| The Secret Life of the American Teenager | |
|---|---|
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| Also known as | Secret Life |
| Genre | Teen drama |
| Created by | Brenda Hampton |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Dan Foliart |
| Opening theme | "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love", performed byMolly Ringwald |
| Composer | Dan Foliart |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 121(list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Brenda Hampton |
| Producers |
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| Production locations | Los Angeles,California |
| Cinematography |
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| Editors |
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| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | ABC Family |
| Release | July 1, 2008 (2008-07-01) – June 3, 2013 (2013-06-03) |
The Secret Life of the American Teenager (often shortened toSecret Life) is an Americanteen drama television series created byBrenda Hampton. It aired onABC Family from July 1, 2008, to June 3, 2013.[1] It starsShailene Woodley as Amy Juergens, a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and must navigate relationships between her family and friends as they deal with her unexpected teenage pregnancy and teenage motherhood.
The series was notable for its frank discussions of teenage sexuality and its attempts to educate viewers about the consequences of sexual activity. However, its approach to these topics often sparked debate.[2][3] While some praised the show for tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and promoting open dialogue about sexual health, others criticized it for its didactic tone, unrealistic dialogue, and oversimplified portrayals of complex issues.[4][5] Additionally, the series faced backlash for its heavy emphasis on abstinence and its portrayal of moral and religious perspectives, which some viewers and critics felt were overly judgmental or out of touch with the realities of teenage life.[6]
Despite its polarizing reception,The Secret Life of the American Teenager was a ratings success for ABC Family, particularly in its early seasons. The series premiere drew 2.82 million viewers, making it one of the network's most-watched debuts at the time.[7] The show consistently ranked as one of the top cable series among teens and young adults, with its second season premiere attracting 4.52 million viewers, a record high for the series.[8]
However, as the series progressed, viewership began to decline. By its fifth and final season, the show averaged around 1.5 million viewers per episode, a significant drop from its earlier highs.[9] In 2013, ABC Family announced that the fifth season would be its last, concluding the series with a two-hour finale that drew 3.3 million viewers.[10]
In season one, fifteen-year-old Amy Juergens—a French horn player at Grant High School—discovers that she is pregnant after having sex atband camp with playboy Ricky Underwood. Amy first confides in her two best friends Lauren and Madison about it, where they consider her options: abortion, adoption, or keeping the baby. In the midst of discovering she's pregnant, she begins dating Ben Boykewich, the son of sausage mogul Leo Boykewich. Amy tells Ben the truth, and he proposes marriage. When Ricky finds out he is the father, he is willing to be a part of the child's life. This causes Adrian Lee, Ricky's casual relationship, to express jealousy. In addition to Adrian, Ricky demonstrates an interest in Grace Bowman, who was dating Jack Pappas until he cheated on her with Adrian. Grace resolves her anger and the girls become friends despite being romantic rivals. Ricky and Ben compete with each other for Amy's attention; establishing their positions as romantic rivals. At the end of the season, Amy gives birth to a son, whom her sister, Ashley, names John. Amy decides to keep John after struggling with the decision over the course of the season.
In season two, Amy's parents Anne and George Juergens are getting divorced. Anne begins dating her boss, David, but discovers she's pregnant despite David's fertility issues. This causes Anne to assume the baby is George's. Grace loses her virginity to Jack on the same night her father dies in a plane crash and expresses guilt. She blames their sexual encounter for her father's death, which causes Jack to begin drinking. Jack breaks up with Grace and begins dating Madison. Ashley begins her freshman year at Grant High and struggles with Amy's legacy as a teenage mother. She befriends a gay classmate named Griffin and they both pledge to remain abstinent throughout high school. Ben returns from his summer trip to Italy. Meanwhile, Amy is raising John and argues with Ricky over split-custody arrangements. Ben is expressing jealousy due to Ricky's constant presence, leading him and Amy to end their relationship. Ricky and Adrian have agreed to date officially, but Ricky is unable to remain faithful. Grace's mother, Kathleen Bowman, gets remarried to her late husband's coworker, Jeff Tseguay. Ricky and Amy's romantic tension ends when the two kiss. Adrian cheats on Ricky with Ben after learning of Ricky and Amy's kiss. Ricky breaks up with Adrian and refuses to forgive Ben.
