The Secret Life of the American Teenager

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 131
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 131
  3. Negative: 57 out of 131
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User Reviews

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  1. BiggestTVlover1
    Nov 25, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have mix feelings about this show. For the beginning of her pregnancy Amy acted the way I expected a typical teen girl to act if pregnant. However as her pregnancy went on this went away besides the whole adoption thing. After the baby was born I hated Amy because of her territorial attitude over her son. He she needs to get over herself and realize its not only her baby. I hate that she makes most of the decision without Ricky's input. I also really hate what happened to Adrian and Ben's baby in season 3 or 4 and there was no reason for it, plus it was the only girl baby which I was looking forward too since I prefer girls. Also the name John is too old for a child in our time, even in 2008 not many children were named John anymore. Beside that I absolutely love the show, it makes me laugh constantly. I also love how ruined and messed up Amy's family is.… Expand
  2. TornadoCreator
    Apr 11, 2016
    7
    Teen drama is difficult to judge as many people expect far more from it that they get; they also criticise it for the very things that make it teen drama, such as the main characters making stupid decisions.

    This first season (at least according to the DVDs) is 11 episodes and focuses on the character of Amy getting pregnant and how it effects her friendships, home life and    Teen drama is difficult to judge as many people expect far more from it that they get; they also criticise it for the very things that make it teen drama, such as the main characters making stupid decisions.

    This first season (at least according to the DVDs) is 11 episodes and focuses on the character of Amy getting pregnant and how it effects her friendships, home life and relationships. The high school dynamics are very focused on sex, which is more realistic than some people want to admit but there's still a strong feeling of "Americana" about the way they act. Some characters feel extremely naive and act in extremely foolish ways, get upset over stupid things etc. but at the same point they're supposed to be 15, so it makes sense.

    The character of Ben is overly romantic, but in many ways I can relate as I remember being that kind of hopeless romantic myself at 16. Other characters like Adrian are extremely sexualised and comes across as somewhat unrealistic. Finally there's the religious characters, which may resonate with American culture, but in Europe come across almost comical as we just don't have that kind of all-consuming faith here.

    Still, for a simple teen drama, it all comes together well and kept my interest long that I wanted to keep watching. Characters have endearing qualities, even the ones who you should in theory dislike. If you enjoy soaps or teen dramas, this is certainly a decent one. It won't change your world, but then it's not meant to.    … Expand
  3. emala
    Feb 18, 2013
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Awful. Simply... awful. The actors are stiff, the plot is unbelievable and inaccurate, and the writers obviously know next to nothing about teenage life. Yes, teenagers have sex and talk about sex, but it's not nearly as prominent in teenage life as they make it out to be There is also the fact that the main character is supposed to be Sweet, Innocent, and Adorable, but she dresses like a slut, acts like a slut, and is completely unlikeable. Her boyfriend offers to marry her because she's pregnant even though it isn't his, but this DOESN'T HAPPEN in real life, especially to two freshman. There is so many more inaccuracies I could rant about, but I don't want to ruin more of this perfectly terrible show for whoever wants to watch it.… Expand
  4. TJD2
    Jun 11, 2012
    0
    horrible acting, poor dialogue, unrealistic scenarios. This pretty much DEFINES bad TV. Odd that my review for this must be at least 100 characters long, but whatever, I really only need to say that it's a horrible show that nobody should be subjected to due to the aforementioned reasons. How this is still on after 4 years I will never know. I only rated it a zero because I couldn't gohorrible acting, poor dialogue, unrealistic scenarios. This pretty much DEFINES bad TV. Odd that my review for this must be at least 100 characters long, but whatever, I really only need to say that it's a horrible show that nobody should be subjected to due to the aforementioned reasons. How this is still on after 4 years I will never know. I only rated it a zero because I couldn't go negative.… Expand
  5. fade
    May 6, 2012
    10
    Love this show from the start. It is very very funny. Love the adult actors and the surprise guest stars. Cool to see upcoming new young actors getting there start on this show. Lots of twist and turns. Lots of talent.
