a series before.
This eight-episode series will tell the story of how Mystery Inc. got started. It is set during Shaggy and Daphne’s final summer at camp. They stumble into a mystery involving a Great Dane puppy that might have witnessed a supernatural murder. They team up with Velma a "pragmatic townie" and Freddy a "strange but ever so handsome new kid" to solve the case. Sounds like a fun and spooky twist on the classic Scooby gang.
Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio Team Up for Scooby-Doo
This project has some serious creative power behind it. It is written by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg from Midnight Radio the team behind 'Cowboy Bebop'. They will also be the showrunners. Berlanti Productions known for tons of TV hits like the Arrowverse shows is also on board. Greg Berlanti himself said "One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cells. Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warners and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”
Peter Friedlander VP at Netflix said "Mystery Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time. The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced."
"Riverdale"-ing Scooby-Doo? Sexy Live-Action and Origin Story Vibes
Some are already comparing this new Scooby-Doo series to "Riverdale" the darker and sexier take on Archie comics. The official logline mentions "sexy live-action Riverdale treatment to Scooby-Doo and the gang" and "Arrowverse it" referring to Berlanti's style. The description of Velma as a "scientific townie" and Freddy as "strange but ever so handsome new kid" hints at some updated character takes. It sounds like this will be a Scooby-Doo for a new generation with a bit more edge and mystery.
Netflix is Bringing the Goods: 'Adolescence' and Scooby-Doo Top Streaming Must-Watches
Netflix is delivering big in 2025. 'Adolescence' is a must-watch for its technical brilliance and intense story and it is breaking records to prove it. And a live-action Scooby-Doo origin series ? That is just plain exciting. Whether you are into intense dramas or fun mysteries Netflix has something for you. Get ready to stream!