Whenever a British TV show is adapted to American TV, there are always some problems. Many would argue that the American version of “The Office” doesn’t hold a candle to Ricky Gervais’ original. The British version of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” was significantly better than the American.

The newest UK series to come stateside is “Skins.”

“Skins” is a teen drama that follows the sex and drug soaked lives of high school students. It’s kind of like “Degrassi” on Viagra.

In my opinion, “Skins” is a great show. It can be raunchy at times, but high school is like that. Depending on where you went to school, sex and drugs may have played a smaller or larger part of your secondary school experience, but they are present no matter where you go.

The only problem with “Skins” is that not enough people see it the same way I do. The show has had several advertisers back out due to the “suggestive” content of the show, including Taco Bell, GM and Lifestyles condoms. It also took a huge dip in ratings between the pilot and the second episode, to the tune of 52 per cent.

The American version of “Skins” has been criticized by the UK cast for being too clean. TOO CLEAN. The show that we are getting on this side of the pond is a sanitized version of what teens in the UK are watching, and there is STLL outrage about the sex and drugs.

I think the reason “Skins” is failing is that we have never had a realistic teen drama before. I mean, who really grew up in a situation like that presented in “90210,” “The OC,” or “Dawson’s Creek?” Didn’t think so. Now, who grew up in a less than perfect situation, with at least a few friends or acquaintances who veered to the wrong side of the tracks? Yeah, I thought so.

For a realistic look at high school life, check out “Skins” on The Movie Network. Do it soon, because who knows how long this show will stick around.