Netflix: Just a few days left to watch the teen series that revolutionized the genre

An unfiltered view of adolescence

When it was released in 2007, Skins created a sensation. Unlike previous teen series, which were often downplayed, it tackles taboo topics head-on: drugs, sexuality, mental illness and complicated family dynamics.

What sets Skins apart from its predecessors is its willingness to present adolescence as it is experienced, with its ups and downs, without trying to moralize. Far from stereotypes, the series tries to capture the brutality and emotional intensity characteristic of this period of life.

Even adults are not spared in the series. Depicted as corrupt, immature or absent, they reflect the often critical perception that teenagers have of authority figures. This performance, which was sometimes considered shocking, led to lively debate during its broadcast, but also made it possible to break taboos and open necessary discussions about topics that are rarely discussed on screen.

A unique and revolutionary method of creation

The authenticity of Skins mainly lies in the innovative method of its creation. Brian Elsley and his son, Jamie Brittain, co-creators of the series, wanted to tell the story of adolescence honestly and without censorship. Their initial idea was simple: TV series aimed at teenagers too often ignore the disturbing realities of this period, especially risky behavior and its consequences. This approach has resulted in a show that never takes its eyes off you.

To ensure this authenticity, the writing team had an average age of 21, including teenage consultants. This choice made it possible to conduct dialogues and intrigues in tangible reality, far from the usual clichés.

By giving a generation a voice to tell their own stories, Skins not only caught the attention of young people, but also marked a turning point in the way soap operas were conceived. And by the way, the parents were breaking out in a cold sweat… especially in this sequence:

A springboard for talents that have become indispensable

Skins not only transformed the genre of teen TV series, it also launched the careers of many actors who are now world famous. Among them, Nicholas Hoult, who played Tony, became a major figure in cinema with roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, Menu and most recently with Clint Eastwood in Jury 2.

Kaya Scodelario (Effie), for her part, continued her international career with Labyrinth Saga and Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge for the big screen. On the series side, he successfully returned to Netflix in 2024 with The Gentlemen.

Jack O’Connell, who played the role of Cook, is also one of the outstanding discoveries of the series. After Skins, he made his mark in works such as Angelina Jolie’s Invincible, the mini-series Godless and Lady Chatterley’s Lover with Emma Corinne for Netflix.

Another unmistakable name is Daniel Kaluuya, who, although he started out as a screenwriter and actor in Skins, exploded onto the international scene thanks to his performances in Get Out, Black Panther and Judas and the Black Messiah, for which he received an Academy Award. Award for Best Supporting Actor.

This bold and diverse casting, often made up of unknown actors at the time, not only offered a breath of fresh air to the screen, but also showed that sincerity and raw talent can captivate audiences beyond Britain’s borders.

Skins is available on Netflix until January 31st.