Clique

Dark, sinister, gripping and uneasy: these are the words that spring to mind after watching the first episode of the new BBC series Clique. Following the characters as they start their first year at university, the programme looks at all the social pressures and norms that affect everyone as they grow up. Aptly, we are treated to excessive drunkenness, ketamine and even suicide, all in the first episode.

Marketed as the next Skins, if the first episode is anything to go by, it looks as though this franchise has a bright future just like its cult-status, Bristol-based counterpart. It’s hard-hitting television presented as today’s reality, purposefully designed to knock the wind out of you and highlight the dangers of social elitism.  

Additionally, it’s a female-focused affair; the audience are invited to identify with the female protagonists whilst the boys take a backseat in the plot, quasi-sub-stories to the main event.

Packed with drugs, sex and social issues, this is a contemporary and very stark look at what can be the reality of university life and the social difficulties people can come up against. Highly recommend it, check out the trailer here. The next episode is on Sunday evening on BBC THREE.