So MTV has become the outlet of the cult classic tv show from the UK Skins. Skins has been my current obsession for MONTHS now. Constantly re-watching this group of urban British junkies as they navigate through life. Coming of age would be an understatement to what the show tackles in subject matter.
The average age of the staff of the UK version is 21.
Some story lines may be more relatable then others; but the intensity and unique structure of the series has become a hit across the globe. It makes Canada's Degrassi look like kindergarten. So as my addiction grew I divulged into all things Skins I could find on the internet, even ordering a teen novel that depicts the events of the summer holiday between seasons 3 and 4 which were some of my particular favorites.
This all brings me to this, Skins USA. Set to come out in January 2011. The website looks like a cross between an American Apparel ad and some hipster dance party I wasn't invited too. It's all going to be taking place in the hardcore setting of Baltimore, Maryland. How can this mid-atlantic city compare to this name Skins gave Bristol? I am not 100% I have never even been to Baltimore. The trailer shows some identical scenarios that the UK version did in season one, and also naming some of the characters the same names. One of the writers claims it will be the realist thing on TV aside from reality tv I guess, and it shows "the wild ride of life as a teenager in the United States." Frankly I do find the last statement nostalgic because I have a soft spot for growing up in the United States and youth culture. I wonder how they will get the gritty stuff passed American TV standards though. Skins goes there with its vulgarity, content, drug use and over all language that has never been seen on American TV, making it like some drug in it self to watch and indulge into on the internet from a different country.
The lead protagonist being Tony once again with his side kick, Stan instead of Sid. Also calling his GF Michelle the same nick name Nips. Also including a strict Muslim character as well as an anorexic Cassie who is called Katie who wants to kill herself and is institutionalized/ same trampoline scene and everything. I am skeptical of this American copy cat. Especially with all the nasty comments from fans on the website. It seems like we need to come up with our own version of something new instead of stealing something amazing it, and potentially making it crap. I am still planning on watching it of course, but I will not leave my UK Skins on the back burner, they are already producing a movie from seasons 1-4 and a new cast for season 5 so as long as people keep torrenting it from the UK, I am still all Skins all the time.
