IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

MTV cancels racy teen drama 'Skins'

MTV has moved on from racy teen drama "Skins." While "Skins" was airing, the hourlong drama was shrouded in controversy with several advertisers like Taco Bell, Wrigley gum and General Motors pulling out because of its content. Photos from THR: Best and worst dressed at MTV Movie AwardsThe decision was not a shock: Skins premiered in January to 3.3 million total viewers (and 2.7 million in the cor
/ Source: Hollywood Reporter

MTV has moved on from racy teen drama "Skins."

While "Skins" was airing, the hourlong drama was shrouded in controversy with several advertisers like Taco Bell, Wrigley gum and General Motors pulling out because of its content.

Photos from THR: Best and worst dressed at MTV Movie Awards

The decision was not a shock: Skins premiered in January to 3.3 million total viewers (and 2.7 million in the core 12-34 demographic) in a post-"Jersey Shore" slot before losing half of its viewership for the second episode — with heavy movie promotions and network promos, a sign of advertiser defection — which drew 1.6 million.

Near the end of its freshman season, "Skins" saw slight improvement in the ratings, luring 1.2 million for the closer — up a tick from the penultimate episode (1.1 million).

More from THR: PTC calls for federal investigation into 'Skins'

MTV issued a statement regarding the cancellation: " 'Skins' is a global television phenomenon that, unfortunately, didn’t connect with a U.S. audience as much as we had hoped. We admire the work that the series’ creator Bryan Elsley did in adapting the show for MTV, and appreciate the core audience that embraced it."

Back in April, MTV's David Janollari told THR of "Skins' " future, "Moving forward, a decision hasn’t been made yet. But we’re very pleased with the way the show did. We obviously made a huge noise with that. We’re happy with the ratings and the reaction that we got from viewers."

The cable network isn't a stranger to such controversy, however. In 2009, Dominos distanced itself from Jersey Shore after groups disapproved over the cast's use of the ethnic slur "Guido."

More from THR: 'Skins' star defends show: 'It's what teens are doing'

"Skins' " TV-MA rating was also a roadblock for MTV in terms of amortizing the cost of the show over multiple airings since it could only be shown during late-night time periods.

"Skins," an adaptation of the successful British series, kept in line with the original drama showcasing teenage actors in the major roles.

Will you miss the show? Tell us on the Facebook page for our TV blog The Clicker.