Skins (2007–2013) User Reviews

Spoiler-free review of the first six series

[amandaceleste · 8/10 · 4 January 2013]

What's it all about?

A group of British teenagers living edgy lifestyles while being ignored by authority. Not as bad as it sounds.

Overall qualities:

+ has more than a few good young actors - actually, some of them are brilliant;

+ cinematography is great;

+ writing is much better than what you'd expect;

+ doesn't talk down at its audience;

+ a lot of thought is put into the soundtrack;

+ a lot of complex characters.

Overall structure of the show:

Each series (or "season") has eight to ten episodes. Each episode focuses in one character (occasionally two) or in the whole ensemble. The show changes its main cast every two series. The first series of each generation is introductory and aims to bring depth to each main character while still advancing parallel plot lines. The second series of each generation is always (always) darker and aims to deconstruct and change characters and established relationships by making them go through complicated (and sometimes extreme) situations.

Review of each series and each generation:

• series one -

It's a very well-constructed series, consistently great from beginning to end. The major setbacks are very few and far between. I could say with some confidence that if you disliked this series, the show just isn't for you, and you can probably stop watching. The episodes show the lives of each character and what sets them apart from their group of friends. Incompetent authority and neglectful parenting are recurring themes.

• series two -

This one is more complicated. As I said before, the second series of each generation is always darker, and this series follows that rule, albeit to a lesser extent than the other even series that follow. In my opinion, it's just as well-constructed as the previous one, and possibly even more emotionally poignant, but not everyone approves of the shift to more dramatic plots. New themes include death, acquired disabilities, stalking etc.

• overall view of generation one -

The first generation has two big qualities that the other two lack: great ensemble dynamic and consistently great writing, both from beginning to end. It's the fan favorite generation for a reason.

I know this makes the other two generations not look so good, but read on.

• series three -

As a lot of people know, the only links this generation has to the previous one are Effy and Pandora, who were minor characters throughout series one and two. The new characters take a bit longer to find their footing when compared to the old ones. This series is good overall, if you ignore the stupidity of a certain episode, and there are some genuinely brilliant moments. Questionable parenting and neglectful authority are still recurring themes, along with complicated and potentially dysfunctional relationships.

• series four -

Another complicated series. It's even darker than series two and, therefore, even more controversial. Some of the themes are death, mental disorders, cheating etc. But the real problem with this series, in my opinion, is that there is a huge contrast in quality between episodes. There are eight of them: four are amazing and four are either so-so or just plain bad. The messy structure and the rushed ending can be explained by an unexpected budget cut – they had to fit ten episodes into eight. Watch it with a grain of salt, appreciate it when it's wonderful and try not to rage when it's awful.

• overall view of generation two -

It is mostly good, occasionally wonderful, and then the budget cut – and a few other things – happened. Try not to compare it to generation one too much. These are very different characters.

• series five -

I've seen a lot of hate towards this one. Most of it stems from attachment to the previous generations, I think, and also because the characters here are very different from the others, as in their lives are not as "edgy", and a lot of people think the absurdity is the charm of Skins. If you get past that and embrace new, interesting takes on old textbook themes, you might like it. It is, in my opinion, the best series out of the six. It is wonderfully structured and written, and I have very few complaints about the choices the creative team made - they managed to bring depth to each character while still developing an interesting ensemble dynamic. Identity is the big theme here.

• series six -

Ironically enough, this might be the worst series. And not as in, "slightly worse than the worst series so far", but as in "much worse than the worst series so far". I have a lot of issues with the general direction they took with this one; to me, it seemed like they were being dark (darker than series two or four) for the sake of being dark, and some story lines were just plain unnecessary, while others felt like rehashes. Believe me, if you dislike the first episodes, you might as well just stop watching altogether, because it gets worse. Guilty over the death of a loved one is the theme here.

• overall view of generation three -

Everything was better than all that came before, and then series six happened. Watch series five and pretend that "Everyone" (5x08) was the generation three finale.

Moral of the story:

Watch series one to five and embrace new characters as they come.

Let's hope series seven will bring Skins some of its dignity back.

Well worth watching for ALL ages

[davek28 · 9/10 · 10 March 2007]

I disagree with all those who say this is a teen-only drama. When I first saw the trailers and accompanying hype, I steered clear of it as it looked like yet another teen programme. But then I watched the second episode, about Cassie the anorexic, and was hooked. It managed to be both funny and touching - so much so that I cried at the end.

