THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER Isn’t For Everyone…Especially Me
July 2, 2008 by Kath Skerry
I really debated whether or not I was going to share my thoughts on THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER. To be honest, I was afraid that the issues I had with the show were going to be misconstrued and the debate would turn to issues of religion and morality which really had nothing to do with why I didn’t care for the show. But I had quite a few emails asking me about this one so I thought I would just go for it and hope for the best.Before I go any further let me first say this: to each his own. This is just my personal opinion on the show, and let face it…I’m not the demographic for this show to begin with. So that’s that.
THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER premiered last night on ABC Family but I got to check it out last week via an advanced screener. I was actually excited about this one. Hello, I love me some Molly Ringwald. But to say I was disappointed is a bit too easy. I was borderline angry.
I found the premiere episode to be incredibly cliched and so predictable that as a connoisseur of fine television (and ok, a lot of tasteless reality TV) I was almost offended. Offended not by the subject matter or what the creator’s were trying to convey, but offended in the obvious and unimaginative way that it was done. I felt like I was watching an after school special with funding provided jointly by Planned Parenthood and the Catholic Church. The writers worked tirelessly to provide every single angle on the subject of teen sexuality that it came off as obvious, bland and almost preachy.
Had the creator taken a stand and had the guts to tell the story from one perspective – that of the pregnant, Amy – then there might be something there. Own her world. Explore it fully. And when you have that established then go ahead and introduce other points of view or belief systems, as represented by other characters. But by giving equal weight to all points of view the story seemed like a really long PSA.
In the premiere episode, we watched as Amy found out she got pregnant after having sex for the first time at band camp. (Classic Brenda Hampton – in her world, every premarital sex act has a consequence.) Poor Amy was so virginal she didn’t even know if she had sex. But the stick turned pink so I guess she did. Just as I was becoming interested in watching Amy deal with this life changing news, I was forced to watch a long scene in which Grace – the super hot, super peppy, super devote Christian – once again reminded her boyfriend of virtues of holding off sex until marriage. She even had a promise ring (from her parents) as a reminder. Really? It just felt all a little too neat and clean for me.
I think there is an audience out there for this show. I know there is. I mean look how long 7th HEAVEN stayed on the air. Perhaps the same audience that enjoyed 7th HEAVEN will find this show appealing. . Or maybe the audience are parents with tweens who want to share the valuable life lessons the show tries to offer. Maybe a middle school health class? Who knows.
I have no problem with a show that deals with teen pregnancy. I think there is a place for it, and probably a need for it. As I said before, this show was never meant to be for me. And for a younger crowd maybe it will resonate better. And just so we’re not confused, I don’t take any issue with any of the messages they are trying to convey (I mean who doesn’t agree that abstinence is the only way to avoid pregnancy, right?) I’m just saying that as professional television creators, producers, and writers I thought the team behind THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER could have brought more to the table in terms of storytelling.
Related Posts
Filed under TV News
THANK YOU!!! I thought I was the only one. I posted a scathing review on Raked (raked.wordpress.com) last night. I thought Reverend Camden was going to turn the corner and enter a scene any moment. Way too preachy, way to reminiscent of 7th Heaven: The Bad Years. Very disjointed and the characters were just unlikable!
I definitely get your preachy point, too. There are ways to make your religious and political views come across and there are ways to make them unoriginal and obvious. Look at Army Wives–a show all about the war, one of our most debated topics of today! And yet, multiple viewpoints are shown and one opinion’s not pushed down your throat. This show, though, was just painful. Ignoring the religious side, it was just bad writing and not thought through.
I wanted fresh. I’m willing to see maybe another episode or so to see if it might get there, but who knows. Maybe next week I’ll end up watching Family Guy reruns.
I agree with both of you. I actually thought last night, “Wow, that was a really long PSA.” !!
Like you, I’m not in the age demographic – married 30-year-old mom here – but I am a conservative Christian, so you’d think I’d like this. But it was so clunky and awkwardly written! And the characters were so NOT real! It’s like they were caricatures!
I think this was just baaaad. Because you know, they (whoever decided to produce this hour-long sermon) do have a good message. But by doing it so poorly, they really did themselves a disservice.
On another – though similar note – I thought the Ricky character was a poorly copied version of Logan Echols. And it just made me miss Veronica Mars.
I didn’t actually watch this because after month of fast forwarding through the previews to get to Gilmore Girls, I was sick of seeing that pregnant girl. The commercials looked like a PSA and although I love the actors playing the adults here, I couldn’t get past the title of the show. It screamed “I have nothing new to say” – at least to me.
I liked the show in some ways. I thought the character of Amy was well played. And I liked her little friends. And of course I was super excited about Molly Ringwald… But I totally agree that the plot was otherwise very preachy — using one-dimensional stereotypes to convey religion, abstinence, and even promiscuity. I thought it was interesting that they are trying to play the baby-daddy as a “sex addict” — having him in therapy and everything… We all know he will learn some valuable “life-lesson” from the virginal Grace. But who really cares? The only character worth caring about is Amy. And hopefully they will develop her character more fully…
Looking at the promo for the season, it looks like the show will take a different route. I liked the Amy story line and therefore will continue to watch the show, but i could have done without the Grace story line. I watched 7th Heaven, and loved it. What I like about this show is as soon as it starts, we find out shes pregnant, it could have started with her awful experience. It was only a pilot so the characters will be more developed. The first time I saw the promo while watching gilmore girls, I was like this is a show to watch. I could do without some of the story lines, and I hope the show will be more about Amy and her struggle with teen pregnancy.
I was really hopeful when I turned it on that it would at least be entertaining summer filler. However, I hated how all the characters were all cliches, especially the religious girl and her boyfriend. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the acting was just horrible.
The thing is I think that this show had the potential to be some what interesting…. I really liked the pregnant girl and the boy that liked her (kid playing the cymbals?). I thought if the show focused more on those two, it would be quite good.
Because the rest of the high schoolers were AWFUL. Let me tell you – there is no way the preachy message is going to work with those obnoxious kids.
(I was kind of hoping the religious girl would end up being like Mandy Moore is ‘Saved’. – now that would be fun to watch)
Funnily enough, my BF was watching with me and said I want to know what kind of H.S. these kids go too – b/c it certainly wasn’t like mine. And I agreed, I don’t remember any kids running around preaching about abstinence and religion. Let me tell you they would have been the biggest social outcasts at my school. Maybe the show should consider consulting with a few teenagers before writing a show about them.
I thought it looked interesting from the commercials, however, once I heard Brenda Hampton was involved I got disgusted because I was afraid of another 7th Heaven. I didn’t even watch it, I figured it was going to be way to preachy and condescending.
I think I made the right choice.
Could everyone be more sex obsessed on the show? I’d like to think not everyone in high school things like that. Makes me really worry for my 11 year old daughter. And she didn’t know?!? That’s the best they could come up with?!? One time, at band camp…
You know I thought the show last night was not so bad, in fact I enjoyed it. I don’t think the show was preachy at all I think they showed that there are negative consequences to some actions. While that might turn some folks off I do think it is something that young kids need to hear these days, especially with all the teen pregnancies going on these days. I don’t think they are getting the facts and maybe this show will be something kids and their parents can use as a starting point to open up dialogue. Also the girl Grace was just like a girl in my high school! She was all about Jesus so for me it did not seem to far fetched but actually dead on. I think the show is worth another try it has good bones and I think they are trying to do something good here.
[If you are going to submit a comment please make sure it is the form of a sentence. Proper capitalization and some punctuation would be great.]
I don’t know what I was more offended by: the bad writing or the bad acting. Is it Brenda Hampton’s mission in life to find the worst young adult actors? Ten years of “7th Heaven,” and aside from Barry Watson (who thankfully got out unscathed), not one of the young cast members improved in their acting ability.
Then there’s naive stupidity of these characters. She’s pregnant, but doesn’t know if she had sex? Have they had a sex education class? The parents didn’t come off any better, imo.
Vlada – don’t you now? They only teach abstinence in school now. If you have “sex” you will get pregnant. But nobody explains what sex is. It still kills me every time I read one of those stories about the girl that had a baby in a bathroom but didn’t know she was pregnant.
See, now I’m intrigued. Between this and the baby switching show you mention in another post, I think I’ve got an article on my hands here! (I’m an academic that does work on popular culture and pregnancy.)
Ugh. This show sounds utterly sickening, and I’m so glad I didn’t give it a shot. But I laughed at the idea of Planned Parenthood and the Catholic church jointly agreeing on ANYTHING!
Thank you for pointing this out, I thought I was the only one having 7th Heaven, crazy religious episode flashbacks. The show was dry and I am disappointed in the fact that “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” is really “The Open, let’s hear every side/opinion of the life of the American Teenager.”
