Kemi Badenoch had a rather uncomfortable moment during her appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning, where the conversation quickly turned to Netflix’s hit series Adolescence.
The four-part drama, which follows a young teenager involved in a tragic stabbing, has sparked national conversations about misogyny, smartphone use, and toxic online influences. It even caught the attention of Labour leader Keir Starmer, who invited the show’s creators to Downing Street to discuss its impact.
🎥 “I Probably Won’t Watch It”
However, when asked about her thoughts on the show, Badenoch admitted that she hadn’t watched it – and probably wouldn’t any time soon.
“I’m out campaigning ahead of the local elections,” she told BBC Breakfast. “It’s a film on Netflix, and I don’t have time for that right now.”
Naga Munchetty, one of the co-hosts, was quick to point out, “Actually, it’s a series, not a film, and everyone is talking about it.”
But Badenoch wasn’t moved, saying, “I’ve been talking about these issues for a long time. Just like I don’t need to watch Casualty to understand the NHS, I don’t need to watch Adolescence to know what’s happening with British society.”
🤔 Casualty Comparison Stirs the Pot
This comparison between a fictional drama about healthcare and a show tackling modern social issues didn’t go unnoticed. Charlie Stayt, another presenter, pressed her further: “Did you really mean to compare those two shows?”
Badenoch doubled down, arguing, “My job isn’t to watch TV. It’s to address the real issues facing the country right now. I’m focused on making sure we’re talking about the things that matter.”
💬 “I’ve Met Victims, That’s Enough for Me”
Badenoch continued, explaining that she’s had first-hand conversations with parents and victims who have experienced the issues raised by the show. “I don’t need to watch a specific show to know what’s going on in the country,” she said. “I meet real people and listen to their stories. That’s enough for me to drive policy forward.”
But Munchetty wasn’t convinced. She shot back, “Adolescence has had more of an impact on parents regarding smartphones and misogyny than any politician has. Are you really saying you don’t need to know about it?”
🧐 Fictional Drama, Real-World Impact
Badenoch stuck to her point, insisting, “It’s a fictional show. We should focus on the real issues, not just what’s on TV.”
Her comments come after she controversially claimed that Adolescence was based on a true story involving a non-white boy – a claim firmly denied by the show’s creator, Jack Thorne. He stated on The News Agents podcast, “There is no part of this that’s based on a true story, not one single part.”
You can watch the exchange below:
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