In season three, Adrian is pregnant with Ben's baby. Ben and Amy rekindle their relationship and start considering taking their physical relationship further. Amy gets an opportunity to attend a music program for single mothers and will be inNew York for six weeks, where Ben tells her about Adrian's pregnancy. George and Anne Juergens have officially divorced. Anne moves closer to her mother, while George remains home with Amy and Ashley. Ashley drops out of school and beginshomeschooling herself. Jeff goes toZimbabwe for a mission to bring medical aid to people in developing countries. Due to Adrian's pregnancy, Ben and Amy officially end their relationship. Eventually, Amy and Ricky begin to date, but concerns arise due to Ricky's unfaithful past. Due to the baby's imminent arrival, Adrian and Ben get married and move into a condo together. Adrian expresses concern that something might be wrong with their baby. They call their doctor, who has them meet her at the hospital. Adrian gives birth to theirstillborn daughter, whom they name Mercy. Amy and Ricky have sex after getting home from the hospital.
In season four, Amy and Ricky begin a romantic relationship. Amy and John move in with Ricky in his apartment above Leo's butcher shop. Ashley graduates high school early and decides to leave Los Angeles to go on a country-wide road trip with her homeschooled friend, Toby. Adrian and Ben struggle with the stillbirth, and Ben expresses interest in divorcing Adrian. Adrian attempts to remain married, but they eventually divorce. Ricky proposes to Amy at his graduation, and she says yes. Jesse has a graduation party and everyone is invited. While still in mourning, Ben meets Dylan—a private school student at the graduation party.
In season five, Amy and Ricky continue to live together and discuss getting married. Ashley breaks up with her boyfriend Toby and moves in with her mother before moving to Italy for culinary school. Ben is still pursuing Amy, but continues dating Dylan. Adrian is living with her boyfriend Omar, who has proposed to her. Both Amy and Ben get accepted to Hudson University: a college located in New York City. Amy and Ricky plan to elope, but ultimately decide to not get married. When they return home, they tell everyone they did get married. Eventually, they let everyone know the truth and plan for a real wedding. Anne reveals that she is a lesbian and George starts dating Kathleen once he realizes he and Anne will never get back together. The series ends with Amy breaking up with Ricky, saying that when they both get married it should be because they are in love. She leaves to go to college in New York. Ben attends the same college, and he and Amy both live in the same apartment building provided by Leo. Amy leaves John with Ricky, so Ricky will take care of him throughout Amy's college career.
| Season | Episodes | Originally released | U.S. viewers (millions) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | ||||
| 1 | 23 | July 1, 2008 (2008-07-01) | March 23, 2009 (2009-03-23) | 3.51 | |
| 2 | 24 | June 22, 2009 (2009-06-22) | March 22, 2010 (2010-03-22) | 3.24 | |
| 3 | 26 | June 7, 2010 (2010-06-07) | June 6, 2011 (2011-06-06) | 2.74 | |
| 4 | 24 | June 13, 2011 (2011-06-13) | June 4, 2012 (2012-06-04) | 2.14 | |
| 5 | 24 | June 11, 2012 (2012-06-11) | June 3, 2013 (2013-06-03) | 1.22[11] | |
The Secret Life of the American Teenager first aired on ABC Family on July 1, 2008.[1]Season 1 began with 11 episodes broadcast from July 1, 2008, to September 9, 2008. After ahiatus, 12 first-season episodes aired January 5, 2009, through March 23, 2009, despite being marketed as season 2, for a total of 23 episodes.[12] The first season was aired on Canadian broadcasterCity starting on September 3, 2008.[13] In early 2009, City removedSecret Life from its schedule.[14] Therefore,MuchMusic started to air the first season in Canada on November 30, 2009, followed by the second season on December 7, 2009.[15] In the United KingdomSecret Life is available on ABC Studios via sky on demand It broken up into eight seasons in contrast to the original five.Secret Life reruns are available on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.
The pilot episode broke the record for the highest rated debut on ABC Family with 2.82 million viewers, a record previously held byKyle XY. The season one finale brought in 4.50 million viewers, beating that night's episode ofGossip Girl, which had less than half its usual number of viewers. Furthermore, the mid-season premiere becameABC Family's most-watched telecast for viewers ages 12–34, with more than three million viewers watching.[16]
ABC Family announced on January 31, 2009, plans to renewSecret Life.[17] The official press release was released on February 9 and was added to ABC Family's line up on April 7, 2009.[18] The show was renewed for a 24-episode second season, which began airing on June 22, 2009.[19][20][21]Season 2 began with 12 episodes broadcast starting June 22, 2009, through September 7, 2009. After afour-month hiatus, the second half of the season returned on January 4, 2010,[22] and concluded on March 22, 2010.[23] The second season ofSecret Life opened with the largest audience for the series with 4.68 million viewers ranging from 18–34.
Following its return,Secret Life was picked up for an additional season.[24] The third-season premiere ofSecret Life aired on June 7, 2010, at 8 pm.[25] On January 10, 2011, it was reported thatSecret Life was picked up for a fourth season to be shown in Summer 2011 and season three would resume on March 28, 2011, after an extended season break.[26] The second half of the fourth season aired on March 26, 2012.
