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A controversial but critically acclaimed series that is an "emotional rollercoaster" will soon leave Netflix. Skins is a British teen drama television series that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol over two years of sixth form.

It premiered on E4 in 2007. Each episode focused on a particular character or group of characters and their struggles, with episodes named after the featured characters. The series starred now-household names such as Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, Jack O'Connell, Kaya Scodelario, and Daniel Kaluuya.

The central cast's parents were often played by well-known British comedy actors, credited in a guest-starring role, such as Harry Enfield, Nina Wadia, Peter Capaldi, Danny Dyer, Bill Bailey, Mark Heap and Sarah Lancashire. Its controversial storylines explored issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness (such as depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder), adolescent sexuality, gender, substance abuse, death and bullying.

Skins went on to be a critical success as well as a ratings winner and has developed a cult following. It has since been considered revolutionary and continues to draw praise for its depiction of the problems British youth experience, which were generally not showcased on public TV at the time.

The first series received positive reviews, although some critics complained that the series depicts teenagers unrealistically and stereotypically. The use of portrayal of sex, profanity and explicit drug use in the first few episodes garnered criticism.

Award-winning actor Nicholas Hoult defended the storylines, saying they would not reflect "everyone's teenage life", adding: "It is maybe heightened for entertainment, but all of it is believable."

In his book "Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale", Russell T Davies and his co-author, Benjamin Cook, discuss Skins at length, with Davies praising the show's innovation in a genre that was fast becoming tired and outdated.

Writer and presenter Marieke Hardy expressed admiration for the show, and particularly enjoyed the fact that the show was "beautiful and sad and poignant and perfectly hurtful", while also managing to be at once "edgy, funny and rude".

In a review for The Guardian, Rebecca Nicholson praised the show's balance in showing "hedonism with consequences, the comedy with tragedy", and criticised those who "slammed it for being irresponsible" to have "missed the point".

The tragedy of the show has been celebrated by fans, who say it is an "emotional rollercoaster" and "outstanding", but perhaps only applicable to a teenage audience.

Skins is available on Netflix until February 1, according to NewOnNetflix.