MTV's "Skins" Pushing the Envelope Too Far?

NEW YORK (CBS) MTV is concerned that its racy new TV show, "Skins," might get the network in trouble with the law.

Executives at the cable channel are worried that its adaptation of the British teen drama may violate federal child porn statutes.

According to the New York Times, the executives ordered the producers to make changes to tone down some of the most explicit content in the third episode of the series set to air on Jan. 31.

"Skins" features a cast of actors who range in age from 15 to 19, most of whom have never acted before.

Before the show even premiered, the TV watchdog group Parents Television Council condemned "Skins" as "the most dangerous show for teens." The group objected to scenes of drug and alcohol use, violence and sexual acts on the show.

Despite the fact that the show is aired in the late evening and is rated TV-MA, indicating that it's aimed at adult audiences, Nielsen reports that the "Skins" premiere drew 1.2 million people younger than 18, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

MTV spokesperson Jeannie Kedas said in a statement to the Times that the show "addresses real-world issues confronting teens in a frank way ... We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards. We are confident that the episodes of 'Skins' will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers." She would not confirm that the network's executives were afraid of violating child pornography laws.