On February 2, 2012, it was announced ABC Family renewedThe Secret Life of the American Teenager for a fifth season.[27]
EachSecret Life season is released on DVD in separate volumes byBuena Vista Home Entertainment under the ABC Family brand. Season one is sold as "Season One and Season Two"[28][29][30] and season two onward are sold as volumes[31][32] The DVD releases include commentary by cast and crew members, deleted scenes, interviews with the cast, and behind-the-scenes features.
| Name | Release dates | Eps. | Additional information | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 4 | |||
| Volume One | December 30, 2008[28] | TBA | TBA | 11 | Incorrectly marketed as season one. Extras include deleted scenes, cast interviews, gag reel, episode commentaries, and 7 featurettes |
| Volume Two | June 16, 2009[33] | TBA | TBA | 12 | Incorrectly marketed as season two. Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast, exclusive music video fromThe Strange Familiar |
| Volume Three | December 22, 2009[34] | TBA | TBA | 12 | Extras include pilot episode "Make It or Break It", "Hot Chat", exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cast |
| Volume Four | June 15, 2010[32] | TBA | TBA | 12 | Extras include behind the "Secret" scenes, "Cast on Family", interviews with cast and composer |
| Volume Five | December 21, 2010[35] | TBA | TBA | 14 | "On Set with Director Anson Williams", "On Set Fist Bumps with Joey and Matthew Levinson", "On Set with Shailene Woodley", "On Set with Luke Zimmerman" |
| Volume Six | June 7, 2011[36] | TBA | TBA | 12 | |
| Volume Seven | March 20, 2012 | TBA | TBA | 13 | |
On thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 38% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 5.50/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "WhileThe Secret Life of the American Teenager manages to show teens behaving like real teenagers, forced dialogue and an overall lack of originality leaves the show stranded at the border of soap opera parody."[37] OnMetacritic, the first season of the show holds a score 48 out of 100 based on reviews from 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[38]
TheNew York Post praised the series for having a set of characters that are "... real and come from families of all stripes – from intact to single-parent households to one boy in foster care..."[39] However, most mainstream critics did not embrace the show, likening it to an after-school special "filled with didactic messages and a lotta wooden acting," in the words of Ken Tucker ofEntertainment Weekly.[40]The New York Times claimed that "Secret Life must surely be the collective effort of an anti-pregnancy cabal. [...] ABC Family means well but could not have done worse.Secret Life doesn't take the fun out of teenage pregnancy, it takes the fun out of television" and called the show a "Prime-Time Cautionary Tale".[41]Variety magazine reported that "ABC Family's latest original drama wants to be a slow-motion version ofJuno but settles for being an obvious, stereotype-laden teen soap [...] based on first impressions,The Secret Life of the American Teenager should probably stay a secret."[42] ReporterMag's Andrew Rees said, "The show...might be the worst scripted drama on television. Suffering from gag-worthy dialog, horrific plot twists, terrible acting, and characters who not even the best of 3-D glasses could give depth to, it's a wonder how this show stays on the air."[43]
Some critics praised the new developments of the show's second season. Jean Bently of EW Popwatch said that now that the "teen going through a pregnancy" plot has completed and the "frustrated young mother" plot is occurring, we have room to explore some other topics. She remained hopeful that the writers will not just turn these new problems into issues of the week, instead allowing time for the characters to grieve Marshall's death, deal with Anne's accidental pregnancy, and explore the more emotionally complex aspects of teenage sex.[44]
Secret Life received the highest premiere viewership ratings ever for an ABC Family original program. The pilot episode brought in 2.82 million viewers and a 0.9/3 share in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic.Secret Life also established female viewers, registering a 6.5/24 among female teenagers and a 3.1/11 among 12- to 34-year-old females.[45] The mid-season finale of season one surpassed the first hour of the series premiere of90210 onThe CW in viewers 12–34 and females 12–34, beating90210 in total viewers and all their key demographics.[46][47] The season one finale brought in 4.50 million viewers and was the highest rated telecast on March 23, 2009, in viewers aged 12–34 and the number one scripted telecast that night.[48]
On Monday, June 22, 2009,Secret Life began its second season, posting a series high with 4.68 million viewers. In June 2009,Secret Life ranked as cable's number one scripted telecast in females 12–34.Secret Life stood as ad-supported cable's number one telecast for June 2009 in female teens. The season debut became cable's number one scripted series premiere of the 2008/2009 season in women 18–34, women 18–49, and viewers 12–34, and the number one scripted original premiere of summer 2009 in adults 18–34.[49][50]
With more than 4.55 million people watching the season two mid-season premiere,Secret Life became ABC Family's most-watched telecast in the 12–34 age range and teen demographics.[51] The episode stands as the series' second-most-watched episode and is TV's number one telecast of the season for female teenagers. The season two mid-season premiere remains cable's number one scripted premiere of the 2009 and 2010 season. It increased nearly one million total viewers over its second season's mid-season finale, and was number one in all target demographics for the hour.[16]
On Monday, June 7, 2010,Secret Life began its third season as the number one premiere for the 2010 summer season. It drew 1.3 million women 18–49 viewers, 2.3 million viewers 12–34, 1.8 million female 12–34 viewers, and 1.0 million teen viewers, topping the premieres ofBurn Notice,Royal Pains, andPawn Stars. Monday'sSecret Life ranks as summer's number one scripted premiere on cable with 1.2 million viewers adults 18–34. It increased viewership over its season two finale, growing by 20% in adults 18–34, by 21% in adults 18–49, and by 10% in viewers 12–34.[52]
RegardingThe Secret Life's advertising, Laura Caraccioli-Davis, executive vice president of the media buyer Starcom, said, "Nielsen numbers will do the talking in the advertising community, which has a deep respect for success."