I wanted a show that just examined the AMERICAN TEENAGER, not the crazy Christian chick, the debating best friends, and the naive (no offense Molly) parents.
Patty – I guess I’ve been out of school too long because my health class didn’t just teach abstinence. But I think it also depends on the school district.
I was excited to see the show, I loved Molly in her movies as a teenager and I enjoyed the series 7th Heaven, my children are busy watching the re-runs this summer and it is a nice clean show. I was curious about the series and sat down to watch it without my 15 year old daughter, and thankfully I did, I did not see it as a family show whatsoever and I don’t believe that all teenagers are that sex crazed, I know my daughter and her friends are not. I am a Christian and I thought they portrayed the Christian point of view, but did it in a way that was definately poking fun at it and everytime they had the Christians on they played that hokey music. I was very insulted and saw no value in this show and definately not for my daughter.
I’m in the age demographic and still thought it was crazy. The way the Christian girl was written was such a sad, little cliche, it wasn’t even funny. No one wanders around their high school preaching at people about abstinence and faith. I can vouch for that, as a Christian highschooler. No one at my school is that sex-obsessed, either. Whoever wrote that needs to talk to some teens or something. The stereotypes were obvious and the bits with the mentally challenged brother were just insulting. *Everyone* was a caricature. And did anyone else hear the 7th Heaven background music, or was that just me?
Anyway, it did get me curious and the previews look like maybe it will get better. I think they were just trying to hammer the message home, maybe because it was the first episode.
I saw the advertisements and I thought it would be an interesting show. One thing fascinates me: ABC decided to make a television show about the secret life of a White American teenager. I’m curious if the response would be different if the main character was an American Hispanic or an American Black girl? I believe the discourse is inherently different when girls of color get pregnant at a young age. Many may say that teenage pregnancy is teenage pregnancy–race does not matter. I just believe that all pregnancies are not “equal.” As a result, if the viewers had the chance to watch an ABC show that juxtaposes a black/hispanic teenage pregnancy and a white teenage pregnancy, their perceptions of each pregnancy would not be the same.
I actually thought the show was good, and educational for young teens who are going through some of the same things. Let’s be real, when you step into a highschool, the topic of most of the convesations is sex. That’s what teens are interested in and what they’re trying, so we need a show to let kids know that some people do intertake in sexual acts, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. The “preaching” is also showing other ways to stay pure . . which is through Jesus. I personally believe it has good objectives, and I can’t wait for next weeks episode!
Chloe, yes! I heard the music too!!! Totally 7th Heaven!!!!
i think the show was great. no, i didn’t care too much for 7th heaven but as a new graduate out of high school, i know what its like. yes it was all predictable, but it shows other teens whats really going on. that’s how high school is now. i have 3 friends whom are in high school who are pregnant, one of which got an abortion, and another friend who couldn’t graduate with us cause she had her baby boy on mother’s day. with all these teens getting pregnant, im happy they can show others what its like before they follow in those footsteps. watching my friends get pregnant at an early age, i now cherish my youth and am glad i take personal percautions. this show is only trying to do the same. it’s also not so bad cause again, thats how high school is now, all about sex. i think its a hit and im going to keep watching
you guys obviously don’t live in the south, christians preaching about abstinence and faith EVERYWHERE. it really is a somewhat accurate portrayal of a christian teen
I really liked the show…it kept me going and everytime I look at the clock it is almost over. The only thing that annoyed me in these last two episodes was Amy’s redheaded friend. All she said was sex sex sex in like every sentence and its like she never used the word before. Gosh, it least have some class.
Oh, and I think Ben and Amy are totally cute together, except I know that things are gonna get a little bumpy between them, it’s what every show has.
As for Ricky and Adrienne, I think that they are kind of getting somewhere,as for the fact Ricky is a little lieing machine and Adrienne is leaning on the slutty side.
Grace and Jack – Puhhleaassee! Jack=Gag! She is wayyy too pretty for him, and I think she is a litle overboard with her whole preomise ring and such, if your making a promise just remember in your head and heart-you don’t need a ring.
As for the show, so far I love it, and I can’t wait till it gets going more…
When I first saw the previews of ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’, I thought it was going to be the newest craze or something. Honestly, I thought it was going to be an amazing show. When I saw the first episode, I thought it was pretty decent. I mean besides the fact that they said the word sex in about every sentence. When I watched the second episode, I thought, ‘okay this show has potential, now they just need to get it set into the right direction.’ I think the show itself is a pretty interesting idea, but the storyline just needs to take the time to farther progress. I think they need to focus less on preppy, super Christian Grace & her boyfriend issues, and shine the spotlight more on Amy and her pregnancy issues. After that is all said and done, they’ll have an amazing show on their hands. But hey, that’s just my opinion 🙂
I saw atleast 50 commercails in one week fro this show and i agree that it got a bit annoying after 5 of them. I was intrested to see what the show was actually going to be like so i decided to watch the first episode. The show has a good consept but at times it seemed a bit pointless. I dint like how they started and ended the show, it left you wondering what actually happened at Band Camp. I didnt like how they they ended the second episode it just didnt seem like the scene should have ended. I went on Wikipedia and read some of the next episodes and i would still watch the next few episodes…it couldnt hurt..
I really enjoyed the show. I am a little older than the character Amy and it’ll be interesting to see how the creators will show someone my age pregnant and how that person in this case Amy is going to deal with. But some of the stuff was a bit too peachy as most of you have said and I totally could have done without the Grace storyline. I am a devoted Christian but her whole cookie-cutter I’m a saint retelling how sex is for marriage that I’ve heard a million times before was very annoying. I loved the parents especially Molly and John. Being a huge Smallville fan it was lovely seeing him again. But I think the multi-character storyline was boring I just wanted to get to the Amy story in all of this. I’ll keep watching this show cause I really enjoy the Amy storyline, I guess I’ll just ignore Grace and her Gagtastic boyfriend Jack who is too ugly for her and Ricky and Adrienne whose borerline slut, no shes just all slut. I love Ben and Amy I can’t wait for their relationship to develope and see how he reacts to the news of the pregnancy.
I feel as though this show would be a good show to bring up in health class. From what I’ve seen it concentrates on the sex lives of very different teenagers. I was more curious than entertained. I’m just scared that if I get attached I won’t stop watching it and honestly the show makes me depressed. I’m not saying it was a bad show, it is a good show, I’m sure a lot of people liked it. I want to keep watching Amy go through the five steps of acceptence if she does go through them. I also like the other stories that are going around her, they aren’t as severe as Amy’s but they are still entertaining.
The show was lacking in a lot of areas, but will probably satisfy a great deal of pre-teens who don’t know what good television is these days. The premise was a bit intriguing, I wanted to see how the producers would execute a show like this—and they didn’t impress me. The stereotypes that abound are awful to start with. The asian girl who spits out sex statistics? The awkward freshman straight of Sixteen Candles? And who speaks to their guidance counselor with that much candor? The proselytizing Christian couple pissed me off the most–I’ve heard a lot of commentors say they think that the portrayal of these characters were pretty good. Personally, watching them is embarrassing. I waited, and I never put on the kind of spectacle that they seem to be. It’s so over the top it’s kind of mocking those kids who want to wait. The producers need to make these kids seem more real–just because you are good Christian girl doesn’t mean you speak in passive angelic tones.
I really love the show!! I thought it was great. From the first commercial I saw about it I couldn’t wait to see it. First off I am a teen in high school and that IS how it is at my school. There are people that are sex obsessed and people do constantly talk about it. I do agree that the whole grace and jack thing just shouldnt be played on so much, but I love the whole adrienne and ricky thing. I think its pretty necessary for the story plot. Last Monday I couldn’t wait for his week and now I can’t wait until next tuesday!!
I do have to say though that sitting there I just want to yell at her to tell ricky!! I mean seriously girl. Its not only your kid its his too. And I think he should at least know about it! And I really hope she doesn’t go through with the plan her friends cooked up for her. Blaming ben for the baby, I think, is the worst thing she can do. Well I guess we will just have to see! I love it!
i was wonder what the theme song to this show was???
because i really like the song and i LOVE the show!!
if u could just give me the name of my song to my e-mail.
its tay_121@netins.net
thanks!!
