Looking for your GOSSIP GIRL fix but can’t stand the wait for new episodes?  There’s no better place to turn in your time of need than to BBC America this Sunday night, August 17, at 9 (Eastern) for the long awaited premiere of controversial teenagers-gone-wild dramedy SKINS (it moves to 10PM in subsequent weekly airings).  GOSSIP GIRL and SKINS are targeted towards the same audience (don’t believe me – would you believe Mo Ryan over at The Watcher?).  The stories deal with pretty teenagers experimenting with drugs, drinking, and sex; language you wouldn’t expect to come out of the mouths of teenagers; storylines that would make your parents cringe.  This is the stuff of great TV; I’ve only seen previews and I’m totally hooked.  I cannot wait to tune in!

If you’re wondering exactly what this show is all about, here’s a description from BBC America’s SKINS page:

They’re just your average group of 17-year-olds from Bristol. The gang is led by Tony, the best-looking, most-popular kid in town. He’s always up for a laugh but always at someone else’s expense. And then there’s his poor best mate, Sid, who is forever lusting after Tony’s gorgeous girlfriend while Tony plays him like a fool. But Sid will get the girl of his dreams, eventually – just not the girl he thinks.

Tony’s girlfriend Michelle – a.k.a. “Nips” (don’t ask) – is drop-dead gorgeous with a quick wit that keeps everyone on their toes. Except Tony, that is – he runs rings around her. And she knows it.

Chris is the class clown; he’ll do anything (or anyone) if it’s good for a laugh. But nothing gets him going quite like his psychology teacher, Angie. And there’s Jal, who is hands down the most talented classical clarinet player in the whole UK. No joke. She’s bright as hell, and nothing gets past her. Especially the way Tony treats her best mate, Michelle.

Maxxie is magic on his feet and a whiz with his hands. He can have any boy he wants – and he wants them all. His partner-in-crime is Anwar, a “practicing” Muslim who doesn’t let the teachings of the Koran get in the way of his less spiritually-inclined pursuits.

Everyone loves the ethereal Cassie, who is completely bonkers. But magic with it. She’s a self-harming anorexic with zero self-esteem and a heart of gold. And we can’t forget Tony’s mysterious little sister, Effy, who keeps her mouth shut but gets up to more than you’d care to imagine. Together, these troublesome teens grab life by the balls and then give it a good twirl…

Skins was created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.

Follow the jump for some great videos (including an extended trailer and some interviews with the cast) and click here for pictures from the cast and show.  Some of these have never been released before (thanks to the folks at BBC America for passing them along)!

Extended Trailer (more trailers can be found here):

Get to know some of the characters here:

Tony (Yes that is Marcus from one of my favorite movies, ABOUT A BOY, aka Nicholas Hoult):

Cassie:

Chris:

For even more clips on other characters, click on their names: Michelle, Jal, Anwar, and Maxxie.  For even more videos, visit their YouTube site here: Skins on BBC America.

After you tune in, don’t forget to come back here and tell me what your take on the show was!