The Secret Life of the American Teenager
The Secret Life of the American Teenager is an American teen drama television series created by Brenda Hampton. It aired on ABC Family from July 1, 2008, to June 3, 2013. It stars Shailene 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Series overview
Season 1
In season one, fifteen-year-old Amy Juergens—a French horn player at Grant High School—discovers that she is pregnant after having sex at band 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.Season 2
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.Season 3
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 in New 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 begins homeschooling herself. Jeff goes to Zimbabwe 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 their stillborn daughter, whom they name Mercy. Amy and Ricky have sex after getting home from the hospital.Season 4
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.Season 5
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.Cast and characters
Main characters
Recurring characters
Episodes
Broadcasting
The Secret Life of the American Teenager first aired on ABC Family on July 1, 2008. Season 1 began with 11 episodes broadcast from July 1, 2008, to September 9, 2008. After a hiatus, 12 first-season episodes aired January 5, 2009, through March 23, 2009, despite being marketed as season 2, for a total of 23 episodes. The first season was aired on Canadian broadcaster City starting on September 3, 2008. In early 2009, City removed Secret Life from its schedule. Therefore, MuchMusic started to air the first season in Canada on November 30, 2009, followed by the second season on December 7, 2009. In the United Kingdom Secret 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 by Kyle XY. The season one finale brought in 4.50 million viewers, beating that night's episode of Gossip Girl, which had less than half its usual number of viewers. Furthermore, the mid-season premiere became ABC Family's most-watched telecast for viewers ages 12–34, with more than three million viewers watching.
ABC Family announced on January 31, 2009, plans to renew Secret Life. The official press release was released on February 9 and was added to ABC Family's line up on April 7, 2009. The show was renewed for a 24-episode second season, which began airing on June 22, 2009. Season 2 began with 12 episodes broadcast starting June 22, 2009, through September 7, 2009. After a four-month hiatus, the second half of the season returned on January 4, 2010, and concluded on March 22, 2010. The second season of Secret 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. The third-season premiere of Secret Life aired on June 7, 2010, at 8 pm. On January 10, 2011, it was reported that Secret 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. The second half of the fourth season aired on March 26, 2012.
On February 2, 2012, it was announced ABC Family renewed The Secret Life of the American Teenager for a fifth season.