😀
one: i’ve been to band camp several times, and believe it or not, what you heard can be quite true. So the idea of her getting prego at camp isn’t exactly as outrageous as you might think.
two: maybe where you’re from, its cliche’ for girls to believe in abstinance and to wear promise rings, but i know several girls just like that. I, once, was one of them.
three (simple question, think about it): if Amy was buddhist, and she chose not to have an abortion for her own moral reasons, would people be making such a big deal about her choice?
four: yeah, the show is a little cliche’ in many areas, but it seems to be more directed at pre-teens. That’s the kind of stuff they like to see. Drama, drama, drama…
If you’re over 16, the writers probably don’t care a whole lot about what you think anyway.
five: i don’t know why i’m posting this anyway, because i’m sure most of you have your minds made up already…
if you don’t like it, don’t watch it.
i have every right to call you a scaresrow!!! if only you had a brain!!!!!!!! (wisard of oz)get a brain lady! this show is off the hook!
i like ur comments maryjane!!!!!!! u go girl
I thought the movie depicted healthy christian views on teen pregnancy. and you can’t tell me that it was too neat and clean for one of the teens to have a promise ring. i know a good handful of people at my school who have promise rings. i don’t know what school you went too, but not everyone has sex. just because some people chose abstinence doesn’t mean they are too “neat & clean”. i think maybe some one needs to see the newsflash and realize there are still a few of us teens out there who do have morals.
ok well this show does make sense its a great shows to shows teens about what can happen when you do have sex and this show might not be for evreyone but it still a great show
First the show was awful. As far as TV shows go it was unbearable.
Second, as christian propaganda… atleast they’re trying. Trying to spin their morals into a likeable teen tv show is brilliant. You don’t get teens to listen by reading bible versus in church you get them by making the really pretty popular girl being crazy christian (the minority being the evil temptest was a nice touch I thought), and of course the normal girl who you relate with got pregnant (perhaps by sex but maybe holding hands cause she doesn’t know what happened). The message was clear: Be christian and you’ll be popular and good looking, don’t go to far with boys because you never know how you could get pregnant. The best way to make sure you don’t get pregnant is to never look at a boy.
Instead, I think the country actually needs a real discussion of sex. Someone needs to go into a junior high class and tell the children, you are awkward you’re supposed to be you’re in junior high in no way are you prepared to have sex. sex isn’t porn stars its awkward and its messy. You can’t even walk straight in front of the other sex but you are going to twist your body in new ways naked on top of the other one? no. By allowing sex to be an enigma everyone wants to try it. if we were all more open about it then the porn industry couldn’t make it out to be something that it isn’t and overtly religious couldn’t scare people with it.
I enjoyed Martin Luther’s (founder of protestant movement and former catholic priest) writings on marriage/sex. He says that God has made you a sexual being. You can take a vow of abstinance as well as you can take a vow to not breathe. He encourages everyone to be sexual and do what is in all of our nature (albeit in marriage; he even tells monks and nuns to go get married and have sex). He claims (way before the time of catholic priest incident.) that when you try to act against nature and God’s will nothing good can happen. Thus by not having sex (or being truthful about it) all that happens is that those urges come out in unnatural and sinful ways. This is of course why hotels make the most money off of their pay per veiw porn when christian conventions are filling the rooms.
To step off my soap box i’d like to point out that I despise the use of TV shows to spread moral propaganda and more doing so in such low quality tv.
I thought this show was really good. 🙂 but im also a teenager which makes it interesting to see how Amy handles her pregnancy. it is a good way to show teenagers what can happen and i think that brenda hampton does a really good job of “keeping you on the cliff” as far as looking forward to the next episode to see what happens next. I could see how people over the age of like 18 wouldnt find it as appealing as people under the age of 18. I do believe that for some of you that think you hate this show if you just watched it a few times, you might begin to enjoy it. I think that Shailene Woodley (Amy) does a really good job of acting and has a pretty good idea of what she is doing. For those of you who didnt even watch an episode yet, you never know… you might like it. I wasnt sure if it was a show that i would really like at first when i saw the previews but once i saw the first 3 episodes i havent been able to miss one because they are so good. I love watching a show that keeps you thinking all week about whats going to happen next. I also think that they picked out a really good cast and as much as alot of you people are saying there are “bad actors” and that this show is “horrible” i think that you need to give it a chance and possibly realize that it is created for teenagers and that they picked out a group of teenagers that are really good actors. No matter what anyone else says, i will continue to watch this show because it keeps me “on a cliff” and keeps me thinking and excited to see the next show. So, good job Brenda Hampton and cast of The Secret Life of the American Teenager!!!
Well I pretty much agree with you and I am in the age bracket (17 yr. high school girl, and also christian). I was immeadiately turned off by the pilot because it seems like all anyone could talk about was sex. I mean…really..teenagers do have other things to talk about. I can understand Amy talking about it, but past that, sex really isn’t an everyday subject in normal teenage convorsation. Or perhaps I’m just weird.
I was also upset with the way Amy handles the whole thing. I can understand her not wanting to tell her parents and being a bit apprehensive, but she spends the first two or three or four episodes just acting like she can go a whole pregnancy and not tell her parents. I mean seriously, I was hoping you could give a 15 year old more credit than thinking a baby can just go away or be somthing one can forever hide from their parents.
I will say that I like it better than 7th heaven where both bad acting (in most cases) was paired with bad writing. In this show, the problem seems like it mostly lies in the writing. I think the concepts are good but the actual lines are…well just stupid.The acting though, in particular Molly Ringwald and Shailene Woodly, I thought was pretty good, and even amy’s boyfriend wasn’t bad at his part either. Most of the other actors were a bit over the top and akward, much like most of the actors in 7th heaven. So maybe it’s not the other actors as much as it is the writing, being that it is the only common denomenator.
I will continue to watch the show though in hopes that the storyline gets more interesting. However if the whole season goes by and shes not showing and still agonizing whether or not to tell her parents, then you can count me out.
i think the show was good just because alot of shows these days never shows the negitive side of having sex as a teenager. I am a deeply Chritian woman. But even though being one, i think showing the chrstianalty was good. but they didnt really do a good job about it. but i did like how they showed the negitive side of what REALLY happens when you sex at a young age. but no offense i think they should have made her like 17 rather then 15.
Hi.
I’m a 15 year old Christian, and I have to say that I LOVED the show, but I AM 15. This show to us 15 year olds is like the best thing ever, but at the same time. Like…no matter how Christian a girl is…sadly these days she’s gonna give in to some kind of sexual temptation. and I really hated how they made Grace so much of a goodie goodie. Like I AM a goodie two shoes, but girls at the age of 15 are NOT good to THAT extreme.
I feel like the show completely exagerated every character.
Grace-should not be that good
Ricky-ok I understand his past, but come one, he’s such a sterotype!
Amy-she was so0o0o innocent she didnt even know if she had sex! like that really cracked me up! like come on!
the boy who likes her-I really like him but they overly exagerate how nerdy and clingy he is.
Like. I hate how this show protrays characters in such a bad way, because go to a high school…KIDS ARE NOT LIKE THAT! Yes, we have our Christian Clubs at school…yes we do share the Gospel, but a girl is not going to randomly take off her top and walk down the middle of the hallway. I’m sorry!
I think this show will continue to get better, and I mean it IS a great show…but of course I’m only 15, older wiser people as I can see have different opinions that I can COMPLETELY agree with.
I thought the show was pretty good. At this point, I’ve watched the first four episodes. The acting is totally over the top. I think it’s done to take the sting out of the preachiness as well as showing it from a teens point of view. Seriously, what teen takes their parents seriously?. But, it’s acurately depicting the reactions of a 15 year old child. Youhad sex, you got pregnant, get married and you’ll live happy ever after. They falk in love on the first date. One girl sleeps with everyone around. Jack is totally sex obsessed. That IS the way they think. My entire high school was like that in 1992. My sister’s wss worse 13 years later. I’m interested to see how it unfolds. I don’t see it having a future beyond Amy’s pregnancy, however.
I was a pregnant teen. I did everything that Amy did. I took 7 pregnancy tests. I freaked over telling my parents. And I ignored the issue until I saw the sonagram. I waited for my bf to ask me to marry. Was shocked when he dumped me instead. I fretted over choices. Questioned my choices and changed my mind over and over. I see where the story is coming from, and I think it’s being handled well. -then again, I liked 7th Heaven…LOL
I only read a couple of these comment things. But the ones I did read were super retarded!!!! This show is awesome. Its just helping to show teenagers not to have premarridal sex. Amy’s character is at least worth watching the whole episode.sure the rest of them just need to grow up. But otherwise its an awesome show and teenagers should totally watch it.
I LOVE THIS SHOW IVE RECORDED EVERY ONE ON DVR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you h8 the show dont bother with it if your like me and love the show try and see every one or go on youtube and they have it on there
After reading all these comments I was shocked about the negative feedback this show has gotten. I am a Christian and have been a very devout Christian most of my life, and to read that people are no longer expressing their Virginity in a positive light and not preaching at school is very alarming to me. I was a “Grace” and I didn’t care what people thought of me. I also had friends that were “Adrian’s ” and while our values were different, they enjoyed being around me. To me the show was very real and portrayed an accurate picture of MY high school days. I hate that people aren’t as respectful of their body as they used to be. Hollywood gives people a false image of how they should act and how they should be. I think this show hit the nail on the head. (for me)
I am also surpirsed at all the negative ratings this show has gotten. I know that everyone has their own opions but my friends and I love it. I love the suspense and drama that this show brings to the table…every epiosode brings me back for more and is so different. Finally there is a show that talks about an important subject while creating obstacles that make it even more interesting to watch!
