Netflix Releases Critically Acclaimed Toxic Town Following Adolescence Success

Netflix's 2025 breakout hit Adolescence, which became the platform's second-biggest TV release with 144.8 million views and 13 Emmy nominations, shares thematic and creative ties with the lesser-viewed but critically acclaimed limited series Toxic Town, both written by Jack Thorne and focusing on recent real-life tragedies and social injustice. Despite Toxic Town's perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%, it garnered only 15.3 million views, highlighting a contrast in audience reception despite similar quality and release timing. Another notable Netflix production, Long Story Short, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, uniquely integrates the COVID-19 pandemic into its narrative, exploring grief and the passage of time through the story of the Schwooper family, and has been praised for its sincerity and emotional depth. The series uses a non-linear storytelling style reminiscent of Paul Simon's song "The Obvious Child," emphasizing significant life transitions and the impact of time. Unlike many shows that avoid pandemic themes, Long Story Short confronts the pandemic’s effects on daily life with nuance, setting it apart in contemporary animation. Meanwhile, fans of Netflix’s Wednesday who appreciate themes of friendship and outsider experiences may find parallels in the fantasy film Wicked, which similarly explores complex relationships set against a magical school backdrop.