  6. LittleMama726
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    At first I really liked the show, just because it was from ABC and all of my friends liked it. But now, I have realized what a stupid show it really is. In just one conversation, all they really talk about is sex. My friends still like it, and they are always asking me what season I'm on, and I just say that it's a dumb show and does not have anything to do with a real high school life.At first I really liked the show, just because it was from ABC and all of my friends liked it. But now, I have realized what a stupid show it really is. In just one conversation, all they really talk about is sex. My friends still like it, and they are always asking me what season I'm on, and I just say that it's a dumb show and does not have anything to do with a real high school life. They brag to each other about where they are in the seasons, it is so annoying! Kids should not be watching shows like this.… Expand
  7. TheRealz
    Aug 8, 2011
    4
    I have to start by saying that the reason for such a low score is not the ridiculous plot, but instead, the acting. No one in this show can act to save their life, and everyone speaks in a monotone and sounds completely rehearsed, therefore the show loses all believability before I even watch the rest of the episode. Even though I suffered through a few episodes to get the feel of the showI have to start by saying that the reason for such a low score is not the ridiculous plot, but instead, the acting. No one in this show can act to save their life, and everyone speaks in a monotone and sounds completely rehearsed, therefore the show loses all believability before I even watch the rest of the episode. Even though I suffered through a few episodes to get the feel of the show I don't recommend anyone else does the same.… Expand
  8. lizzieliz101545
    Mar 23, 2011
    5
    i've watched it since the start and at first it was really good but it gets cheesier and cheesier. the actors are so HORRIBLE except for about four people like shailene and molly of course and a lot of the story line is just.... awkward so maybe they cast would be better in a dif project but still. even with all of this... i'm strangely addicted and they def know how to keep you hooked.i've watched it since the start and at first it was really good but it gets cheesier and cheesier. the actors are so HORRIBLE except for about four people like shailene and molly of course and a lot of the story line is just.... awkward so maybe they cast would be better in a dif project but still. even with all of this... i'm strangely addicted and they def know how to keep you hooked. but i'm seriously am only watching it to watch amy and ricky's love story... i fast forward through all the rest of the classmates' dramas because it's seriously tacky and fake and just horrible acting. it's not completely awful but it's not a work of art… Expand
  9. CityGirl
    Mar 16, 2011
    2
    I try not to watch this show because I turned it on and counted over 50 times that they said "sex" "abstinence" or made some other blatant sexual reference in one episode "Ashley, are you going to have sex?" "I'm not going to have sex. And if i was going to have sex i wouldn't tell you about sex" "Sex is something you should talk about. sex...." blah blah blah. Oh please, realisticI try not to watch this show because I turned it on and counted over 50 times that they said "sex" "abstinence" or made some other blatant sexual reference in one episode "Ashley, are you going to have sex?" "I'm not going to have sex. And if i was going to have sex i wouldn't tell you about sex" "Sex is something you should talk about. sex...." blah blah blah. Oh please, realistic this show isn't… Expand
  10. Sammy9432
    Jan 19, 2011
    0
    This show is probably the worst show I've ever seen. The acting is absolutely awful especially from the actor who plays Ricky. The show is supposed to be focusing on Amy and yet it is filled with worthless storylines that make no sense. The whole cheerleader Christian thing makes no sense to me and the sex craved Adrian is such an unrealistic character (yes there are girls like that but IThis show is probably the worst show I've ever seen. The acting is absolutely awful especially from the actor who plays Ricky. The show is supposed to be focusing on Amy and yet it is filled with worthless storylines that make no sense. The whole cheerleader Christian thing makes no sense to me and the sex craved Adrian is such an unrealistic character (yes there are girls like that but I never once experienced a girl that slutty in high school) Ben is just so annoying it's sickening he fell in love with Amy after one day and the whole saying I love you thing was so corny. I think the writers tried to make him be similar to JT Yorke from Degrassi but they failed miserably. Yes teen pregnancy does happen but this show is way to dramatic between the father having an affair with the mother of Adrian and then Ricky being sexually abused and blah blah blah. Sometimes less is more and this is way too much. All of these actors need to take more acting classes and new writers need to be hired for this show to have any hope.… Expand
  11. MeganS
    Jan 26, 2010
    2
    I started watching this show with the Pilot and found it mildly enjoyable, but wow has it gone downhill. The main thing that bothers me is that every single scene is about sex- who
