American version of 'Skins' in the works

LONDON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- MTV is developing a U.S. version of the sexy British television series "Skins," which recently wrapped its third season.

The BBC said the adaptation will follow a group of teenagers in Baltimore, Md., instead of several youths in Bristol, England, the setting for the original.

The creative team behind the remake has promised to "preserve the authenticity" of the British show, including scenes featuring drug use and casual sex, the British broadcaster said.

The original series has aired in the United States on BBC America.

"'Skins' is one of those rare shows that cuts through to its core audience with unusually authentic stories due to the unique writing and casting process that (creator Bryan Elsley) pioneered," the BBC quoted Liz Gateley, MTV's senior vice president of series development, as saying. "We intend to preserve the authenticity of the British version and are excited to collaborate with the original team to develop stories that will speak to American youth."

The BBC said it is unclear when the U.S. version of "Skins" is expected to air.