I think that the idea of the show has potential (though I think it could have done with a shorter name) but after Amy has her baby, I’m not really sure where it is going to go. There are only so many directions the writers can take the storyline, especially because if they are going to be realistic about it, a young single mother is going to be basically chained to her baby and the other characters haven’t been developed enough to really take them anywhere.
I agree with the people who say that the show is too preachy… high school is not like that.. at all, but I also agree with the fact that it would be appealing to a specific audience.
I liked 7th Heaven when I watched it, and I like Brenda Hampton, but this show just isn’t for me.
I see all these people saying the show is “preachy.” That’s life. Different families have different concepts, and some communities are very “preachy.” This show is an accurate portrayal of life, and I for one prefer the real acting being done than the over-the-top stuff you see in Lost, CSI, and Smallville.
wow this show is awesome! Theres not a thing i dislike about it. Its so totally differernt from other shows. Its great. I hope it goes on for a really love time. i love all the characters!!
wow this show is awesome! Theres not a thing i dislike about it. Its so totally differernt from other shows. Its great. I hope it goes on for a really long time. i love all the characters!!
I don’t know what everyones problem is because i thought the show was excellent. Amy’s two friends had very cheesy acting. I believe that was the only ‘bad’ thing in the show. Otherwise, I loved it, and i’m painstakingly counting down the days to the next new episode!
I personally am a mother of a 14 year old teenager. I love the fact that this show is hitting on the consequences of bad decisions, including teenage pregnancy. But as a Christian mother of a Christian daughter, it is my opinion that Hollywood has no idea about the average teenage Christian and how they talk at school, or struggle with being a Christian at school or even how they talk about it and I agree with a previous poster that said this gives disservice to the show. Makes people think weird things of how Christians act. My teenage daughter has a GREAT perspective on her Christian walk, but I doubt she would have a cheesy conversation with her boyfriend like Grace did…not because she doesn’t believe it or have the same views, but it just sounded hokey and Hollywood’s version of what a Christian teen is like. You can have convictions and stand up for them and witness to others through your actions without all the verbage that pushes people away from Christ instead of toward him. I think this is just a nother example of how Christians are viewed from Hollywood. As the show has progressed, I have seen that get better…I’m hoping that trend continues. Kids talk to kids in kid language and teens do too. My daughter will have similar conversations as she is approached for premarital sex, but I believe she’ll handle it in a genuine personal relationship approach…a decision she made and why. I think they just need to maybe actually SPEAK to some actual teenagers who are strong Christians and see if I’m right on this and then proceed accordingly. I am watching this show as well as my teenager, sometimes together, some times not, but it is providing great teaching opportunities regardless. These are REAL issues our teens are dealing with and we as parents can’t just stay ignorant to that fact, but should welcome opportunities such as these to approach our teens and open some doors that are naturally closed due to lack of knowledge or guilt. My two cents! with some tinkering and tweeking, this can be a very useful show to teens and their parents.
I think that the show is good.I can understand however people’s disagreements with it.If I was a premenopausal woman who has no idea how school is like now you might see this show as stupid or preachy. I being in high school see the show differently.I don’t care what you say Grace is my favorite I was so sad to see people commenting and saying that they are Christians but then saying that no one is like her. There are people like her in high school, my cousin was a cheerleader very popular a Christian and a virgin.Sex always has consequences.They might not always be pregnancy,they could be stds emotional consequences etc.
Okay, let me just start off with I love this show. I thought it was exactly like high school in this time. So, like all you old people who are like that’s not how my high school was like (you know about all those kids crazed about sex) well let me remind you this is the present time. And how the characters act on this show are how all us teenagers in high school act its true. I would know cause I am in high school and everyone i know talks and lives sex.
My first time was so bad I wasn’t sure it REALLY counted as sex, so I kinda feel Amy on that one. When your hymen doesn’t even get broken in the process, I mean, c’mon… a girl can doubt a little. And a girl certainly doesn’t have to be fully penetrated to get pregnant.
The show overall was certainly cliche and sometimes clumsy, but I think it was still good. It would have been better for it to have started maybe a few weeks earlier–establish Amy’s character pre-pregnancy and such–but I think the kids in the show are cute. It’s certainly better than 7th Heaven, which makes me gag to watch.
I think a lot of people who don’t like it are out-of-touch with teenagers today. Not as a rule, but overall. As a middle school teachers, even these kids are pretty sex-obsessed. All the drama in the show so far is pretty realistic (though not always fabulously acted), it’s just that it’s all crammed together that makes it seem over-blown. But excessive angst doth a teen drama make.
i wass soo maddd! i meann seriously can it get any more unrealistic??!
high skool is deffently not liek thatt? i should kno! plus the characters are wayy to done upp like seriously , espeacially grace and ben! its almost annoying! but i duno ill just continue to watch it in hopes it gets better!:(
I think the show is amazing ! but kids under 11 should not watch this show . It talks to much about sex and kids under 11 should not know that much about sex. but the christian girl is just the right fit. I may think that because I go to christian schools.
I am 18 and I am absolutely hooked on this show. I like how it shows things that actually happen to real teens. It may not be everyones cup of tea but I deffinately like it. Also I am dieing to know the name of the song that always plays in the commercial does anyone know what it is? If so please email me at nicoleknrd@yahoo.com
This show is horrid.
This show produces a stero type of women that is false.
Makes me ashamed to be a girl and I cry whenever I see a comercial for it.
They are copying of Juno, and I did not much care for that movie either.
i love this show
You guys are kinda being stupid!
These kind of things happen ALL the time. It may be kinda cheezy but i know lots of girls who have ended up in the same situation and they only had sex once. It can happen, and it does more then a zillion times a day! And mothers and fathers need to talk to there kids cuz they dnt they think the school giving them the talk will work but it doesnt! And this show is a good one and so was 7th heaven!
I personally disagree…I love the secret life!
If you agree, please visit and join my website!
http://secretlifefans.wetpaint.com
I disagree. I love it!
🙂
Oh my god…you complain about the show, you haven’t seen anything until you’ve read the blogs that ABC Family posts on their website (don’t even get me started on the Facebook group). One was called ‘Pregnancy is the leading cause of parenthood’ (not lying). My response? No shit, Sherlock! I honestly only watch the show to A) Make fun of it and B) Oogle the guy who plays Ricky if he should take his shirt off again. Let’s be honest, it’s hardly ‘Juno’ or even Lifetime…it’s semi-ridiculous at best, absurd at worst.
I don’t know if this was ansered yet but the theme song was called (Courage is).
I also think that the show roked. I love the drama in it and you can’t talk me out of watching it.
I am yonger than 20 so please exuse any typing mistakes.
What I can honestly say is that this show is reminiscent of a work written by an uncreative, delusional, unobservant fourteen-year-old for her storywriting assignment in English class. I am in the target age group, and every tuesday has become an event for my twelve-year-old brother and I (I am sixteen) to laugh and scoff at it’s plot lines, the so-called serious undertones, and the cardboard-cut-out steriotypical characters. I agree with whoever said that ideals are being shoved down the viewer’s throat. I personally think that the character of Amy is played horribly. The show would have far more depth if it came from her point of view, and rather, it stifles whenever she is on screen. You want to know what it’s like to be a teenager? Put some real fear into the characters, some real decisions, pain and heartache, some impulsive decisions that don’t end up with bad consequences, and some that do. I hope that any idiot can see that this show has an air of already wacko adults examining already examined examinations of steriotypes that hardly exist in high school, let alone in life.
I don’t need to be told by some little snot nosed teenagers on here how “conversations in high school are nowadays.” It’s presumptuous and rude as an ADULT to read comments by teenagers who think they know it all about sex. I’m sure some of you haven’t even had your period yet.
That is all.
I thought that it was a wonderful show.I has hooked just from seeing the commercials. I think of you all actually watched more than one episode then you would like it better. I know the premiere show had some faults but you have to actually see the other episodes. Cause Grace(christain cheerleader) actually ends up wanting to have sex with ricky(Amy’s Baby Daddy) So yeah she isn’t as goody goody and cliched as you all predicted. You can’t judge a show on just the first episode.
well i love the show it was quite funny but grace didnt have to be in it i didnt like her much but like i said I LOVE THE SHOW
I just want to say that I loved the show and I think that some people miss the concept of the show. Its to show what parents don’t know about their teenagers that’s why its called the SECRET life of the american teenager. You may not think your teenagers don’t think about sex that much but trust me they do.
i just want to say that i like sometimes to be teenagers and sometime not and that why we have to be teenagers of american
Absenise means to not have sex at all celebicy is to wait to have sex duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all, abstinence is not a forever thing, you can abstain one time, and not abstain the next. Abstinence until marriage is a very common thing. Secondly, I have never seen the show, but am very offended by the promos — is it really only American teenagers that have sex? I’m pretty sure it’s not. Yes, it happens, and girls get pregnant all the time, but don’t make it out to be just an American problem. It’s a world-wide issue.
