Skins' Ratings Plummet, Oprah Soars

Did the Parents Television Council uproar topple Skins?

MTV's racy teen drama drew 1.6 million viewers in its second airing Monday — a staggering 52 percent drop in viewership from the 3.3 million viewers who tuned in for its debut a week before.

Skins creator on U.S. controversy: "Sometimes the truth can be painful"

The American remake of the U.K. hit, which features frank depictions of teen sex and drug use, drew controversy almost immediately after its premiere. The PTC issued a release calling it "the most dangerous television show for children that we have ever seen," and called for a federal investigation into whether or not the show violated child pornography and exploitation laws.

Big-ticket advertisers — including Taco Bell, GM, Wrigley, H&R Block, Subway and L'Oreal — have since pulled out of the series.

Parents Television Council calls for federal investigation into MTV's Skins

Skins creator Brian Elsley released a statement Monday defending the series, calling it "a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people's lives."

It should be noted that the premiere of Skins aired after a new episode of Jersey Shore, which drew more than 7 million viewers. Monday's second episode aired after a less-trafficked rerun of Jersey.

Also on Monday, Oprah Winfrey's revelation about her secret half-sister scored the talk show host a 9.6. household rating, her best ratings in almost six years.