Channel 4 Cancels Skins
Three, two hour long, final farewell episodes are planned for next year to see off the show after a decline in viewing figures.
It has been confirmed by Channel 4 that the current generation of Skins will be its last. However it will not be going quietly. According to reports a further three, two hour long, final farewell episodes are planned for next year. This news probably does not come as surprise to those who have followed the series. The decline in viewing figures to the current season will have contributed the Skins bosses deciding to call it a day. A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: "Skins is a brilliant show which has defined a generation and will go down as a truly iconic, game-changing piece of television but after seven series it is time for E4 to make way for the next generation of the bold, the new and the innovative." The controversial drama features taboo topics along the lines of sex, drugs and youth culture whilst not being afraid to tackle bigger issues. As the show has progressed it has struggled to keep its audience levels high. The series starting in 2007 gained cult status relatively quickly and consequently developed brilliant actors, many of which have made it to the heights of the entertainment stardom. Infamous for his role in 'Slumdog Millionaire', Dev Patel (Anwar Kharral) is suspected to be in the line up for the first special episode. There will also be a huge outcry from the fans for Nicholas Hoult, who played Tony Stonem in the first generation and second generation star Kaya Scodelario (Effy Stonem), to make a return. Current Skins stars Dakota Blue Richards (Franky Fitzgerald) and Sebastian De Souza (Matty Levan) have been linked to the third special episode. I have to confess disbanding Skins came as welcome news to me. I have found the current generation to be unchallenging, predictable and consisting, at times, of ridged acting. Compare this to the earlier generations who had incredible actors intelligently portraying their characters. In seasons past Skins has been at the forefront of pioneering content and memorable moments. On screen chemistry is something that has been in short supply this series. Consequently it has changed the story dynamics from intelligent viewing to a group of teenagers glorifying drugs, highlighting immaturity in relationships and enforcing stereotypes. I could reminisce about 6th form and enjoy the musings of the pupils, if I wanted that kind of amusement. Even back then it wasnt very entertaining and now its less engaging when the people involved are characters that been difficult to connect with. In 2010 there were rumours of a Skins Movie. Maybe it has been decided that these feature length episodes are to be its substitute. In my opinion this could be a great opportunity for the writers to redeem their former glorious content and remind Skins followers of its brilliant past achievements rather than the slightly bitter taste of its current work. Regardless of opinion on the program, Skins has been a groundbreaking television drama and deserves a great deal of accolade for that. Reaching six series is a mean feat for any scripted drama and it is the humble origins for many brilliant rising stars. Although I wont be sadden about the hole it leaves in the television schedule, I appreciate and am grateful that for the content that once filled it. Source - The Guardian