Skins (2007– )

The story of a group of British teens who are trying to grow up and find love and happiness despite questionable parenting and teachers who more want to be friends (and lovers) rather than authority figures.

Creators:

Jamie Brittain, Bryan Elsley

Stars:

Kaya Scodelario, Joe Dempsie, Mike Bailey

7 wins & 28 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Kaya Scodelario	...	Effy Stonem (25 episodes, 2007-2013)
Joe Dempsie	...	Chris Miles (20 episodes, 2007-2008)
Mike Bailey	...	Sid Jenkins (20 episodes, 2007-2008)
April Pearson	...	Michelle Richardson (20 episodes, 2007-2008)
Nicholas Hoult	...	Tony Stonem (19 episodes, 2007-2008)
Larissa Wilson	...	Jal Fazer (19 episodes, 2007-2008)
Dev Patel	...	Anwar Kharral (19 episodes, 2007-2008)
Mitch Hewer	...	Maxxie Oliver (19 episodes, 2007-2008)
Will Merrick	...	Alo Creevey (18 episodes, 2011-2012)
Freya Mavor	...	Mini McGuinness (18 episodes, 2011-2012)
Laya Lewis	...	Liv Malone (18 episodes, 2011-2012)
Ollie Barbieri	...	JJ Jones (18 episodes, 2009-2010)
Dakota Blue Richards	...	Franky Fitzgerald (18 episodes, 2011-2012)
Sean Teale	...	Nick Levan (18 episodes, 2011-2012)
Hannah Murray	...	Cassie Ainsworth (18 episodes, 2007-2013)
Giles Thomas	...	Doug (18 episodes, 2007-2012)
Luke Pasqualino	...	Freddie Mclair (17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jack O'Connell	...	James Cook (17 episodes, 2009-2013)
Kathryn Prescott	...	Emily Fitch (17 episodes, 2009-2013)
Lily Loveless	...	Naomi Campbell (17 episodes, 2009-2013)
Alexander Arnold	...	Rich Hardbeck (16 episodes, 2011-2012)
Lisa Backwell	...	Pandora Moon (16 episodes, 2008-2010)
Megan Prescott	...	Katie Fitch (15 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jessica Sula	...	Grace Violet (14 episodes, 2011-2012)
Merveille Lukeba	...	Thomas Tomone (13 episodes, 2009-2010)
Sebastian De Souza	...	Matty Levan (13 episodes, 2011-2012)
Morwenna Banks	...	Anthea Stonem (12 episodes, 2007-2010)
Daniel Kaluuya	...	Posh Kenneth (11 episodes, 2007-2009)

Storyline

Series One and Two focuses on a group of British teens tries to grow up and learn about love and life with little adult supervision (And lots of PARTYING). Sid tries to be everyone's friend and usually ends up on the short end of the stick. He is mostly manipulated by best friend Tony, whose girlfriend Michelle he is in love with. Tony is one to try anything once, including every girl he meets. He manipulates not only Sid and Michelle but anyone else who will let him. Anwar is just looking to lose his virginity. Maxxie is along for the ride and dealing with his homosexuality. Cassie is in love with Sid but has some mental issues. The parents are trying to grow up too and the teachers are being their friends and lovers so they only have each other.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship between girls | bristol england | teenage boy | friendship between boys | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

Channel 4 [uk] Official Facebook

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Also Known As:

Juventude à Flor da Pele

Filming Locations:

Bristol, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Company Pictures, E4, Stormdog Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

46 min 46 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first series was shot entirely in HD.

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Goofs

Throughout the series, lighting screens and crew reflections can be seen in Sid's glasses multiple times.

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Quotes

Emily: [behind her closed door, after Naomi knocked] I'm not going to open the door. My face is all puffy. I cried a bit.
Naomi: I don't care.
[sits down on the front porch, Emily sits down, too]
Naomi: I do want someone. I need someone.
[beat]
Naomi: You're it.
Emily: [teary] And?
Naomi: [crying] And... when I'm with you, I feel like a better person. And I feel happier, less alone... less lonely
[Emily sticks her hand out of the catflap to hold Naomi's hand]
Naomi: It's not as simple as that, is it? Being with someone?
[...]

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Connections

Featured in Live from Studio Five: Episode #1.100 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Skins Theme Tune"
Composed by Fat Segal

User Reviews

A breath of fresh air...

When trying to think of successful 'teen' drama series, all that really springs to my mind are the likes of 'The OC' or 'Dawson's Creek'. Isn't it about time that us Brits made some kind of contribution to this genre? Step forward 'Skins', a gritty UK drama about a gang of teenage Bristolians.

The show is instantly refreshing for two reasons. Unlike the aforementioned American shows, the show's sixteen and seventeen year old characters actually look that age and lack that 'surprisingly-mature-looking' quality of the stars of the US teen shows. Secondly, the show is less 'aspirational' than its US counterparts. All the characters are flawed, and we meet real people with real problems as opposed to spoilt brats trying to live millionaire lifestyles. We watch as the teenagers try to get on at college, pursue relationships and try to make their future that little bit less uncertain.

The flaws in the characters are what make the show so interesting, as each member of the group tries to make their own way in the world. Each will succeed only to a certain extent. Although all different, the group are united in their pursuit of a decadent, hedonistic lifestyle. This is where the show becomes controversial. Clearly targeted at teenagers, the show runs the risk of promoting this kind of lifestyle. Having said this, the audience is made sympathetic to the characters' antics by placing them in the context of the anguish which they all experience to some extent. What's more, the liberal approach to life exhibited is rarely without consequence.

Skins is compelling viewing. The soundtrack is excellent and the acting, for the most part, shows a lot of promise. Although the show is morally questionable at times, it confirms to me the fact that Channel 4 is the UK's most exciting broadcaster, which should be commended in at least some senses for having the audacity to do things that the BBC never would. Being innovative almost always requires the raising of a few eyebrows.

Young people in Britain are getting a bad press at the moment, and Skins is successful in showcasing the more human side of today's teens and also in reminding older folks that even they were young once. I just hope that the show doesn't go too far in promoting the kind of lifestyle which may be the reason why young people are finding themselves ostracized in the first place.