Geek. Jock. Popular. Outcast.
From the get-go, Hollywood has been fascinated by teen stories of angst, awkwardness, frustration and personal triumph that they experience in the moments lived between the labels. Ever since the early days of the medium, from Leave it to Beaver to My So-Called Life, television has explored what it means for each new generation of kids to be a "modern day" teen.
Beverly Hills 90210 provided American viewers with a slice of life for teens living in the shadows of the entertainment capital. DeGrassi shared the struggles of Canadian teens. And most recently Gossip Girl has given viewers a glimpse inside an exclusive Manhattan prep school.
Now BBC America brings the popular UK series Skins to this side of the pond. Like its predecessors in the genre, the series revolves around the lives of six teens living in Bristol, England.
While the show is a bit racy, especially for American tastes, the dialogue is smart, funny, and very well written. Think more along the lines of Brothers & Sisters, less 90210. But then, real life is messy. And, at times, a bit shocking.
Skins was created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain. Perhaps one reason the dialog rings so real is that the series is being written by a talented bunch of twenty somethings who aren't that far removed from the lives of the Bristol teens.
And while most 21st Century parents worry more about what their kids are doing online, perhaps Skins will remind them to also pay attention to what their kids are doing offline. There are still many "real life" pitfalls out there that teens have to learn how to navigate.
Shows like Skins can also serve as a catalyst for parents to discuss with their kids, albeit uncomfortable, some of the heavy issues they may be facing out there in the non-digital world.
BBC America has rolled out a brilliant campaign to spread the gospel of Skins. You can find Skins on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and iTunes. And they have a great site full of good stuff like play lists, glossary (for those of you not attuned to some more of the Brit-centric vocabulary), and character guide.
And oh yeah, remember that quirky kid (Marcus) who followed Hugh Grant all around London in the movie About A Boy? His real name is Nicholas Hoult, he's all grown up and taking on the role of Tony in the series.
Skins premiers August 17th on BBC America.
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