It's a lot like Teachers in its sense of humour, and it has its location, Bristol, in common with Teachers. It's a shame it isn't on at an earlier time, as the script is wonderful and the characters so well drawn. Plus the performances by the young cast are extremely professional.

I think good drama appeals to all ages, and I'm light years outside the target demographic for this. So I'd like to encourage the more mature viewer to give it a go - especially if you were a fan of Teachers - and you won't regret it.

9 out of 10 as it's the most entertaining and, unfortunately, realistic youth drama to appear on the telly since As If.

A breath of fresh air...

[paul-m-uk · 8/10 · 1 September 2008]

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.

BEST show. Watch it all!

[blondeearthling · 10/10 · 2 October 2016]

Skins is one of the best shows I have ever watched. It is raw, honest and emotional beyond words. It consists of three different generations/slightly different casts with two seasons per generation. And finally it concludes with a seventh season that picks up some of the previous characters to give them a proper send off into adult life.

Generation 1 (Season 1 and 2) is the main one people love. It is the original that made people fall in love with Skins in the first place. It is amazingly well made and will always be a classic. This generation tends to be most peoples favorite. I think Cassie and Chris in particular are some really interesting characters you will fall in love with. The ending left a lot unanswered though, and that made me a bit disappointed.

Generation 2 (Season 3 and 4) is also a lot of people's favorite, and that has a lot to do with Freddie/Effy and the character of Cook. It is a lot darker than the first generation, and it contains a lot more drugs. A bit raunchier I would say. But I still loved it. The ending of this one was a double-edged sword. Because even though the last scene was iconic and JUST GOLD, there was still SO MUCH stuff left unanswered, and that made me even more frustrated than the mysterious ending of the first generation.

Generation 3 (Season 5 and 6) was different from the previous generations. A lot of people didn't like this generation, but honestly I loved that one too. It is more positive in some sorts. It had some really heartbreaking stories, yet some really lovely moments. And this ending nailed it. A good ending that made me feel content, and happy I actually watched all generations. And yeah, this ending made me cry like a baby.

I would give 10/10 for both generation 1 and 2, a 8/10 for generation 3, and a 8/10 for season 7 with previous characters.

Seriously, watch all generations. It will give you such a sense of the entire show, and once you reach that final scene in season 6 you will be so glad you watched it all the way through. The generations were all perfect and unique in their own way, and I couldn't say "watch this/that generation and forget the rest", because they complete each other, and I love them all so much.

<3

Great!

[whatrudoing_552 · 10/10 · 11 January 2008]

When this show first came out, i saw the trailer on the TV and thought it looked absolutely rubbish. However when the series one DVD came out my mum (yes my mum likes skins! and she's 42!)said that i might want to give it a chance. So i did and it's fantastic, nothing like i thought it was going to be. I don't see why some people have got all flustered about it exaggerating teenager's lives. Im 18 and personally my life is nothing like that of the skins bunch, but the show didn't set out to depict real life. It's an entertaining and funny show with a surprising amount of depth sometimes. If you have a sense of humour this show will appeal to you, if you don't or you have a very selective sense of humour then give it a pass or expect to be disappointed. Skins is what you make it, take it or leave it, it's up to you.

An unforgettable show

[imanannesley · 6 January 2020]

This series impacted me in such a painful and good way. It's incredibly heartbreaking to look back on this show, not solely because of the shocking deaths or the amazing lives they had but also due to the teen angst that reminds me of my own hopeless teenage dreams and struggles that still haunt me :'(

by the way I've only watched generation 1&2

A Refreshing Piece Of British Drama

[tom_euro · 9/10 · 19 March 2008]

It's good to look to look over to Channel 4's sister channel E4 and find good quality British drama on our TV's. Skins is a fantastic and invigorating in-look in to the lives of modern day students.

The first two series had a fantastic cast, most of whom who had never acted before but some familiar faces including About A Boy's Nicholas Hoult and Slumdog Millioanire's Dev Patel who played Tony and Anwar respectively. The cast all worked really well together and it came across perfectly, especially in the second series. The characters they portray; the musical nerd, the lay about, the girl with the eating disorder, the religious one, the metro-sexual, etc. Characters that young people can identify with easily, in every day life, in their surroundings.

