What actually happened if Adolescence cast made a mistake during filming as each episode was done in one take

Netflix producers have revealed how they were able to film each of new crime-drama Adolescence's four episodes in one, seamless shot - and what happened if an actor made a slip-up and ruined a take.

In a new online Q&A, the brains behind the gut-wrenching thriller not only opened up on some of the problems that such an almighty task would pose, but what they'd do if a mistake was made at any point during filming.

For those who haven't yet binge-watched the mini-series, it centres on the life of a loving father-of-two, which is suddenly turned upside down one day when his 13-year-old son is arrested for brutally murdering his classmate.

While Stephen Graham takes on the devastating lead role as Eddie Miller, TV newcomer Owen Cooper plays his teen son Jamie.

The show also stars Top Boy actor Ashley Walters as the investigation's lead detective, and The Crown's Erin Doherty, as Jamie's psychologist.

Despite harrowing themes - reportedly used to emphasise how prevalent the theme of knife crime feels for many UK parents - Adolescence has received mass praise online.

While the show's heartbreaking ending has led to much discussion among viewers, many were just impressed they'd managed to film each episode in a single, continuous take.

That's right - throughout the entire hour of each instalment, there was no breaks for cast and crew, and no switching between cameras.

Naturally, the revelation has left many fans of the show wondering what might happen if a blunder occurs while filming.

Thankfully, producers of the hit series have been on hand to answer all questions that viewers had.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) for a Q&A, bosses at the streaming service explained: "It depends on the size of the mistake – in some instances they carried on, but often takes were completely abandoned. No pressure!"

Each episode was filmed in one continuous shot (Netflix)

Producers also made the decision to film each episode more than once - sometimes, because an error had occurred, and sometimes, to suss which of the various tapes they filmed was the most hard-hitting when rewatched.

"It was initially planned that they would film each episode in full 10 times (once in the morning, once in the afternoon, across five days)," Netflix producers explained. "But in reality a few attempts had to be abandoned and restarted, so some episodes had many more than 10 takes."

While the second take of episode one was used, the others took longer to get right. Take 13 was used for episode two, take 11 for episode three and take 16 for episode four.

Streaming service bosses were also asked how each cast and crew member was able to prepare themselves for such high-intensity rounds of filming.

"In preparation for the shoot, segments of the script were rehearsed and a little bit more added each day," they explained.

"Starting with five minutes on the first day and then adding further material as they went through, so by the end of the week they would be doing full run-throughs."

'But, how were crew able to stay out of the shots, despite passing so many cameras back and forth?', I hear you ask.

Producers of the series have revealed how they were able to film continuous shots (Netflix)

Well, it turns out, each episode was perfectly choreographed to limit clashes and collisions.

"During these rehearsals the cast would also work through the choreography, allowing the DOP to plan the positions of the camera through the whole take, as well as the movements of the crew," producers explained.

"Sometimes it was necessary for some of the crew to remain in shot, in these instances they were dressed in costume so that they could blend into the show to serve as extras in the shot."