NEW YORK (CNS) -- Gritty, hard to take yet compelling, the six-episode first season of the sometimes darkly comic drama "In My Skin" is streaming now on Hulu. The BBC Three production was created and written by Kayleigh Llewellyn and directed by Lucy Forbes.

Set in a rundown ex-mining community in Wales, the series focuses on the complicated life of working-class teen schoolgirl Bethan Gwyndaf (Gabrielle Creevy). Burdened with an alcoholic father, Dilwyn (Rhodri Meilir), and bipolar mother, Katrina (riveting Jo Hartley), aspiring writer Bethan relies for emotional support on her kindly grandmother, Nana Margie (Di Botcher).

To help her escape her grim home life, Bethan also depends on her friendship with two fellow students, rebellious Lydia (Poppy Lee Friar) and supportive Travis (James Wilbraham). Their idea of fun -- or, at least, blowing off steam -- involves drinking and, less frequently, taking drugs.

Bethan is in a no-win situation where her mom is concerned. A potential danger to herself, Katrina is eventually confined to a hospital, and bitterly blames Bethan, who first brought her there, for her captivity. This leads to scenes of painful tension and recrimination.

As Bethan tries to negotiate the challenges facing her, she falls under the spell of another classmate, Poppy (Zadeia Campbell-Davies). Well-liked and self-confident, Poppy is a candidate for the post of Head Girl, the British equivalent of student body president.

Understandably, perhaps, Bethan tries to conceal the shortcomings of her family by weaving a fantasy life in which her prosperous, cultured parents take her to events such as a performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet "Swan Lake." But this means that her relationship with Poppy is built on a foundation of lies.

Based on the three episodes reviewed, their bond also hovers between friendship and romance. Bethan denies being a lesbian, and Poppy mentions a boy she finds attractive. But, while studying together in Poppy's bedroom, the two wind up snuggling and the physical attraction, at least on Bethan's part, though not followed through on at that moment, is palpable.

This story line, together with the somber tone and mature themes intrinsic to "In My Skin," point to a narrow, strictly adult audience. So, too, do an incident in which sleazy Dilwyn is interrupted while watching pornography and the constant vulgarity with which the dialogue is larded.

The effect of that last element may be softened by the otherwise unfortunate fact that thick Welsh accents all around make following the characters' conversations difficult for American viewers. Still, the acting is sufficiently adept that even Yanks will likely be able to follow the basic plot.

For grown-ups game to engage with a seamy slice of hardscrabble life, "In My Skin" may be an ultimately rewarding choice. All others should seek more congenial programming.

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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.