Wow lady or r u a man i dont know and i really dont care i have a opinion about your opinion just wow i myself can relate to the show and many of my friends too i am 15 years old and pregnant i think the show could be a little better but at least its getting a story for some teen parents out there and hopefully in the future real teen parents will be able to show ther stories watever they may be struggles or not.
Hate to tell you friends, but this show is dead on in the portrayal of high school life. I am grateful that this show is depicting the reality of different lifestyles. There are Christians, Adrienne from a single mom, Ricky from foster care, the adobted boy in Grace’s home. The show isn’t all about Amy. Each teenager in high school is struggling to find what is important in their lives. It is a time of confusion, soul searching and trial and error. If this show makes you angry, it’s doing it’s job.
My biggest frustration is with Grace and her ex boyfriend and the portrayal of their religion. It is a poor depiction of what Christianity is to me. I don’t like the holy-er than thou attitude. I don’t remember anyone preaching in the hallways of my school. However, I appreciate that the show counters this with Adrienne’s racy character. I also like that Amy’s friends have different positions on abortion.
It is a very well done show. My roommate and I spent 10 hours yesterday watching the marathon and look forward to the new season which begins tonight.
i love this show so much its like im addicted to it … its such a good show !!!!
ok so who ever wrote this review isn’t right about anything.this show is about what parents DONT know about their teen! It is a great show just admit it!
This show is a litle clean but, for everyone who is judging it on the first epispode really needs to give it another chance. I agree that the pilot episode can sometimes be rough but I also don’t see anything wrong with this one. I like how it has its different perspectives on each of the characters. Of course to me its seems that the characters are all stero-types but for the most part I think Brenda Hampton is trying to get the basic message about what teenagers go through in high school. Sure it isn’t as G rated as this show. But its not hididng the fact that most teenagres want to have sex and enjoy sex. There is nothing wrong with a show that teenagers can sit down with their parents and watch together. I think this is mostly for families with kids in high school who are dealing with theese issues.
I also think that no one needs to bash the Grace story line. She is a Christian. So what. It may seem that they made her too perfect for her own good but again i think they are sending a message out by giving Grace that want to date Ricky. They want viewers to she what she will happen when/if this relationship with Ricky grows.
This show isn’t great, it has absolutely insulted the American Teenagers so called Secret life. I watched the show with my teenager and couldn’t believe how every single plot in the show is based around, having sex, cheating, potentially cheating, lying for sex, practicing sex, hoping for sex, and abandoning your beliefs for sex. Seriously parents talk to your kids about sex, sit with them and watch this shows warped view of apparently the only thing they think our teenagers discuss. Does this show create awareness you bet, how to believe you are an adult in adult situations, the character of these shows are getting younger and there situations aren’t teaching against having sex, they are arming them with what to do, how to, when to’s. I believe it insults the intelligence of teenagers with values and dreams, and hopes and morals. They are out there, achieving more then an orgasm. ABC ‘Family’ .. I don’t think so .. I think this is ABC ‘Ratings’. Thanks ABC, for selling our Teenagers innocence and intelligence one commercial at a time!
from watchin the first few episdoes hte show seens prety good however i am currently in high school , kdis dont go around preachin about sex @ my skool + we don have any teens taht try 2 force their beliefs on others
I am a girl in highschool. I’m a senior to be exact. Everyone in my school is pregnant. They do not teach nothing aboutsex.
The show is great! However….enough of the overkill on the actress that plays Amy. No offense, but she only has two levels…..nothing and a little more than nothing. Watching her is like sharp nails on a chalkboard. PLEASE get on with some others. Ricky, Grace and Ashley are ALOT of fun! Ashley does alot of little things that make her very interesting. Ricky is a dog and does it well. He is very likeable while making you think, “what a dog!” Ashley definitely makes you stop and take notice when she come on the screen. I think have Ashley and Ricky in situations, together would be dynamite on the screen.
I LOVE this show!!! IT is extremely interesting and I am hooked, BIG TIME!! My friends and I would love to see more of ASHLEY. She is GREAT! Also, we want more of Ricky! Is there any chance that Ashley and Ricky might get together? Those two are my absolute favorite!!!! What else is the actress who plays, Ashley doing? Keep up the GREAT work!
What a GREAT show!!! It definitely will get you hooked. Ashley is GREAT. The only thing is that she needs to be seen more!!! What an impression that actress leaves on you after you have seen her. Also, Ricky is great. What if Ashely and Ricky get together. Both of those actors, on their own have INCREDIBLE charisma and charm. It would be explosive to have them both in scenes together at the same time!!!!
I like this show alot. This is my favorite show I’ve ever seen. When is Amy going to have her baby? – Kelsay
I’ve loved hating this show, so naturally I’ve watched every episode. As a college student who has only been out of high school for four years, I can say with certainty that this show in no way accurately depicts high school life, and therein lies the entertainment for me.
Even the title of the show is misleading. Since when has it ever been a secret that teenagers have sex and get pregnant? I mean, come on! What kind of rock have these shows producers been living under?
And why is teenage sex depicted so negatively? Every kid in that show who’s having sex and enjoying it is doing so because they have family problems (Ricky’s dad molested him and Adrienne’s father was absent from her life until the end of the first part of season 1.) Amy, who is depicted as being an all-around “good girl”, minus the fact that she’s pregnant, has sex once, isn’t even sure that she had it and certainly didn’t seem to enjoy it. The two Asian kids (don’t remember their names) have sex once then break up afterwords. Grace is a Christian girl who’s waiting until marriage to have sex. The message here is simple: Good kids don’t enjoy having sex, and/or don’t have much knowledge of sex, or don’t have it at all. If you’re a teenager who enjoys sex…you must be suffering from emotional, physical, or mental trauma, or a combination of the three, which certainly was not the case for *most* of the people I went to high school with. We were having sex because sex is awesome. While without a doubt it is important that teenagers understand the consequences of sex, this show goes overboard in the preachiness department in that area. Finally, I’d like to say that Ben’s character is annoying and controlling.
If any show comes close to depicting teenage life accurately, it’s Weeds. Hunter Parish’s character is a dead on, perfect depiction of a lot of people I went to high school with (minus the pot dealing mother.)
That being said, even though the depiction of high school life is inaccurate in a lot of ways, I still find the story lines engrossing. I’m glad Amy was smart and decided to give the baby up for adoption. It’ll be interesting to see if her character develops and becomes more mature throughout the course of the show.
i love the show so i don’t think that your “review” is good because well….i love the show and so many people watch it. and all the things that go on in it make it so fun to watch and so interesting. i love it and it really teaches you a life lesson also.
It’s one of those shows I love to hate…Amy’s character is extremely annoying, Ben is such a dork, their relationship is pretty unbelievable and Amy’s 2 friends are terrible actors…But Ashley is great, if it was her playing the pregnant teen, this show would be so much better. The storylines are poorly done, and make these kids look like idiots. (I mean, when I was 15 or 16, I’m pretty sure I had the mental capacity to know that getting married with a fake id wouldn’t be legal.) But somehow, I keep watching…
uhhhhhh
i hate this show or whatever you wanna call it
it’s pretty much jus about
DO NOT get pregnant
it will ruin your future
all of the show is about
not having sex too early and shit like that
damn no show will change itttttt
well, im a teen mama too,
i got preggo at 17
and my baby got me back on the right path
aha, i thought the SAME THING about the first episode. but i continued to watch it and i can say, it has gotten better.
the acting is still atrocious though. and i want to punch amy’s little sister in the face every time she speaks. she has a wicked monotone.
I haven’t watched this show, and I never will. I am 17, and I’m telling you now that, from what I’ve seen in previews, it is so far from REAL teen life it’s sad. I’m a Junior in high school and I’ve only known one pregnant girl. And as for the Christian views, I don’t know anyone who goes around preaching like how you say the girl in the show does. If the writers knew what teens really go through in high school, then maybe I’d watch it.
If they wanted it to be more realistic, then they should show how much stress the Board of Education is putting on us.
