Adolescence viewers have major theory about pictures used at beginning of ‘disturbing’ episodes

Since landing on Netflix last week, Adolescence has left viewers absolutely hooked with its gripping depiction of a murder case unfolding in real time, and now viewers are unpacking the meaning of the mysterious opening credits.

The four-part series stars critically-acclaimed actor Stephen Graham as devoted father-of-two Eddie Miller, whose life is suddenly turned upside down when his 13-year-old son is arrested for murder.

Joining the cast is on-screen newcomer Owen Cooper as teenager Jamie, who stands accused of the brutal stabbing of his female classmate, while Top Boy actor Ashley Walters also makes an appearance as the investigation’s lead police officer.

With each episode filmed in one take, the hard-hitting drama has left viewers floored, with one gushing on X: "Just watched Adolescence - a disturbing look at how social media influences can shape young teens.

"The fact that every episode was shot in one take, with no cuts or pauses, is seriously impressive."

After shooting to the top of the Netflix top 10, the show has left fans poring over each and every detail – with one thing proving to be a bit of a headscratcher.

Asking about the opening credits for each instalment, one wrote on Reddit: “Does anyone know the meaning behind the pictures of the kids in the intros for Adolescence? I found it so eerie with the soundtrack but I can’t see how they link to the actual show.”

The series has been heaped with praise (Netflix)

Each episode begins with a montage of pictures of young children as the opening credits roll, but who are they?

While Netflix hasn’t confirmed the significance behind the photos, some people think they’ve worked it out after spotting a few familiar faces.

Commenting on the Reddit post, one speculated: “They are childhood photos of the child actors that are featured in each episode. I believe those photos are out in there to show that we are all innocent when we are young, but then when we become teens, the world corrupts us.”

This boy looks suspiciously like a young Ryan... (Netflix)

Ryan is played by Kaine Davis in the series (Netflix)

Another agreed: “I think it was the actors in the episode… I [definitely] saw the ‘murder victims’’ childhood photo.

“Last episode was clearly staged photos as ‘a family’.”

A third also wrote: “I think it’s supposed to highlight the innocence of children and how vulnerable they are to corruption and manipulation.. idk that’s my take.”

I'm sure a spotted a young Owen Cooper at some point, too...