The following is a table with the average estimated number of viewers per episode, each season ofThe Secret Life of the American Teenager onABC Family.
| Season | Timeslot (ET) | Episodes | First aired | Last aired | Avg. viewers (millions) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Viewers (millions) | Date | Viewers (millions) | ||||
| 1 | Tuesday 8:00 pm(2008) Monday 8:00 pm(2009) | 23 | July 1, 2008 (2008-07-01) | 2.82[53] | March 23, 2009 (2009-03-23) | 4.50[54] | 3.51 |
| 2 | Monday 8:00 pm | 24 | June 22, 2009 (2009-06-22) | 4.68[55] | March 22, 2010 (2010-03-22) | 3.17 | 3.24 |
| 3 | 26 | June 7, 2010 (2010-06-07) | 3.18[56] | June 6, 2011 (2011-06-06) | 3.56 | 3.74 | |
| 4 | 24 | June 13, 2011 (2011-06-13) | 3.07[57] | June 4, 2012 (2012-06-04) | 1.43[58] | 2.14 | |
| 5 | 24 | June 11, 2012 (2012-06-11) | 1.67[59] | June 3, 2013 (2013-06-03) | 1.50[60] | 1.22 | |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) and recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer TV Show | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Won | [61][62] |
| 2009 | ALMA Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Francia Raisa | Nominated | [63] |
| Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Paola Turbay | Nominated | |||
| Gracie Allen Awards | Outstanding Drama | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Won | [64][65] | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Daren Kagasoff | Won | [66][67] | |
| Choice TV Show: Drama | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | [68] | ||
| Choice TV: Breakout Show | Nominated | ||||
| Choice TV Actor: Drama | Ken Baumann | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV Actress: Drama | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV Parental Unit | Molly Ringwald, Mark Derwin | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Female | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Show | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Ken Baumann | Nominated | |||
| 2010 | Imagen Foundation Awards | Best Supporting Actress - Television | Paola Turbay | Nominated | [69] |
| Gracie Allen Awards | Outstanding Female Rising Star in a Drama Series | Shailene Woodley | Won | [70][71] | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Show: Drama | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | [72] | |
| Choice TV Actor: Drama | Daren Kagasoff | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV Actor: Drama | Ken Baumann | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV Actress: Drama | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Show | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Ken Baumann | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Daren Kagasoff | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Female | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| 2011 | ALMA Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Television Series | Francia Raisa | Nominated | [73] |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Show: Drama | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | [74] | |
| Choice TV Actress: Drama | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV Actor: Drama | Daren Kagasoff | Nominated | |||
| 2012 | Imagen Foundation Awards | Best Young Actress - Television | Francia Raisa | Nominated | [75] |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Ken Baumann | Nominated | [76] | |
| Choice Summer TV Star: Male | Daren Kagasoff | Nominated | |||
| Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer | Francia Raisa | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Star: Female | Shailene Woodley | Nominated | |||
| Choice Summer TV Show | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | Imagen Foundation Awards | Best Young Actress/Television | Cierra Ramirez | Nominated | [77] |
The series theme, sung byMolly Ringwald, is an upbeat version ofCole Porter's "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)". Other noteworthy music featured in the installments includes:
On June 15, 2010,The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens was published.[78] It was written by Kelly and Courtney Turk, whose previous credits include episodes of7th Heaven andNCIS. It documents the thoughts of the characterAshley Juergens throughout the events of the first and second seasons.[79] It also includes original characters that were not depicted onSecret Life.[79] While discussing the differences between novel writing and scriptwriting, Turk stated, "We watched the episodes together and then talked briefly about ideas we each had and what we thought Ashley would have to say about whatever the storyline was. Then we separated and exchanged our chapters."[79]
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