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Audience Shrinks for MTV’s Controversial ‘Skins’

Jan 26, 2011  •  Post A Comment

The second episode of MTV’s "Skins" slumped to 1.6 million viewers, losing more than half of its debut audience of 3.3 million, reports the New York Post.

The show’s target audience of viewers between 18 to 34 years also declined, with 680,000 viewers in that demographic tuning in, compared with 1.7 million for the debut, the story notes.

MTV pointed out that the second episode followed a repeat of "Jersey Shore," while the debut was scheduled after an original episode of the reality show, which helped the premiere ratings, the article adds.

The show has been a focus of controversy in the past week, with advertisers pulling out after concerns were raised that the content of the scripted series places teenagers in inappropriate settings involving sex and drugs. Taco Bell, H&R Block and others have opted not to run ads, prompting speculation that MTV might cancel the show.

MTV and show creator Bryan Elsley have defended “Skins” as a realistic depiction of the lives of teenagers.

One Comment

  1. I have already blocked MTV and MTV-2 from all of my home receivers. I am done with MTV! This show was the last straw. (very sad, actually)

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