Adolescence star Erin Doherty on her first Emmy nomination and the courage behind the role

Adolescence star Erin Doherty steps into Emmy territory for the first time with a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. On July 15, 2025, the Television Academy recognized Adolescence alongside other acclaimed limited series.

Erin Doherty earned this distinction for her role as a forensic psychologist in Episode 3, a single‑take therapy scene that drew widespread attention. This nomination follows her notable turns in The Crown and A Thousand Blows, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In her statement to E! News, Erin Doherty said,

“It is an absolute honour to receive this nomination amongst such a richly talented year of nominees. To my fellow nominees, I have to say how much I respect and admire your work. I also have to shout out and congratulate Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham. I am so proud to be on this trip with you!”

She added thanks to director Phil Barantini, writers Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and producers Plan B and Warp Films, before concluding with:

“Mind. Blown. No more words!”.

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Erin Doherty reflects on her first Emmy Nomination

Erin Doherty described the nomination as “an absolute honour”. She credited Phil Barantini’s “phenomenal direction” and Jack Thorne’s and Stephen Graham’s “flawless words.” The actress also acknowledged young co‑star Owen Cooper and veteran performers like Ashley Walters and Christine Tremarco for their shared commitment.

Beyond the cast, Erin Doherty praised producers Jo Johnson and Hannah Walters for their support. She highlighted the Television Academy and Netflix, noting the nomination “truly means the world.” Her words underline the collaborative spirit behind Adolescence, demonstrating how acknowledgement by peers can uplift an entire creative team.

She said in her statement,

"Thank you, Phil Barantini, for your phenomenal direction and Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne for your flawless words...To the legendary producers Jo Johnson, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Warp Films and Plan B—I will be forever grateful to you for letting me be a part of this piece of work. Lastly, a gigantic thank you to the academy and Netflix for all your continued support—it truly means the world."

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Adolescence brings a fresh style to crime drama

Adolescence unfolds in four continuous, real‑time episodes shot as single takes. The show centres on 13‑year‑old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who faces questioning after a classmate’s death. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and directed by Phil Barantini, the series explores online influence on youth and the psychology of interrogation.

Released on March 13, 2025, the series quickly logged 96.7 million global views in its first three weeks, topping UK streaming charts and ranking ninth on Netflix’s all‑time list. This format heightens every glance and pause, offering a gripping, intimate look at teenage turmoil.

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Erin Doherty’s performance shows courage behind the scenes

In Episode 3’s uninterrupted therapy scene, Erin Doherty holds the screen for over 12 minutes as she gently but firmly questions Jamie. She navigates topics of consent, fear, and online harm with calm intensity.

Reflecting on the experience, Doherty said, according to the Los Angeles Times,

“We knew everyone who was participating on and off the screen wanted to be a part of this, having the courage to address this subject matter. We knew the importance of the story. You never know if something like this is going to hit the way that this has”.

Her steady presence and nuanced questions drew praise, making the scene a standout.

In her interview with IndieWire, Doherty said,

“It was so intense and claustrophobic being in that room together, and the whole thing just required us to be present and to bounce off each other,”

Alongside Erin Doherty’s acting nod, Adolescence was named for Outstanding Limited Series, Supporting Actor (Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters), and Supporting Actress (Christine Tremarco). It also received writing and directing nominations for Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham, and Phil Barantini.

The show’s rapid viewership success, breaking UK records and entering Netflix’s top ten in 93 countries, highlights its global reach. With Emmy night set for September 14, fans and critics await to see if the show can convert its 13 nominations into wins. For Erin Doherty, this first nod already stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, courageous storytelling.