I thought this show might be O.K. to watch but on the FAMILY Channel at 8PM..give me a break! The subject matter is way too grown up for that time slot (a 9 or 10PM time slot would be better). My 8 year old daughter is still up at that time and since it is the FAMILY channel I find it innappropriate and irresponsible. I consider myself Christian but I don’t know anyone (myself included) who goes around preaching like the blonde girl on the show and her TV family…unrealistic and not credible. Also, the acting is really poor and rather tedious. Frankly, everyone on the show looks like an idiot. Teenagers are much more savvy than this.
Never heard of such a bizarre take on such an innovative show.Who are you? We cannot seem to locate you in the coa. We all agree to disagree, however your writing is not in tune with how a real reviewer writes.We do not take kindly to imposters
i really <3 this show. i think it goes really far and shows someone really tough issues of teens. and it does show high school is, i am in high school right now, so i knowwwww. there r so many pregnant teens and pple goin through other crapp. so if u say its not like high school u dnt knw what the hell u r tlkin bouttt,
hi I was wondering if amy is pregnant in real life ????
get back to me soon!!!!!
i love this show sooooooooo much and amy all the other girls and boys have nothing better to do and waist there time writing bad coments about the show and teaches teens about life.
All of you that think that teenagers dont think about sex are wrong. This show is awsome. All of you who disagree with me should stick your comments up ur ass. You are just assholes that think of anything fucking better to do. Get a life and stop judging the show that you havent even watched. And to make it all better, i am also a 15 year old preganat girl who is also in the school band, I just play the flute.
I love this show! It teaches teens the consequences of unprotected sex while having all of the drama and suspense you look for in a show. Some people think its predictable but its really not. Its so good. Everyone should watch this show because it is good for all age groups. Go to abcfamily.com to watch episodes you might have missed or to see blogs, play games, or watch sneak peeks for next weeks episode.
I actually don’t find that the show is over-the-top. I graduated from high school three years ago, and though I find the characters to be actual representations of typical students, I don’t think they are cliché. I do remember the band kids and their stories of sexual encounters. There were also the guys and girls whose lives revolved around sex.
Those who think the evangelizing teens in high school never existed, you are very wrong; I was among them. I was an athlete, and many of my teammates were Christians. There wasn’t a time when someone wouldn’t initiate a prayer or sing Christian songs at banquets. To tell the truth, my high school was made up of a very different demographic, but I can still relate my experience to that the show is meant to portray.
I think the show is on point, though the acting could probably use a little help.
i love this show so all of u that think this show is bad go get a brain bc this is a good show i love it and so do my freinds i am a teenager and it is a good show for us so dont hate on it
i love this show
[…] on the show I came across an interesting one that I chose to disagree with. An article on givememyremote.com stated that she felt that there was an audience out there for the show. She felt this audience was […]
I love this show! i think that it really shows what kids in schools like that go through.And i can relate to it, from my sister. She got preg, but unlike Amy she didn’t keep the baby. So i don’t really know what to say, besides that i like the show.
i think this show is insane! giving kids the wrong idea and intentions!!
is she or not tell now please no not please do it
LOL.
this show actually makes me laugh. i’m *in the age group* because i’m an *american teen* and i watch it just for giggles haha.
but seriously. the girl who plays amy is terrible! she’s so monotone…it’s like she has no feelings or emotions at all. i could just see her when she’s giving birth. “ow. this like…hurts…i guess.”
and please. every other word in this entire show is “sex.” it’s like everyone at that school is a sex addict, except for grace. and grace is kind of annoying because she’s all, “faith! birth control! yay!”
gag me.
THIS IS THE WORST SHOW ON TELEVISION. A LOT OF TEENS PROBABLY REALIZE THAT THIS SHOW IS RIDICULOUS, BUT I AM AFRAID OF THE PATHETIC LITTLE GIRLS THAT WANT BABIES TO LOVE BECAUSE NO ONE SHOWS THEM ENOUGH LOVE. THEY THINK IT WILL ALL BE WONDERFUL AND THIS SHOW MAKES IT ALL WORSE. THIS SHOW IS NOT REALISTIC AT ALL!!!! SHE IS ALSO KEEPING THE BABY AT THE AGE OF 15. SHE SHOULD GIVE IT UP FOR ADOPTION. MOST 15 YEAR OLDS THAT RAISE BABIES DO NOT GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL, DO NOT GO TO COLLEGE, GO ON GOVENMENT ASSISTANCE, AND END UP BECOMING GRANDMOTHERS BEFORE THE AGE OF 40…….
PATHETIC
hey
you shoukdn’t be making a website that is trash talk to the people who like.
lets just say you were on the secret life of an amercain teenage would you want some one to make a wedsite about someone not liking it.
NO i don’t think you would
think about other peoples feelings not just yours
I agree. The show, for lack of a better word, sucks. I’m a teen mother. I was hoping this would show more options – a better understanding of it all. And the show is very silly, some of it I just can’t believe they wrote that. I also don’t think anyone is paying attention to anything they’ve done in the past. The writers have no direction. I actually watched AMy go into labor, and let me just say – worst thing I’ve ever watched. Not even close to real.
i am a teenage mother to and am probly that way again i know what you are going through.
i think that when she had the baby ricky was happy but been was sad because it isnt his child because ben is amy’s boyfriend and he should be the father of amy’s baby
I don’t watch t.v. Ever. I’m 28, married, and no kids except for one stepkid. I stumbled across this show by accident because my stepson left the t.v. on and this show happened to get my attention. I’m not into shows about teenagers or religious programs. I thought it was very juicy and controversial in a forbidden sort of way. I watched almost the entire marathon, strictly for the entertainment value. It was like a teenage Melrose Place. I actually cannot believe this show is on a family channel!!! I think it’s called the “secret” life because most shows about teenagers like “Drake and Josh” and “I Carly” totally negate the fact that teenagers have sex. This show faces the reality that teenagers are in fact sexual beings and the consequences for their actions are worse than for ordinary adults because of their position in life. I thought it was totally juicy and I loved it- I could give a crap less about the “moral lessons” it might have to teach me as I am very grown and very kidless. I even have a very juicy story line for Ricky and Adrian in my head if I could just get the writers to listen…
I do think they use the word “sex” way too much. They might tone down on that a little. The only thing that would make it better is a juicy sex scene between Adrian and Ricky- the two hottest and sluttiest characters, but then they’d have to put the show on HBO for sure instead of the “family channel.” I think what the creators are doing is a good thing. If you’re into the show, you get sucked in and entrenched just because it’s interesting, but then when the show is over you realize that there’s also a good message that goes along with the entertainment of the whole thing.
Does anyone know when the new season begins?
SERIOUSLY!!! I thought that it is the best show ever! Being pregnant myself and deciding what to do is confusing. But watching this show has helped big time. If this show isn’t for you then don’t watch it and SHUT UP!!!!
i like secret live amercan teenager . when amy have baby, and hold him that is a cute name amy pickt. i want to meet everyone on secret live amercan teenager. in real life. i am big fan of the secret live of amercan teenager. your big fan andrea holfert.
u guys need to stop talkin crap.. this show is the best ..
Even though you wrote this almost a year ago i am going to speak my mind. When the show first came out i thought the episodes were moving to quickly or should i say too much went into one episode. but yet, i was hooked. Now season two has ended but i realized that the show is amazing and became a lot more spontaneous (in a good way). But i do not like how you judge the show by one episode. You would not now what you are talking about by one episode. but i do have to give you credit because i hate it when people talk about something they don’t like and sound like “this is a piece of crap and if you like it your a fag”. you sounded a lot more educated. p.s i am an actual student and my life is filled with drama, i found it very realistic.
I’ve just finished watching Secret Life on Youtube and it was a really great can’t wait for season 2 they’re all really great actors ever, i liked that episode when it flashes back to when Amy first meet Ricky and told us wat happened before Amy got pregnant and i also really liked the episode when Amy gave birth to John he’s a really cute baby ever i think that Amy and Ricky will be great parents and so will Ben he’s a really great guy i really like him.
I think this shows sends a good message to teens that if you have sex you can see what happens to you.I don’t think that the way Amy turned out would normally happen.Sometimes things don’t work out like it did.I love Secret Life soooooo much.It’s my favorite show ever.Ricky i love you and John too.
SECRET LIFE 4EVER!!
“DAD” – I’ve removed that 12 other comments you’ve made. Please stop spamming this site.
i dont no what kind of tv shows u people like but this show is great IT really is and the actors are great and i love the writer of the show she made 7th heaven and its a hit
i think the show is good, and the audience of the show has is teenagers, not really adults because its “THE LIFE OF A TEENAGER” ?… Alot of teens these days get pregnant & the show is basically showing how hard it can be. Some teens, like Amy in the start, think it’s easy but she realizes just how tough it is…Especially when the father (Ricky) doesnt stick around., because that’s how it is now in days, teen fathers really don’t care because denying it is easy, i mean they’re not the ones with the bellies. but Not that all teens are irresponsible, because in the show Amy kept her baby and there are many teens these days that are responsible but its hard when many people expect you to fail. A lot of people think “omg shes a Kid having a Kid” but maybe shes more mature than any 20 year old. There’s adult mothers that aren’t responsible and just give their babies up for adoption and don’t realize it was their mistake and the baby has nothing to do with it. & some just don’t care if their kids are out at 2am and dont kno where they are… So i think the show portrays some what of the “real Life” of a teenage mother, Maybe not All the struggles but i think it’s fine and keeps you wanting to watch it.