The third series was a risky strategy, in which they overhauled all their main characters from the first two series and got a new ensemble cast, or what has become to be referred to, as the ''second generation''. However the show has still been able to keep its sharp edge and shock factor, with some fantastic new characters and actors for the third and current fourth series. Some of the more entertaining and fascinating ones include naive Pandora Moon portrayed by Lisa Blackwell, bad boy 'Cook' portrayed by Jack O'Connel and individualistic twins Emily and Katie Finch.

The lifestyle the group has is glammed up slightly, especially in the early episodes and initial advertisements. Some may argue this is not 'real life', but its television, what is? Some of the party and group scenes are shot extremely well and capture the essence of the modern day lifestyles of the late 2000's perfectly. The show does boast some intriguing and dramatic story lines and selects its actors very well. Its admirable for the production team to encourage young actors (along with the amazing adult guest stars), writers, fashion designers, set designers, etc to join the show. The musical score is something that has to be mentioned, it's some of the best in today's television programmes. Even the opening credits, the music from Fat Seggal is fresh and inspirational.

As the ''second generation'' comes to an end this year (or so we assume) it will be interesting if the show will be revived again.

All in all Skins is something that we don't have a lot of on our screens. Channel 4 should be applauded and continue to invest in programmes such as Skins to appeal to today's generation of young adults.

Season one and two - Amazing. The rest? Not so much...

[ewansuttie · 8/10 · 15 July 2016]

The 1st generation of Skins (Season 1/2) is an immensely gripping British Drama, with great acting, story lines, and lovable characters. It's funny, emotional, weird, and deciphers the lives of British teenager years fantastically well, and in such a way that it's impossible to not like any of the characters. No other television show has made me laugh, cry and feel for the characters like this before.

After the departure of the characters we've come to know and love, a new, less likable bunch arrive. I'm not sure if these where the writers intentions, but season 3 - 7 fail to grab the essence of the original two season's. The acting isn't even comparable to the 1st generation, the humor level is dumbed down to fart jokes and penis jokes, which is something the 1st never did, or if so, did in a way that didn't make it seem forced or even remotely like cheap writing.

There are a few good moments and a few characters that made me laugh a couple of times, but these are the characters that are just copies of the old ones, and these same characters seem as if they are trying to balance the weight of the entire show on their shoulders.

It's just not the same, and because you get so emotionally attached to the first generation's excellently written characters, narratives and style, it's hard to fall in love again.

Season one and two - 9/10

Season 3-7 - 6.5.

Fantastic Television

[thereisnothingleft · 10/10 · 6 February 2011]

After re watching Series 1-4 for the third time, Skins still blows my mind how brilliant this show is. Skins has enough drama for all of those in need of that section and enough hilarious comedy to keep those involved who would otherwise stray away from a show with only drama. All of the characters are absolutely riveting and I can guarantee after watching either series that you will have at least 1, possibly more favorite characters that you are so attached to that you will feel every emotion they do and scream at your television (Series 4 finale anybody?). While there are a very small amount of hiccups that make you question the plot at times(A character getting into Harvard on an athletic scholarship after being expelled from school? Not likely), Skins is still an absolutely gripping ride that will leave you wasting a whole day going through a season of the show leaving your other plans for the day as only a fore thought. I urge anyone reading this who has not watched Skins to go on Netflix (instant stream!) or any of the 389561805 websites that stream Skins to watch the first season through. If the pilot turns you off, just give it the next few episodes until you find your character because once you are in, Skins takes you on a wonderful journey of character based "dramedy" that any fan of television should love.

I love it!!!

[actormichaelo · 10/10 · 29 February 2008]

In 2007, i sat down to watch the first series of ''Skins'' not really knowing what to think before it started but as it did i found myself getting more involved in the characters lives and was able to place myself into there situations. Absaloutly superb acting by all of the cast, young and older, Fantastic script, Outstanding communication with the young public and faces the real life problems young people face these days. About a Boy's Nicholas Hoult is amazing, i was blown away with his performance as Tony, a moody teenager that has two sides to him, spiteful and sweet, Mike Bailey also gives a great performance as his shy character Sid Jenkins who is slowly evolving into more of a confident character because of Cassie (his girlfriend) played by Hannah Murray who in my eyes gives one of the strongest female performance's in Channel 4 history, she gives her character an unusual, almost spooky gift about her. Kind of' creeps you out a little but you can tell she is sweet in heart. One of the strongest male performances in the show is played by Dev Patel , who in the show is Anwar, the desperate for a girlfriend Asian teenager who is best friends with the gay character Maxxie, played by Mitch Hewer, who in my opinion gives one of the best male performances in TV history, outstanding! I was blown away by his performance in the stalker storyline with Sketch, who also gives a brilliant performance.

