Get ready to have your heartstrings tugged and your mind challenged, because Stephen Graham is taking the powerful themes of Adolescence beyond the screen—and he’s bringing a major Hollywood star along for the ride. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: Graham isn’t just stopping at TV; he’s diving into the world of literature with a project that could redefine how fathers and sons connect. Adolescence, the gripping series that tackled toxic masculinity and incel culture, left audiences reeling earlier this year. Now, Graham is channeling its impact into a book titled Letters to Our Sons, a collection of heartfelt letters from fathers across all walks of life. Set to be published by Bloomsbury in October 2026, this project aims to bridge the growing gap between fathers and sons—a disconnect Graham believes is more profound than ever. But here’s the controversial part: Can a book truly mend relationships that have been fractured for years, or even decades? Graham thinks it’s worth a shot. In his own words, he hopes the book will ‘create more opportunity for fathers to reach out to their sons and carry on the conversation.’
During a candid appearance on The One Show alongside Hollywood heavyweight Ethan Hawke, Graham shared his vision for the book. He emphasized how writing a letter can be a powerful first step for fathers and sons struggling to connect. ‘For some, it’s very difficult,’ Graham admitted. ‘But putting pen to paper can create that beginning of a relationship.’ Hawke, a father of four, was visibly moved by the idea, calling the current societal climate ‘scary’ and expressing his own desire to contribute a letter. And this is the part most people miss: Graham’s project isn’t just about the words on the page—it’s about sparking conversations that might never have happened otherwise. Whether you’re a first-time father, an absent father, or someone who’s lost their way, the book invites you to share your story. But let’s be real—is this enough to address the deep-rooted issues of masculinity and fatherhood? Or is it just a Band-Aid on a much larger wound? We’ll let you decide.
Adolescence itself was a cultural lightning rod, exploring the chilling story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series didn’t just entertain; it sparked national debates, with discussions even reaching the House of Commons. Schools pledged to screen the show to highlight its critical themes. Graham revealed the show’s inspiration stemmed from real-life tragedies he read about in the news—young boys committing heinous acts, leaving him questioning society’s role in their actions. ‘Where are we in society for this to happen?’ he asked. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are we doing enough to address the root causes of these issues, or are we just reacting to the symptoms?
As for a second season of Adolescence, screenwriter Jack Thorne has all but ruled it out. ‘Jamie’s story is finished,’ he stated during an appearance on This Morning. While the one-shot format might return for other stories, Adolescence as we know it is likely over. But here’s the silver lining: Graham’s book could be the next chapter in this important conversation. Whether you loved the show or found it unsettling, one thing’s for sure—its impact is far from over. So, what do you think? Can a collection of letters truly make a difference, or is this just another well-intentioned but ultimately superficial attempt to tackle complex issues? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears.