  12. JulienF.
    Jan 21, 2010
    5
    I deeply wanted to give it a 1 or a 2, but I'd be lying to myself and to you all if I didn't say that I enjoy this show way too much for a normal person. The storylines are flat, the acting is dreadful(even for the grown-up actors),the word sex is mentioned 5000 times per episode, noting is realistic, woodley apparently forgot that if there is an N at the end of a word you have I deeply wanted to give it a 1 or a 2, but I'd be lying to myself and to you all if I didn't say that I enjoy this show way too much for a normal person. The storylines are flat, the acting is dreadful(even for the grown-up actors),the word sex is mentioned 5000 times per episode, noting is realistic, woodley apparently forgot that if there is an N at the end of a word you have to pronounce it, so why on earth am I so drawn to this show? well because it is so bad that it becomes addictive. people enjoying it because they think it's good should be treated really.… Expand
  13. DeeMotherof5teens
    Jan 20, 2010
    1
    Horrible Show. Here is what I got out of listening to one episode from the next room while my step daughters watched it: There's a girl that likes to have oral sex, Tom broke up with Tammy but it isn't because she won't have sex with him. She has phone sex with him all the time and Adrian thought everyone was aware of that. Tom does like a different girl and wants to have Horrible Show. Here is what I got out of listening to one episode from the next room while my step daughters watched it: There's a girl that likes to have oral sex, Tom broke up with Tammy but it isn't because she won't have sex with him. She has phone sex with him all the time and Adrian thought everyone was aware of that. Tom does like a different girl and wants to have sex with her so poor Tammy needs to put out or get out. Maria has wanted to kiss one of the boys for a long time and is now offering to have his baby. She wants to get engaged and have beautiful sex, have babies and run a sausage factory. Another girl had sex with one of the boys, but never really dated him, and that makes him feel rejected. So he offers to dance with her, yet she has to clarify if he wanted to dance vertically or horizontally. Rickie is having sex with other girls and Adrian isn't happy about it. He is also cheating on her and doesn't want to be in a relationship with her because that jeapoardizes his relationship with his son and baby mama. The parents in the show only see a problem with Amy and Adrian not getting along but don't seem to have a problem with all of these teens having sex with each other. Adrian has had sex with Rickie, Ben, Jack and other guys... Amy has only had sex with Rickie and Ben. Maria just wants to have sex with them but hasn't had it yet. Needless to say... this show will no longer be watched in my home.… Expand
  14. [anonymous]
    Jan 12, 2010
    0
    Hey, here's a great idea! Let's make a 7th Heaven ripoff, only let's have them talk about sex every two words! Great idea, huh? Well, it is if you're my sister
  15. Genej
    Jan 5, 2010
    2
    In the end, all you see is kids mention the word sex 300 times during one episode. It's a completely biased show with bad Christian undertones hidden by it's onimous, self-absorbed, completely mornic, sex depraved writers. It's really hard to not look away from this mess, and I mean that in the worst way possible. There are plenty of shows trying to captilize in on the In the end, all you see is kids mention the word sex 300 times during one episode. It's a completely biased show with bad Christian undertones hidden by it's onimous, self-absorbed, completely mornic, sex depraved writers. It's really hard to not look away from this mess, and I mean that in the worst way possible. There are plenty of shows trying to captilize in on the Juno/teen-mom situation. Ironically, MTV's Teen Mom is just behind this, however, Teen Mom is atleast a docu-drama. While, the writers of this show try and make the kids sound mature, all they sound like is droids from planet mono-tone. However, it ends up being one of those "so bad, it's hard not to watch" shows. Which was probably the goal for this piece of crap all along.… Expand
  16. JenniferN
    Jan 4, 2010
    1
    OMG.... i just got out of high school about a year ago... this TV show is the most unrealistic TV show out there...... me and my boyfriend lived together for three years now and we dont talk about sex THAT much... i swear.. in this TV show..... you hear sex in every single scene. =.= LAME!
  17. alicen
    Jan 4, 2010
    0
    Wow, what a terrible show for it's content and acting! I have two teenage daughters whom i have a very open relationship with and both just laugh at the absurdity of this series. It is totally unrealistic. Yes, some teens do have sex but it is NOT all they talk about. Also, a character like Ben would be considered by his peers as a freak with a sick obsession for a teen mom. If you Wow, what a terrible show for it's content and acting! I have two teenage daughters whom i have a very open relationship with and both just laugh at the absurdity of this series. It is totally unrealistic. Yes, some teens do have sex but it is NOT all they talk about. Also, a character like Ben would be considered by his peers as a freak with a sick obsession for a teen mom. If you really want to have your children see what teen moms and dads are like and what thier lives turn into after a teen pregnancy have them watch the reality show "16 and Pregnant" it's awful, trashy , sad and very depressing , now that's what typically happens in real life when you get pregnant at 15 ! This show just glamorizes the whole idea of teen sex and pregnancies...oh and by coincidence the "bad Bay" sperm donor just happens to be an incredibly good looking guy!! What the hell were the producers and writers thinking when they created this show?… Expand
  18. LauraM
    Dec 26, 2009
    1
    although i somehow find it somewhat interesting to watch about how they unrealistically deal with it, this show is a huge load of sh*t that im ashamed america got so low that they had to make a show about a teenager getting pregnant, and of course it's not her boyfriend's baby. and as said previously, i am insulted since i am a teenager, because we dont always talk about sex! although i somehow find it somewhat interesting to watch about how they unrealistically deal with it, this show is a huge load of sh*t that im ashamed america got so low that they had to make a show about a teenager getting pregnant, and of course it's not her boyfriend's baby. and as said previously, i am insulted since i am a teenager, because we dont always talk about sex! and her best friend Maddison seems very unsupportive and pessimistic, and not in her own right. Lauren isn't so bad, but could improve on the acting skills, for that matter, they can ALL improve on the acting skills! shocking. other characters seem to have such boring, dragged out, self absorbed storylines that it makes you wonder if they were just put in to pass the time. just an all-time shocking show that is extremely unrealistic and boring.… Expand
  19. saras
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    It's a great show that families and teenagers can relate to anywhere. It's real and brutally ohnest...not like all those other fake shows.