All together Skins is a amazing show and i advise people of all ages to watch! Other main characters include Michelle, Jal, Chris.

Superb, quality all the way through.

[digdilem · 7/10 · 26 March 2007]

I can't stress enough how wonderful all these characters are, all very distinct, deep and you learn to care deeply about each one in a short space of time.

Damn shame series one has ended so soon - but the final episode, especially the final sequence has given me both shivers and tears even on the second viewing - and I'm a grown man in my 30's.

This is NOT just a teeny-drama, it's top quality essential viewing for anyone with an open mind.

Really want to learn more about these characters, I want to share their lives - so let's be having Series 2 straight away please!

Edit:

Series 2 was good, although not as good as 1, still way better than most things out there. I think those who dislike it so strongly probably gave up too early.

Series 3 however - what a disappointment! The writing has gone childish, simplistic and without any of the strong plots of the first two series. Cook - the most dislikable character, is over-used in every episode so far and completely overpowers every other character. It's gone from a great show about the lives of several people, to a badly written situdrama about one character being an idiot, with other people on the sidelines.

Series 1: 10/10 Series 2: 9/10 Series 3: 2/10

Huge disappointment.

(Series one and two) The Best Teen Drama Ever to hit the screen.

[meatloaf6 · 10/10 · 30 May 2010]

First thing's first, any praise i put forward applies to the first cast, and the first cast only.

Skins is phenomenal- Channel 4 have really nailed it. The acting is superb from teen and adult, the storyline is absolutely amazing and it is not short of strong emotion towards the characters. At points in series 2 i was sat on my sofa with a tear in my eye (Chris and Jal?) and I'm a 16 year old boy. :) I think that the thing i really love about Skins is the fact that although there is a powerful main story line that can be very dark in places, they still fit in some very pure and original humour, that can have you in hysterics, depending on what floats your boat. Across the two series, there really wasn't much to pick up badly on. I wasn't impressed by the second last episode of season 2; i think it was a good decision but pulled off in entirely the wrong way. Apart from that however i really cant fault this drama.

Now that is out of the way, I think it is a crime to put series 3 and 4 under the same umbrella. It is not Skins. The mood changes from modern teenage culture to "lets repeatedly do drugs and beat people up". It completely ruined any message that was being originally portrayed. The acting was pants (especially on Effy's behalf), the storyline was disjointed and didn't follow any theme, many parts ripped off seasons 1 and 2, the cast was unoriginal, the humour was absolutely f****** dreadful and completely unfunny, and i felt completely insulted to have my image as a teenager portrayed like that.

Did i mention how bad the acting was? I also hate the fact that the sex, lesbians, drugs, parties, suicide, sex, emotions and sex that did make the first Skins amazing in the correct dosage have been crammed and overused in a vain attempt to achieve some sort of goal which to me is completely unclear.

Oh and the acting is awful.

Overall, Skins 1 and 2 is my favourite TV series. Ever. When it comes to 3 and 4, every episode made me want to punch someone and the sheer amount of failure that came with it is just overwhelming. Do Skins a favour and don't even attempt to watch this complete monstrosity.

Very good teen drama.

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 15 June 2020]

I agree with the general consensus. Seasons 1 to 4 is the best part, of the series.

First generation (season 1 and 2), is so good on the first year, with all these colorful characters and episodes, you find year 2 very disappointing, and only hold on to little moments of greatness it has (the Cassie episode, for example).

Second generation (season 3 and 4), is just perfect. It is filled with charismatic characters, with very entertaining lives and a three dimensional dynamic. It's a real shame things got so out of hands at the last minute... Third generation, is a different story. Season 5 was your run of the mill teen drama, but had some interesting characters and plots. Then season 6 was just 90210 with British characters.

The conclusion, season 7: All I can say is how depressing these kids lives got over the years. And only the Effy centric episodes, were those really worth a watch.

