In the wake of Adolescence, should we call time on mainstream TV’s diet of gentleness?

The kind of sweetness exemplified by Stacey & Joe is fine – but only as part of a balanced diet.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing.

It’s a sort of performative cosiness; a default setting of placid, beige gentleness. Happy tears and hugging.