I like the show…I think it gets better as it goes a long. No, it isn’t the amazing breakthrough show it might have had the opportunity to be, were it not affiliated w/ “7th Heaven” in any way. But IT IS decent…Amy and Ben are very cute…I really enjoy Ashley, Amy’s sister. Yes, it is overly churchy at times, but I just dismiss that. I DVR it…there is no possible way it would hold my interest if I had to wait through all those commercial breaks.
First id like to start by saying that many people writing these reivews are “not in the demographic” the show is trying to reach… okay so your all older adults.. and im sure when you were in high school., sex was not as open of a subject as it is now. however i have just graduated high school a year ago, and times have changed. high school really is like that. sex is a main topic in high school. Its what about 90% talks about and about 75% engages in. I am a christian, and i can honestly say they try a lil too hard with grace, but i have met several church going people that are like that and i dont believe there is anything wrong with it. I am a big fan of both 7th heaven & of secret life. i think they both have good messgaes behind them. and as a teen i can say that high school is like that. adults who do not go to a high school have no place to say that high school is not like that and teenagers arent sex crazed.. wake up– times have changed! Thank you. (:
the person who wrote this is stupid it is a great show and i love this song so much so who ever wrote this is either gay or stupid
i love this show i always watch it every monday thats is on i dont see nothin that i really bad its just what can happend as a teen age mom
i love the show it speaks about sex i would never have sex at all i would graduate from high school go 2 college then get married then have sex that leads up 2 babies so i woild surgustes Girls do not have sex it will lead u 2 be pregent.
Okay you all must be blind and stupid people and I u hate the show then stop talking negative about it , shut up and keep it to yourselves. Millions love this show you people disgust me you all would not no a great from a terrible one. I am 18 and my 54. Year mom loves this it keeps u interested and it he great acting and as for the horrible witch who posted the top reveiw which started all this ur a dumb person that needs to keep their opinions to themselves. This show rocks and it so how high school is today not in the older days most of of u probaly grown adults came from school in the older days when teens in high school diid not get pregnant or do the stuff the show is showing so be quiet . I am also a Christian and this show is nothing like 7th heaven or even talk bad about religion. It has been rated one of the top shows so u all DONT KNOW NOTHING .
I was skeptical by this but all your put downs are actually making me optimistic. I loved 7th Heaven so yippee for all the cliches!!
You may not have to raise any human being but I do as well as others and they want shows that will not exploit sex just to get ratings (yeah i know deep down, you are all sicko perves who like the notion of teenage sex).
So as a female American teenager and therefore in the target demographic, I think this show is rediculous. The acting is worse than B horror movies, the dialogue is straight out of one of the “How to Talk to Your Teen About Sex” handbooks, and the chiches are enough to make me want to hurt someone. Particularly Brenda Hampton for making such an asanine show.
Before you start thinking that I haven’t thoroughly watched the show or haven’t given it a chance, know that I review movies and TV shows for a living, and have sat through every idiotic episode. Regrettably.
Now, as a recent graduate of high school, I realized when watching this show, that I really must have missed out in my high school experience. Grace (whose name not only denotes the fact that she is beautiful and popular, but gives the connotation of Christianity) and her holier-than-thou attitude, I could have had a lot of fun with in high school, by making her realize that nobody actually wants to hear her preach. Ben, the ever-dedicated boyfriend who wants to get married at fifteen (!) needs a wake-up call and realize that at some point, his lady love will no longer be willing to listen to his every whim and whine.
Amy, and her psudo-french horn “passion” is only the background for the “This one time, at band camp…” storyline. Not only is this completly unoriginal, but extremely offensive and stereotypical. As a self-professed band geek, who plays over thirteen instruments and has not only attened band camp for eight years, but counseled at band camp, I abhor the fact that they are using this place that teaches kids to be dedicated, talented, and encourages their self-esteem, to be a sexually charged place where you run the risk of becoming pregnant.
While this show has-or had-the potential to be educational without the extra layer of cheese on top, and expresses a great opinon on teen pregnancy, it has shot itself in the foot with the terrible acting, the awful cliches, and a general holier-than-thou attitude. Not to mention a very adult subject matter with a family-oriented time slot on a so-called family channel. ABC Family needs to reassess. Quickly.
i luv this show i just started watching and it is addicting if you people are going to talkk negatively about it why are u on this website all u people need a life
i really think amy is really cool and her sisiter has a really bad attitude she needsto find a bf in the show so she dont look so lonely she may seem like shes a goth but atleast she knows everything about kife she trys to help everyone out in the show buts she seem alsome and tom is REALLY COOL he so funny my dad loves to watch the show b/c of him its a really cool show i watch it all the time when it comes on and i think amy should meet more girls in the show to hang out with and ricky needs to be with amy and amy mom should be with amy dad
Oh my gosh. This is so sad, that a show about teens having sex can be considered “preachy”. Are you nuts? Have you gone insane? This is far from preachy. The very fact that they’re airing this is wrong. What’s more, one of the characters, Grace, actually ends up having sex with her boyfriend and says “I think God wanted it”. Man, this is sick, if this disgusting show is what Americans consider moralistic. Wow. Beyond sick. America is hell.
L.M. are you serious? Put down the bible for a minute and actually THINK. This show is all about pushing religious views onto children/teens. Sex is not “disgusting,” kids just need to be aware of the consequences and prepared to handle them.
Also, the acting is so bad in this show. Especially Amy’s sister. Horrible monotone acting.
And, back in the “olden days” girls had babies at 13+. There are far worse things than teenage pregnancy!
So I kind of accidentally came across this site and became intrigued with what people had to say about this show. With that said, I find it so interesting how different everyones opinions are about this show. I’m in my 20’s and have watched a few episodes out of pure boredom. I watched probably the first few seasons of 7th heaven (back when I was in junior high) but quickly stopped due to how ridiculous that show was (horrible acting, unrealistic situations, etc.) I think this show is slightly reminiscent of that; don’t get me wrong, I think discussing the issue of teen pregnancy is completely necessary now-a-days, but the religious aspect is a little much (sound familiar to a show also written by Hampton about a PREACHER with 7 children?) It is slightly comical to me because it’s like this show almost disregards the fact that there is such a thing called birth control – in my own case, everyone I know (now and in highschool) have used atleast one form of birth control and you don’t see them getting knocked up. Yeah, not 100% effective, of course, but it bugs me how this show acts like sex automatically equals babies. Then the preachy Christian stuff is thrown in. Personally, with my own beliefs, that doesn’t bug me too too much (but at times it really can), but I think it can turn certain viewers off. I would appreciate this show much more if it were less focused on sex (seriously, it’s hysterical how many times that word is said in an episode – I’ve even heard that high school kids play drinking games to it – take a big chug each time they say “sex”…they probably get sloshed out of their mind) and more focused on the main characters life raising a baby at 15.
i think that its to effing bad. i love this show… its on abc FAMILY and you cant do anything about it…so shut up and stop talking crap…
Personally, I love the show. I love everything about it! It is realistic in showing and bring to light what really goes on in many American’s homes…sad to say. The thing that really gets to me the most is that Ashley is SO disrespectful to her parents–and gets away with it. Her parents yell at her and scold her. But there is no discipline. Come on. She’s 13. Ground her, spank her, do something. I would’ve gotten my butt paddled at that age for sure. I don’t know. At least it’s realistic though. But still…Anne needs to take action and give that girl an attitude adjustment!
[…] The Secret Life Of An American teenager – GMMR […]
The story for this show isnt the problem. It seems pretty generic for the shows i watch which is fine. People who say its ‘original’ because of how much sex talk there is first: it really the disney version of sex talk, and second change the channel, so-called sex talk is on every show out. Before i saw the show (and the acting) i naively thought maybe it could be like an american M rated version of skins. But the acting is SO BAD! the script is terrible! Ive seen some of these actors in other shows and it seems like they’ve gotten worse on this show. Do they rehearse? All the main actors are totally wooden. I watch alot of tv so i just thought there was this pool of talented young actors out there. Obviously its dried up. And i cant believe this show is why Kyle XY got cancelled. Its not even good enough to be on tv.