I can't emphasize enough on how some seasons are better than others. But it's a must watch, and a show I hope will be remembered and broadcasted for a long time. With the original soundtrack, please. I'm sick of all the elevator music/jingles. It is worse than no music at all.

An alternative opinion

[Flaccid_Panda · 4/10 · 27 March 2008]

I've tried really hard to like Skins, I really have, but time after time I find myself cringing at the elements of Skins which are (in an exaggerated fashion)reflective of everything the average British teenager secretly despises. No, really.

Sex: yes, teenagers want to do it. We get it. The idea that most teenagers are A)entirely comfortable with it and B)expert lovers from the get-go is as destructive as teenagers being led to believe that real sex is porno-like though. The average teenager is terrified (read: 'shrivel-dicked' or 'closed') at the idea that Skins represents what they should be achieving in their love life.

Drugs: yes, teenagers want to experiment with them. We get it. If you were an impressionable teenager, chilling out watching Skins, wouldn't you feel altogether uptight on your drug experiences for only occasionally puffing a spliff while the characters of Skins knock back pills like tic-tacs? Intellect: have the writers of Skins really talked to many teenagers? Considering Skins sells the idea of realism, it would be easy to misinterpret Britain's teenagers as the most articulate and pseudo-freudian in the Western world from watching an episode. For the most part teenagers simply don't talk like that, can't talk like that and those that try fail to understand entirely what they're saying. I apologise to the poor few who do. While this isn't as destructive as telling our teenagers they should be Ron Jeremey-esquire or mixing pills in with their Sugar Puffs; do we really need a generation of pretentious, self-righteous cynics? Delve deep enough into the average older teenager in Britain (especially the teenagers who watch Skins) and they'll tell you just how threatened and left out they feel at being expected to be a 'Skins Kid'.

Skins can be entertaining when it doesn't get lost up in a jumble of cluttered 'hip' dialogue, self-important themes and utterly farcical narrative. It's a shame the idea of 'realism' is highlighted, because Skins is passable as a raunchy, late night soap opera about young people. Our younger generation just need to understand it as that.

...and for your information, I do fall under the target audience (just about) and I realise not many people will find what I'm saying 'useful', but I had to say my piece.

Thanks for baring with my rant!

The most original British drama since sliced bread

[price_ov_aber · 10/10 · 7 February 2007]

When i 1st saw the original advert for skins on E4 back in late November of 2006 i thaught, i have too see this program :) i don't watch much TV, but the one main reason i go downstairs on a thursday night, is for this program, it is original with a amazing cast and script,

it has an emotional boundary which will make you feel as the characters do, it tackles all the problems in modern society for us teenagers and is highly appealing to not only teenagers but adults of all ages because you can relate to each character and story it has got myself gripped too the series, and im currently introducing my friends too it i hope they do another series

Well done E4 Adam

Beauty of Skins

[e_567 · 10/10 · 30 May 2012]

Every two years, the cast is replaced. But I have loved all three generations. The first group is a favorite because they're what drew me into the show. It was just so different from anything else I had seen. A lot of people said that it was too much and the US remake didn't get the response it could have. Not all parents in America realize how beautiful Skins is. The UK version was better by far. There's so much character development in so few episodes. Each episode left me wanting more. But when the two seasons ended and the cast was replaced, I was somehow able to let go and fall in love all over again with a new group of people. Unlike many others who think the show has gotten worse over the years, I feel like it's just as good as the first season. There's really so much beauty in this show but some people can't see past the sex and drugs. Skins is so real. It makes me feel like I'm not the only teenager in the world with problems that other shows and people try to sugar coat. I feel like I'm not alone when I watch Skins; it feels like I'm a part of something. Of course the show is over dramatic but it's a realistic dramatic. Tragic things happen to people, teens have problems, people do stupid things, but underneath all that there's a subtle message of love and hope. I have so much I could say about this show. Would I be dramatic if I said watching it may have changed my life? Probably, but I believe it to be true. I choose to see the beauty in Skins.

I gave it a 10/10 before i saw season 3.

[nikeillusion · 8/10 · 2 September 2011]

It was the best TV program till they made season three loved season 1 because it was funny had romance and was packed with entertainment than came season 2 which was sad , twisted had lots of surprises if they would have just kept the same characters from the beginning the end it would have definitely been the best teen sitcom no one would have come closer not even the high rated ones in US. In third season they got a character called thomas which helped a lot to ruin skins because he was totally unnecessary.

