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“Skins” is a controversial British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers as they navigate the complicated landscape of college, love, friendship, family, and personal struggles. The series has become a cultural sensation and continues to be an enduring influence on other teen dramas of the past decade.
Read on to learn where you can witness the eventful coming-of-age adventures of the British youth of “Skins” on streaming services in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is Skins About?
Set in Bristol, England, “Skins” paints a realistic and provocative depiction of the complexities of teenage life in the UK. Throughout the series, “Skins” explores topics like sexuality, relationships, and family dynamics. The series centers on a group of teens who attempt to confront and make sense of the chaotic nature of adolescence. Each episode typically focuses on one of the main characters and their personal struggles.
The show is notorious for its honest and raw portrayal of youth culture which delves into the heavier aspects of teenage life, including self-destructive behaviors, mental illness, poverty, and addiction.
“Skins” aired on the E4 network in the UK from 2007 to 2013. The series had a seven season-run on TV and even spawned a US remake in 2011.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Skins?
Scottish TV writers Bryan Elsey and Jamie Brittain created, wrote, and produced “Skins.” The series has also produced several household names, like Nicholas Hoult, who has an impressive filmography under his belt, like the “X-men” franchise, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “The Great,” “Renfield,” and “The Menu,” to name a few. It also features Kaya Scodelario, who is also known for her role in “The Maze Runner,” Dev Patel from “Slumdog Millionaire,” Hannah Murray and Joe Dempsie from “Game of Thrones,” and Daniel Kaluuya, who starred in blockbuster films like the “Black Panther” franchise, “Get Out,” and “Nope.” Here’s the main cast of “Skins”:
- Nicholas Hoult as Tony Stonem
- April Pearson as Michelle Richardson
- Mike Bailey as Sid Jenkins
- Hannah Murray as Cassie Ainsworth
- Joseph Dempsie as Chris Miles
- Larissa Wilson as Jal Fazer
- Mitch Hewer as Maxxie Oliver
- Dev Patel as Anwar Kharral
- Kaya Scodelario as Effy Stonem
- Jack O’Connell as James Cook
- Luke Pasqualino as Freddie McClair
- Kathryn Prescott as Emily Fitch
- Lily Loveless as Naomi Campbell
- Megan Prescott as Katie Fitch
- Ollie Barbieri as JJ Jones
- Merveille Lukeba as Thomas Tomone
- Lisa Backwell as Pandora Moon
- Daniel Kaluuya as Posh Kenneth
What is the Rating for Skins?
“Skins” is rated 18A in Canada, which means that the series is not appropriate for audiences aged 18 and below because of its extreme depictions of foul language, violence, nudity, graphic sexual content, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness.
How Many People Watch Skins?
The pilot episode of “Skins” generated 1.5 million viewers across the UK.
How Are the Reviews for Skins?
Critics’ reception of “Skins” was mixed. While many commended the show for its well-written characters and unfiltered depiction of teenage life, others called out the show for its extreme portrayal of nudity and sex and claimed that it was unnecessary and gratuitous. Throughout its television run, “Skins” also received several BAFTA nominations. “Skins” scored an approval rating of 66/100 on Metacritic and 8.2/10 on IMDb. See what critics say about “Skins”:
- “The realism doesn’t extend to the exaggerated characters and plots, but if you focus on the sharp dialogue (and aren’t an easily worried parent), these students earn a solid … B.” — Time Magazine
- “It’s all elevated by looking really beautiful (though not — and this is the crucial difference — stylish). The pictures fill in the blanks, and even as Skins strains credibility, it achieves moments of poetry.” — Los Angeles Times
Where to Watch Skins in Canada
You can stream “Skins” on streaming services and VOD platforms in Canada.
Is Skins Available on Streaming?
Hulu
“Skins” is available to stream on Hulu. Unfortunately, Hulu is only available in the US, so you have to use a VPN to stream on the platform. To watch the series, sign up for a Hulu account and subscribe to any of the following subscription plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Simultaneous Screens | Video Resolution |
| With ads | $7.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
| Student plan with ads | $1.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
| Ad-free | $14.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
| Disney Bundle Trio Premium | $19.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
| Disney Bundle Trio Basic | $12.99 | 2 | 720p to 4K |
Hulu offers a 30-day free trial to new and eligible returning subscribers, which you can cancel at any time. The platform also supports different devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and media players like Amazon Fire Tablets and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
“The Dropout,” “The Bear,” and “Atlanta” are some of the most binge-worthy shows you can stream on Hulu.
Is Skins Available for Rent (VOD)?
The first season of “Skins” is available for purchase on the Google Play Store for CAD$15.99 and CAD$1.99 per episode. You can also buy the series on Apple TV.
Is Skins Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Skins” did not air on any cable channels in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Skins?
Yes, you will need a VPN to watch Skins,” since it’s only available to stream on Hulu.
A Trailblazer in the Teen Drama Realm
“Skins” is one of the pioneering shows from the early 2000s that continue to mold the landscape of teen television up to this day with its provocative themes and unapologetic representation of adolescence. Its cultural impact remains relevant and continues to influence new generations of storytellers to push the boundaries of the teen drama genre.
You can stream all seven seasons of “Skins” on Hulu and VOD services in Canada.
