So, tonight marked the second episode of new series on Movie Central called Skins which airs after Shameless, Episodes and Californication (Showtime Dramas). It is being aired on MTV in the U.S. and I believe it is shot in Toronto, although it is an MTV production.
Anyway, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding, to no surprise. the PTC in the U.S. has said it is the most dangerous show to teens ever in the history of television.
While I think that's incredibly hyperbolic, the show does touch on some pretty mature subject matter. The first episode (I haven't seen the second yet) involves a tonne of drinking and drug use and references, but I think what really raises my eyebrows is how sexually charged the show is.
Now, in order for the show to have a realistic feel (which it does, much like the film kids from 1997) the producers cast unknowns and persons close to their real age. The cast members range from 15-19, so this isn't a case of adults, playing kids, acting in sexual manner, these are actual children. And unlike the sexualization of britney spears, Willa Holland (Kaitlin Cooper from the O.C.), Michelle Tratchenberg (Buffy's sister) and Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl), there is a grittiness to this show that just makes it slightly more uncomfortable.
Anyway, just wondering what others thought of this, whether it's being watched and what people think of the PTC's outrage and subsequent sponsor backout.
Also, I should note, that ironically the show is rated 18a in Canada.
For more reading go here
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/412374...entertainment/
or just google "skins" on google news.