Finally

Season- 1 awesome(10/10) Season- 2 awesome with sadness and twists.(9.99/10) Season- 3 hugely disappointing horseshite Season- 4 so bad couldn't watch.

Series 1

[spikywon · 10/10 · 25 May 2013]

My 10 star rating is for season 1 only. The love story between Cassie and Sid is one of the most magical that I have seen in any of the arts. It still effects me greatly although I have watched this season 3 times.

My musical tribute to the lovers of Skins- http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Hs7MPb3uGNY

Season two is good, but compared to the brilliance of the first season it is anemic.

Season 3 is merely OK...and then things take a turn for the worse.

Seasons 4 onwards basically spoiled this otherwise brilliant TV show for me. The characters are just TOO grotesquely spoilt. They are two dimensional and repugnant. There are moments of the original magic shining through but these are few and far between.

I am very much looking forward to the Skins movie that apparently reintroduces Cassie and Sid.

Brilliant (10/10 for series 1&2)

[faith-20737 · 16 April 2016]

LOADS OF Spoilers! I watched skins recently and I completely fell in love with the first generation. In the first two series I loved all of the characters, which is strange because normally there will be at least one character I dislike/can't relate to. The Cassie story was amazing, it drew you in so well, especially in (I think it was the second or third episode) when she was showing Sid how she would get away with not eating. Dark and chilling, but interesting in a odd way. The love stories in the show were fantastic and I didn't find myself getting annoyed at any of them, surprisingly. Most series make the relationships so repetitive and sickly you just want to find the nearest bucket

I loved the way all the characters were different, and weren't all trying to have the same 'I don't care about anything or anyone' act that you get so often with teen series. (That was a problem with the 3rd and 4th series, but I'll go on about that later). I could go on about how amazing this generation was for days but I won't, at the end of the day all you need to know is it is addictive and that every teenager and young adult should give it a try.

Anyway, the 3rd and 4th series... Can I just say, I know many people who really enjoyed this series, even more so than the first- so your opinion about it may be different than mine and you should still try and give it a go. Keep in mind that when you start the 3rd series you're still be heartbroken because of your attachment to the 1st generation, and that that might affect the way you feel about the start of this series. Just have a open mind and ignore the fact the starting episode is full of clichés and so many annoying moments that made me want to slap myself in the face

The biggest problem I would say this generation had was the fact they weren't all friends at the beginning. In the first generation they were, and their friendship with each other was what made it so interesting, emotional and funny. In the second, they start off hating each other, which I think was a poor move because it starts to remind you of one of those American programmes they show on Disney channel with never-ending stereotypes. You can't relate to the characters because the script is written poorly and they don't go into depth enough. I found myself getting so annoyed at the way they focused the entire two series on the effy-cook-Freddie love triangle and hardly any of the other characters got a good look in (not that they were that interesting).

I think the way I'm looking to describe it is no substance. Like the popular people at my school, all these characters really seemed to care about was being better than everyone else. I felt like it was a massive pity parade and a competition to get the most attention. Effy was great in the first generation and the seventh series, but in this I found her annoying and greedy (leading both boys on). It's true that there were a few good episodes but these were minimal, and I don't understand the huge fuss about this generation. The first made me feel and think about it even when I wasn't watching it (the way good series do) yet the second didn't at all. It was just boring.

The 3rd generation was even worse. It made the same mistake AGAIN and didn't have them friends at the start. (Oh skins, do you not learn?) I thought rich was a good character, he was actually REAL, the way skins was when it was good. Frankie was good but only in the first series, after that she followed the same line as effy and tried to keep every boy possible to herself. In the first series she actually had personality but in the second she was a car crash, I had no idea who she was trying to be anymore. Grace annoyed me, I don't know why, I think that could just be my opinion, but she wasn't realistic at all.

The seventh series was good because they brought back Cassie! Yay! Her episodes were really interesting, I wish there were more but it has to end sometime. Effy was actually quite likable in her reprise episode, it was quite emotional and I really like Dominics character. Cooks one was good too, quite surprising though because it was nothing like any of the previous skins episodes. Scary (or should I say creepy) and quite sad. I was happy to see cook again, he was one of the only characters I liked in generation 2. I was ECSTATIC they didn't bring back any of the third generation characters, I had no interest in seeing any of them again.

