This document compares the British TV shows Misfits and Skins to films that represent British youth in a similar way. Both shows focus on groups of teenagers and young adults who feel isolated from society and lack parental guidance. The characters struggle to find their identity and place in society. They engage in behaviors like substance abuse, criminal acts, and risky sexuality due to their hopelessness and lack of education. Overall, the shows portray British youth as disconnected from adults and conventional society, directionless, and affected by their dysfunctional upbringings and surroundings.

1. Media Texts which Represent British
Youth in a Similar Way to ‘White
Girl’, ‘This is England’ and ‘About a
Girl’.
By Vickii Randell

2. Misfits
Misfits follows five early-20s delinquents on community service in
Wertham (a fictional borough in London) who are caught outside during a
supernatural thunder storm and who acquire special powers. Initially, the
show focused on five young adults. Kelly (Lauren Socha) gains the ability to
hear the thoughts of others, Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) can rewind
time after experiencing an immense sense of regret, Alisha (Antonia
Thomas) sends people into a sexual frenzy when they touch her skin,
Simon (Iwan Rheon) can become invisible, and Nathan (Robert Sheehan) is
immortal.

3. How is Misfits Similar?
• There is no sense of society even though they are on
community service – isolation from others/alienation.
• They have ended up where they are because of a lack of
education and parental guidance.
• They have no proper identity or place in society.
• Broken morals – death isn't a big thing as one of them is
immortal and they kill two of their counsellors.
• Their future is hopeless and bleak as they are in
community service which will always be with them forever
on their criminal record.
• Because they are separated from society, the youth is
shown as a different phase of life to adulthood/childhood.
• They are affected by their surroundings – impressionable.
• Directionless – no one to help them sort out their lives.

4. Skins
Skins is a BAFTA award-winning British teen drama that
follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England,
through the two years of college. Its controversial storylines
have explored issues such as dysfunctional families, mental
illness (such as eating disorders), adolescent sexuality,
substance abuse and death.

5. How is Skins Similar?
• The characters have problems fitting in with ‘normal’ society,
as they have formed their own little group.
• The storylines focus on dysfunctional families, mental illness,
adolescent sexuality, substance abuse and death – key points
about todays youth.
• They are misguided – there is very little parental guidance. The
parents aren’t shown that much during the show.
• They skip school to go an do drugs – no proper education.
• They are struggling to find their place in society – who they are
as people, so they try to create their own lifestyle – taking
drugs, partying, drinking alcohol.
• As they rebel, tension forms between them and their family.
• There is no sense of future for the characters.
• They are separate from adults – very little input from
teachers/parents/etc.