  20. joshp
    Nov 21, 2009
    7
    I'm a 23 year old guy and my girlfriend loves this show. I started watching it with her and it's not THAT bad. I actually look forward to watching it now, but if you've only seen 1-3 episodes you'll want to hang yourself.. So much talk about teen sex, and arguably makes it look "cool" and "popular" to be a teen and pregnant... so some controversy there. One time i I'm a 23 year old guy and my girlfriend loves this show. I started watching it with her and it's not THAT bad. I actually look forward to watching it now, but if you've only seen 1-3 episodes you'll want to hang yourself.. So much talk about teen sex, and arguably makes it look "cool" and "popular" to be a teen and pregnant... so some controversy there. One time i counted the word "sex" being used 72 times.… Expand
  21. CodyD.
    Aug 30, 2009
    10
    I just like everything about it iz a hole lot better then 7th heaven.
  22. lisab
    Aug 28, 2009
    1
    Man oh man. I'm one for cheesy reality tv and teen soaps but holy cow. I never notice acting but in this show, it definitely stands out. I am ten years past my teens but I know clearly, this is not how high school works. Sex wasn't brought up in EVERY conversation. The only way this show is entertaining is to laugh at. None of it is realistic in any sense . The main girl has Man oh man. I'm one for cheesy reality tv and teen soaps but holy cow. I never notice acting but in this show, it definitely stands out. I am ten years past my teens but I know clearly, this is not how high school works. Sex wasn't brought up in EVERY conversation. The only way this show is entertaining is to laugh at. None of it is realistic in any sense . The main girl has friends who are so 'cliche' it's sickening. I really don't know how this made it on ABC. It's more of an MTV hour fill in type of show. They could do so much better... Juno, which this show is related to, was much better and would never make it as a show... obviously.… Expand
  23. chem
    Aug 11, 2009
    4
    I think that although this show maybe entertaining at times, despite all the terrible actors/actresses, it gets kinda annoying with all the drama. yes, drama really happens in real life, but i just wish that the characters would at least learn their lesson a little better. they all just need to chill out! they also make it seem that sex is ok when really its probably better just to wait. I think that although this show maybe entertaining at times, despite all the terrible actors/actresses, it gets kinda annoying with all the drama. yes, drama really happens in real life, but i just wish that the characters would at least learn their lesson a little better. they all just need to chill out! they also make it seem that sex is ok when really its probably better just to wait. i don't know what i think about the show. all i know is that they probably have a bet to see how many times they can say sex on the show.… Expand
  24. KiraH
    Aug 7, 2009
    0
    This is the worst show ever... the characters are either always fighting or talking about sex & nothing really ever happens. I am normally not one that notices bad acting in every show or movie, but this show has the worst acting ever! The characters are all very wooden, and nothing that happens on the show is even remotely believable. Everyone is so annoyingly linked to each other that This is the worst show ever... the characters are either always fighting or talking about sex & nothing really ever happens. I am normally not one that notices bad acting in every show or movie, but this show has the worst acting ever! The characters are all very wooden, and nothing that happens on the show is even remotely believable. Everyone is so annoyingly linked to each other that it becomes ridiculous (for example, this person's mother use to date this other person's father who had an affair with ANOTHER person's mother). It's like, how is this even realistic?? Then there is the main character, the new mother Amy, who acts like a total b--- about everything. Yes, I know she just had a baby & has to deal with all the stress & hardships of being a teen mother, but would it kill her to stop complaining & b---ing about everything & everyone for once? Also, nearly everyone seems to be OBSESSED with sex all the time that it's all anyone ever talks about. Everyone spreads all these rumors around & are always fighting one another about it that the show just becomes extremely boring to watch. And the "good girl" Grace is annoyingly preachy & delusional most of the time, while all the "bad girl" Adrian wants to do is have sex, which she seems only to be around for, in order to enhance the storyline. Amy's best friends Madison & Lauren don't even seem like her best friends, just two immature little girls who don't even know what is going on most of the time. The show focuses on how everyone is sooo involved in everyone else's life that there's little room for other things to happen, which makes it so frustrating to watch. The characters are not even the least bit likeable, nor believable. The girls all seem either very bitchy or annoying, and the guys are either very boring or just interested in sex. All in all, the show is very cliche & filled with bad acting along with shallow characters, so if you're ready to ask "So what even really happened on the show?" after each episode, then by all means watch. Not even satisfying in the least bit.… Expand