So yeah, overall: watch the first and second, one of my favourite series ever and so worth the watch. Try the third and fourth even if you think you won't like it- it has some good moments and can be bearable. I don't know whether you should bother watching the fifth and sixth, if you've gotten that far I guess you might as well try- some characters are okay Watch the seventh, it's interesting to see them all grown up

great risqué teen drama

[SnoopyStyle · 9/10 · 20 August 2015]

This British TV show follows a group of teens for 2 series and then replaces the cast for the next 2 series. It takes on risky subject matters. There are lots sex, drugs and everything else. I also really like the show setting different characters as the lead in many of the episodes. It's a very innovative and risky approach to a TV series. The cast is mostly compelling with some great young up-and-comers.

The first two series are led by the bold popular Tony Stonem (Nicholas Hoult). The best character is the eccentric and damaged Cassie Ainsworth (Hannah Murray). There is also the silent and mercurial Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario).

The second two series are led by Eff and her talkative innocent friend Panda. The most interesting characters are probably the twins Katie (Megan Prescott) and Emily Fitch (Kathryn Prescott). Their relationship is somewhat outside the norm for TV and has loads of drama. James Cook (Jack O'Connell) is the lead male.

The third two series started off with the sexually ambiguous Franky Fitzgerald (Dakota Blue Richards) and her rocky relationship with queen bee Mini McGuinness. Franky is befriended first by nice Grace Blood. Franky's character changed a bit too much for my taste. Also the lost of Grace disconnects the two halves.

The seventh series revisits Effy Stonem, Cassie Ainsworth and James Cook after they left school.

Fun! Outragous!

[alexmcinnes10 · 9/10 · 26 January 2007]

I thought Skins was fantastic! Although a little far fetched at times its still entertaining and funny too. Even though its targeted at people over 18, being 15 I think this program totally appeals to my age group (for all the wrong reasons). I certainly do hope they do another series, you can relate someone you know to all of the characters and has gaped a hole in English comedy!!! I certainly suggest it and check out E4's website, you can learn much more about the characters and extra clips. Overall my favourite aspect of the program are the characters especially Maxxie and Tony! - warning this program contains strong language, sex and a plethora of drug references

Honest

[noa-37007 · 7/10 · 6 January 2021]

What I appreciate about skins is that it doesn't romanticize the teenage life. It's the most realistic teenage drama series I have ever seen. The average teenage movie or show shows us a 16 year old (portrayed by 26 year old) with the perfect body and the perfect life, finding true love. Skins gives us an honest image of what it's like being a teenager: an emotional rollercoaster. This is why I totally forgive them the sometimes cringy scenes and awkward dialogues. At least they're honest.

JUST FOR S1 AND S2

[karsandip · 9/10 · 12 June 2021]

Never thought It'll be over after S1 and S2. Main characters are just gone. Been watched S3 & S4 ; but nothings great. It turns like shit. I really like this show but just for S1 & S2 rest of them are just craps. I've so disappointed when I come to know the main characters are gone after S2 ; just Effy stays. Goodbye to Tony, Sid, Michele, Jal, Maxie, Cassie, Chris & Anwar.

only show that shows what being a teenager is really like

[eamo-1 · 7/10 · 12 February 2008]

the first series is simply brilliant. The acting is actually quite good, you get the feeling that most of them are just like their characters. But skins isn't about acting it's about finally giving teenagers something to watch that we can really relate to.

There's at least one character for everyone to feel a connection with, or a friendship, but no teen can say that skins is bad, even some adults that remember the olden days should enjoy it. The episode when Cassie appeared was what got me hooked, she was so disturbingly real. I don't watch TV but i must say i love skins and advise everyone to watch it.

Seriously?

[freetwojib · 2/10 · 1 March 2009]

This is a television series that just makes kids think that what they're seeing is how they should be. Aside from the shoddy writing and primary school acting apparently they have a party every week, sex causes and solves problems and the stereotypes of a teenager are being fulfilled while everybody laps it up. If it is supposed to reflect normal life or show the gritty side of it, it really does not. I am living in the skins generation and I know nobody that would even vaguely represent any of the characters in any series of this show.I don't want to go into every single minuscule detail (of which there are many) of why i dislike this show i just wanted a sane view among the myriads of "skins saved my life" and all the rest of that bullshit.