3. Skins (E4, 2007 - 2013)
Skins can be incredibly annoying at times. It constantly teeters on the edge of self-indulgence and cliché, and I can only imagine how ridiculous it must seem to the older viewer. But I also think it is an easy target - a show that attracts lazy and often unfair cynicism from critics who do not form part of its target audience. If you dig a little deeper, Skins is a drama with heart, humour and astute characterisation. And here I'm talking about the first four series. I didn't watch the 5th or 6th. I was at uni by the time it came out, and as such felt myself somehow above such trivial occupations as watching Skins. That's like so sixth form, God! The key to Skins' success is the characterisation. And, with some exceptions (Freddie) these characters are incredibly well written and acted. They give life to the exploration of issues that even Grange Hill at its most inappropriate shied away from, expanding the show from the alcohol, drugs and sex-fest that it was marketed as (although there is plenty of that too).