Skins follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through the two years of sixth form (although only 17, they're in 'college' and can go to bars and drink alcohol). The show is outstanding in how it handles such controversial plot lines such as dysfunctional families, personality disorders, eating disorders, mental illness, homosexuality, and death. Nothing new you might be saying but it's how they present these topics that sets it apart from its U.S. counterparts. It's not reality TV it's real. Written and acted in a realistic way that doesn't preach or condescend.

Originally created by father and son television writers Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain for Company Pictures, the first season premiered in 2007 and is still relevant 3 years later. The show casts amateur actors and young writers although you would swear the writing and acting are pro. The original cast is entirely replaced every two series, when the characters leave sixth form (college). A Skins film is also in production, as well as an American adaptation by MTV, although we doubt it will deal with controversial topics as well or have as much nudity as the original series. Blame it on our puritanical culture.

Also missing from the MTV version will be our favorite character, Maxxie, gay and not embarrassed about it. One of the most endearing shows is Season 2, episode 2, when Maxxie tells his best friends dad, a Muslim, that he's gay. This scene is so epic it should be used as the argument for any bigotry as it deals with religion and God's creations. You can click on the YouTube video below but for some reason they redirect you to the YouTube site but you can still watch this clip and you should pass it along to anyone you feel misunderstands your sexuality.

Along with our favorite gay teen Maxxie; we totally adore Sid; find Tony's post-accident character way more attractive then his season 1 character; We love Tony's little sister Effy to death; the performance of Cassie outstanding; Michelle (nips) acting riveting (especially when she's down and out); and Chris' antics hilarious. As season 2 comes to and end there's more character development with Jal and Anwar and you realize what great actors they are.

So essentially Skins is the best teen drama that has yet to make an impact on U.S. soil. With the outstanding storylines, fantastic acting, and complimentary teen nudity, you can't ask for more. Oh and do yourself a favor, watch the UK version STAT before the U.S. film and MTV version muck it all up.