Kids just wanna have fun ... Photograph: Channel 4
Skins made its debut on E4 last night with an impressive turnout of 1.4 million viewers. Those critics who decided it was worthy of their attention predictably had their sharpened knives at the ready, as Stephen Brook has logged.
These pleasantries included the likes of: "Were I 17, I'd suspect I was being patronised"; "They are as irritating as real teenagers, I'll give them that".
So that's what the cynical, fun-deprived adults had to say. But frankly, who cares what they think? The programme's own MySpace page paints a clearer picture of true reactions (txt spk included) to the show.
"Fantastic show!" says Princess Lea. "Had me laughin all the way through!"
I Claudius adds: "Omg wot an amazin prog...will neva miss an episode...keep up the good work skins producers."
"Yes summut decent at last!!!" rejoices V!Ru$. While Boogy Boogy Girl applauds: "Great stuff! I really enjoyed the first episode. Looking forward to next week!"
Lost cause™ concludes: "Sheer Fucking Genious! Loved every minute. Oh, and i'm Sid... apparently."
Many MySpacers have commented that their friends have noticed a likeness between them and a member of the Skins gang. Others are quick to lay claim to their favourite cast member, proudly declaring who they fancy the most. The characters' own MySpace pages have become shrines to these new teen gods.
There is also much discussion about where you can buy the duvet with the outlines of two naked people that leader of the pack Tony (Nicholas Hoult) wakes up under in the first scene. Like, omg, must-have teen accessory of the Noughties.
The giggly furore continues over on the Channel 4 forum; fan clubs have already been formed.
And if it's realism the critics are fretting about, when the Observer took a group of target-age teens to see a preview, they unanimously agreed that the show did in fact speak the truth.
So take that, you out of touch, snooty adult types. The children have spoken - and we love it.
