Tens of thousands of 20-somethings spend every waking moment of their weekends partying hard and earning themselves the somewhat notorious title of – Generation Xcess.

Generation Xcess, produced by September Films for ITV2, follows the lives of a diverse group of 20-somethings. Students, office workers, glamour girls, club kids, ladettes and a rowdy rugby team are all filmed during two typical nights out. The series unearths an outrageously out-of-control, flexi-sexual generation with few boundaries and no taboos and features unprecedented footage including; sexual encounters with strangers, pill popping, girls who go out armed with a lipstick instead of cash and the most bizarre ‘hangover cure’ of all – deodorant inhalation.

Crucially, though, this isn’t simply a ‘shocking’ observational documentary. It has a moral conscience and offers the youngsters the opportunity to learn from their behaviour by showing them footage of what they got up to. For the first time in their lives they have to confront their behaviour and face up to the consequences of their actions. It’s this moment of self-reflection that distinguishes the programmes from other reality shows.

The series also offers an important social observation by examining how such a hedonistic lifestyle affects the contributors. Graphics feature key statistics and medical facts. And throughout each show a panel of experts will comment on what the groups get up to. The panel includes psychologist and author of ‘Celebrity Life Laundry’ Anjula Mutanda, psychotherapist Christophe Edwards, a medical perspective from Dr Mark Hamilton and social comment from journalist and broadcaster Martin Deeson.

Thursday 17 May 2007 10:00pm – 11:00pm on ITV2.