This is a great show!!! it shows what life is really like in skool and how people treat eachother… i think it sends a great message through to all people… it gives a life lesson that people will never forget and or overcome!!! i love this show!!!
Provillus natural hair loss treatment now available for Men and Women . Order here for your 90 Day Money Back Guarantee at http://www.Managehairloss.com
Nobody is that sex obsessed. There are other things going on in high school besides sex. Like oh I don’t know… learning?
BTW the Catholic Church and Planned Parenthood would never do anything together.
And to whoever said that they only teach abstinece in school, you have some misinformation because that is just plain untrue. Most of the time in health class is devoted to safe sex practices.
I think this show is outrageous in how much it talks about sex, shows (or shall I say “promotes”) teens having sex—even with parental permission now on the second season! And all on a “FAMILY” channel. Absolutely OUTRAGEOUS! My teenagers will never watch this show again, partly because I won’t allow them, and partly because they have even been turned off about how the whole script is about nothing but sex. Believe it or not, there are still virgins in middle and high school and this show almost makes fun of them. You say that it’s “preachy” and promoted by religious organizations? Well, I can assure you as a Christian, that this show would NEVER be promoted by any Christian organization. The second season is more sex-obsessed–now introducing oral sex and masturbation–than the first season. Completely ridiculous for a family channel. It would be more approrpiate on “Showtime”!!
Who ever wrote this show seemed to have good intentions , but after watching it the second season, I am mortified at the things the say and do on this “family” channel show. This show is not trying to help teenagers, it’s trying to corrupte them and probably doing a great job at it. the first time I watched i heard the word sex 30 times in 3 minutes. The next time they were talking about oral sex and masturbation. Sorry people, that’s NOT the normal life of a teenager. MAYBE FOR YOU SCUMB BAG WRITERS KIDS IT IS. YOU PEOPLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. I plan on DOING SOMETHING about this discrace on family television. In my 46 years of life I have never heard such talk, even in R rated movies. I plan on writing to Glenn Beck with hopes he will bring this to the publics attention. His email is me@glennbeck.com PLEASE write let’s do something about this sickening x-rated show. THIS SHOW IS INTENTIONLY TRYING TO DEMORALIZE OUR KIDS.. THEY ARE THE LOWEST TYPE OF PERSON AROUND. X RATED TELVISION ON THE FAMILY CHANNEL. PLEASE PLEASE WAKE UP AMERICA…..
Well, skimming through some of the comments here I have to say that anything that I state will be pretty much redundant. But, here we go:
I’ve only watched about one episode and a half of this show, and it was shortly after the main character, Amy, gave birth to her child. I’d just like to start by saying that most girls that I know would give their child up for adoption if they were pregnant. I mean, it’s idiotic for a girl of 16 to expect to raise a child on her own.
Which brings me to my other point. In the episode that I watched, Amy says in one part: “I’m 16, and I’m missing out on EVERYTHING.” What? Really? I mean, she’s the one who decided to keep the child, and she is also the one who had sex with a person she hardly knew. She expects her mother or other people to take care of the child so she can do things herself? This is a mistake of the script writers, due to the fact that it is just both cliched and retarded.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager also has a major acting problem. I will say this, though. I am a Science Fiction fan, mostly, though I DO enjoy watching some shows that would be of this nature from time to time. Still, when compared to most of the shows I watch (including the non-sci fi ones) i find myself gagging because of how horrible the acting is. The actors have trouble portraying the simplest emotions like frustration and grief, emotions that a small child could act out easily.
Addressing the ‘Christian’ girl. First of all, she’s an idiot, and second of all, the circumstances of the show could not be any more stupid. Do you mean to tell me that after she has sex her father immediately dies? That just doesn’t happen. And then, since it DID happen, impossibly, she blames HERSELF for her father’s death. I don’t think that she knows much of the Bible, since nowhere in it does it say that God will punish your family members for YOUR mistake. When he says that the wages of sin is Death, he means YOUR death/punishment. This idiot, Grace, as she’s called, is the WORST representation of a Christian teen in the universe. From what my friends have told me that actually like this poor excuse for a show, she was always preachy about sex and abstinence and faith. Hypocrite much? And now they tell me that she invented a campaign called, “Just say me?” A campaign in favor of masturbation instead of sex. WHAT? This is my suggestion to the writers/producers: get some Christian and teenage viewpoints BEFORE you go spouting nonsense about them.
Sex. I’m 15, so don’t think that I don’t know what High School is like. Yes, there is some pressure from time to time, but it’s not something so big that EVERYONE talks about sex every six sentences. Honestly, I saw the show and was horrified because of what they were doing; I mean, some girl was accusing her boyfriend of “sleeping with” this girl, and doing this other thing. On top of that, Ben, who’s supposed to be the ‘nice guy’ was trying to get laid with Amy. Could you be any more anti-heroic? I mean, at last she finds someone she can count on, only to turn around and find him asking her for sex.
I’ve made my point, and I leave them for the rest of you people to examine and revise. As I said, I’m Abe and I am 15 years old; seriously, I’m not a crotchety old man claiming to be a teen.
P.S.:
Though in my school they DO teach abstinence as the best way to go, they also teach what sex is LIKE and all that ‘messy business’ in Health class.
I am coming from the perspective of a mom of a 16 year old girl who is currently pregnant. My daughter has been watching this show since it started and I feel in some twisted way that it could have escalated the desire to live out the show in her own life. She has been raised in a home where abstinence is taught, waiting until you are married. There are many variables that go into the decision to take the step of becoming sexually active, so in no way do I blame the show for her acting out but creating an unrealistic expectation of the consequences. I have some mixed emotions about the program “SLOAT”. I loved the series “7th Heaven” and how the storylines ended up with a moral to the story. We do not need programs that glorify having sex. How many parents of pregnant teens out there are excited about raising your grandchildren? I am in mourning of the teenage population that chooses to take this path and lose their childhood. This not only puts stress on the teen but also on the whole family…..and society at large.
I don’t like this show alot and I’m basically a teen. Its just sooo…… showy and all.
I have never watched the show, but I watch Americas Funniest Videos on that channel and I see the commercials, CONSTANTLY. And now this new season they’re pumping it again…”could so-in-so be PREGNANT?!”. The commercials glamorize being pregnant, so I don’t have to watch the show to know that it does, too. In reading the comments above, I’m also not surprised that they portray a perverted view of the conservative family, trying to raise their children with some common sense. The bottom line is: parents can’t let television shows raise their children. We have to talk to them and keep them from watching this GARBAGE!
Are you kidding me? Maybe its different for me because I’m a teenager but I’ve watched the show from day one I do Not see how talking about teen sex is that bad do you? It is one of the Biggest Issues faceing teens today and nobody thinks anythinng of the show is about “Prevention” In my eyes its doing good to the teens I’ve thought all about the issues and I will continue to watch the show Un-like the rest of Ya’ll I give thing a chance I did not think i would like the secret life but here I am I was also a fan of 7th heaven and first of all they have a ton better actors than the shows you “MAKE” your kids watch.
So, Some of the adults posting comments on this review are completely naive. I don’t care if you’re 46 year old mom, or not a mom, teenagers like sex. Nothings going to change that. While growing up, horomones are going crazy in guys AND girls. They should be able to learn different ways to deal with teen horomones, and consequences of sex (i.e., talk of masturbation between Grace and her mom). Condoms break, slip off, and some times are completely forgotten. Sex education in school these days don’t just talk about abstinence, but all of the ways to protect from STDs and pregnancies. While the show can be a little cliquey and over dramatic, it is tv, and it’s informative. The show looks at every angle to look at an unfortunate situation. Believe it or not, teens can talk about masturbation and sex all the time. Try going to high school again. A LOT has changed since yalls time. Some of the people commenting on this, have watched like what? One episode? Maybe two? How about you actually watch a few and see the drama that comes with it. It’s pretty realistic. Sorry, don’t mean to worry parents, but sex is a part of life, and it’s talked about every day in school. Hell, I just had a conversation with my best friend today about oral. For some sort of hope for parents though, I talk to my mama about sex. Not like I’d tell her right away after losing my v-card, but eventually I would. I’m 16 and still a virgin. The show isn’t pressuring people to have sex, if your kids are having sex, it’s because all their friends losing their virginity, and them feeling like the awkward one out, boyfriend pressure or other psychological reasons. You may not like the show, but it’s not “preachy” or completely “outrageous.” It’s how life is today, so stop covering your eyes and being ignorant. Start learning. (:
Secret life of a Teenager is something that I probably would not prefer my teenager to watch. Although if it could promote healthy relationships to talk about things with your children than I may be ok with letting them watch it.
Respect to site author , some great entropy.
I recently noticed your site back i are normally seeking via which on a everyday basis. You’ve got a loads of info at this web site so i really like your look towards the internet a tad too. Preserve the top show results!