When Skins burst onto British television screens in 2007, it didn’t just push boundaries – it shattered them.
This gritty, unapologetic teen drama dared to explore the complexities of youth sexuality in a way that few shows before it had attempted, and it came long before the days of bold streaming titles.
Among its groundbreaking elements was its frank and nuanced portrayal of gay characters and themes, setting a new standard for LGBTQ+ representation on TV.
Notably, it also launched the career of Nicholas Hoult, who has since become a Hollywood heavyweight.
Hoult’s portrayal of Tony Stonem, a character who brazenly explored his sexuality, was just the beginning of a show that would go on to challenge norms and redefine how LGBTQ+ stories were told on mainstream television.
The Birth of Skins
Created by father and son team Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, Skins first aired on E4, a digital channel owned by Channel 4 and known for its youth-oriented programming.
The show ran for seven series (or seasons, as the Americans prefer to call them), spanning from 2007 to 2013, with each two-series block following a new generation of sixth-form students in Bristol.
Skins quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its raw depiction of teenage life. Its success was remarkable, especially considering this was before the era of streaming services.
The show’s popularity stemmed from its willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on, with sexuality being a central theme throughout its run.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Skins
From its very first series, Skins incorporated LGBTQ+ characters and storylines as an integral part of its narrative fabric.
While the show featured a range of queer representations, including lesbian and non-binary characters, it was particularly noteworthy for its depiction of gay male experiences.
Skins approached sexuality with a fluidity that was ahead of its time – especially for a more general-audience show, unlike the original Queer as Folk, for example.
Characters weren’t simply labelled as gay or straight; instead, their sexualities were portrayed as complex and sometimes fluid.
This nuanced approach helped to normalise LGBTQ+ experiences for its young audience, presenting queer characters as multi-dimensional individuals rather than token representations.
Tony (Nicholas Hoult) and His Exploration of Sexuality
One of the most intriguing aspects of Skins’ approach to sexuality was through the character of Tony Stonem, played by Nicholas Hoult.
As the main character of the first generation, Tony was predominantly portrayed as a handsome heterosexual, an attention magnet in every room – but the show didn’t shy away from allowing him to explore his sexuality.
Tony’s sexual fluidity was most notably explored in his interactions with his gay best friend, Maxxie (Mitch Hewer).
In a memorable scene during a school trip to Russia, Tony attempts to seduce Maxxie, blurring the lines of his sexuality (and bringing us that immortal comeback from Maxxie – “Tony, we’ve finally found something you’re not actually good at!”).
This exploration wasn’t treated as a defining moment or a crisis of sexual identity, but rather as a natural part of teenage experimentation.
Tony’s relationship with his best friend, Sidney “Sid” Jenkins (Mike Bailey) was equally noteworthy.
While both characters were primarily depicted as straight, their friendship often teetered on the edge of homoeroticism.
The show frequently played with this dynamic, presenting intimate moments between the two that left viewers questioning the deep layers of their bond.
It’s worth noting that Hoult has since gone on to become a major Hollywood star (now set to be Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman revival), with his fearless performance in Skins serving as a launchpad for his career.
Maxxie and His Gay Journey
While Tony’s sexuality was fluid, Skins also gave us Maxxie Oliver, played by Mitch Hewer, one of the first openly gay main characters in a British teen drama.
Maxxie’s sexuality wasn’t his sole defining characteristic; he was a talented dancer, loyal friend, and central to the group dynamics.
Maxxie’s storylines explored various aspects of the gay experience, from coming out to navigating relationships.
Notably, the show didn’t shy away from showing Maxxie’s romantic and sexual encounters, treating them with the same frankness as heterosexual relationships on the show.
One of Maxxie’s most powerful storylines involved him dealing with homophobia from his best friend’s father.
This plot not only highlighted the challenges faced by gay youth but also showed Maxxie’s strength and self-assurance in the face of prejudice.
Skins’ Cultural Impact and Public Reception
Skins received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and authentic portrayal of teen life, earning several BAFTA nominations.
Its approach to LGBTQ+ themes was particularly praised, with many viewers citing the show as instrumental in their own journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
As expected, the show wasn’t without its controversies, with some conservative groups criticising its frank depictions of sexuality and drug use.
However, Skins weathered these storms, with its honest approach ultimately winning out and paving the way for more diverse representation on television.
The US Remake That Failed
In 2011, MTV attempted to recreate the magic of Skins for an American audience.
However, the US version failed to capture the essence of the original, particularly in its approach to gay themes.
The remake was cancelled after one series, with many critics noting that it lacked the authenticity and boldness that made the British original so compelling.
Where Can I Watch Skins?
In the UK, the original Skins can be streamed pretty much everywhere – it’s available on Netflix, on Channel 4’s streaming app, on Sky, Freevee, and ITVX.
In the US, the show is available on Hulu.