  25. Shayla
    Aug 6, 2009
    2
    Unrealistic, but still somewhat entertaining. I am an adult and I have a child and to me the most bothersome thing about this show is how mature all the teenagers seem. I've seen adults less mature about sexual issues, yet every 15 year old seems to have a better handle on sex than I do. Obviously written by someone who has a very idealistic view of what teenagers really feel like. Unrealistic, but still somewhat entertaining. I am an adult and I have a child and to me the most bothersome thing about this show is how mature all the teenagers seem. I've seen adults less mature about sexual issues, yet every 15 year old seems to have a better handle on sex than I do. Obviously written by someone who has a very idealistic view of what teenagers really feel like. Most teenage sex, especially at 15, is not fueled by logical thinking but passion, curiousity, and peer pressure. Writers do not have their finger on the pulse of teenagers.… Expand
  26. MorganF
    Aug 2, 2009
    2
    As a teenager, this show insults me. It is probably the most unrealistic show I have ever seen. Teens talk about sex. Teens have sex. But its not all we talk about. I absolutely cringe everytime some character opnes their mouth.
  27. Yasmine
    Jul 10, 2009
    10
    This is an amazing show i have been watching it ever since the first day it premiered and i fell in love with it in the first five min. it deserves much more then a 47.
  28. EricB.
    Jun 20, 2009
    2
    This show is absolutely awful. The acting is bad, the story is bad, and this is not what a teenagers life is like. In some episodes they say the word sex so many times it's unbearable. The drama element is awful and this show, overall, is just a big pile of crap.
  29. caroline
    Mar 22, 2009
    0
    The situation is very realistic- its how its portrayed. i mean seriously kids in high school are not quite so stereotyped. bad acting made worse by terriblee writing. the whole show is fake and confused- like how ben falls in love with amy in like 0.00002 seconds and then is all like LETS GET HITCHED. and his dad who's all for it. and the bad boy who's not rlly a bad boy- that The situation is very realistic- its how its portrayed. i mean seriously kids in high school are not quite so stereotyped. bad acting made worse by terriblee writing. the whole show is fake and confused- like how ben falls in love with amy in like 0.00002 seconds and then is all like LETS GET HITCHED. and his dad who's all for it. and the bad boy who's not rlly a bad boy- that is soo overdone. this show is complete crap and if u cant see that u are incredibly stupid and nieve.… Expand
  30. DanaA
    Feb 17, 2009
    4
    Somehow I keep coming back to this show. The characterization and acting is terrible. The entire plot is so overused, I could barf. By now, teenagers understand the concept of pregnancy. One character in particular annoys me to all ends, Ben. "I love you Amy, even though you got knocked by some other, not to mention the writers will not give us any other reason than he did it on purpose Somehow I keep coming back to this show. The characterization and acting is terrible. The entire plot is so overused, I could barf. By now, teenagers understand the concept of pregnancy. One character in particular annoys me to all ends, Ben. "I love you Amy, even though you got knocked by some other, not to mention the writers will not give us any other reason than he did it on purpose to get you. Stupid. Stupid. Can we get married now?" Or worse Amy, "I am pregnant, I wish my baby was yours, Ben. But it is Ricky... wait maybe I like Ricky now. Nope, I forgot, I'm married tro you Ben. Oh and did I mention I really and truly love you now? Well, cause I do. I love you now." And their parents trying to force them together through all of this stupid plotholes and crap. "Ben and Amy must be together, because Ricky is the devil. Pure evil. Ben is such a sweet, naive boy. Plus, he's rich and we're in poor times now, I'm the father that lives in my garage and the wife has no job." The actors are terrible. Molly Ringwald sure lost her touch. Or what she had of it anyways. This show makes me want to grind my eyes out with a machete. Grace is annoying, Adrian is annoying, Jack is annoying. Even though Ricky is the only, less-annoying character, he is edging toward toward the annoying line up. If the writers... I shouldn't even call those word deovouring and spitting idiots anything other than failures... think I'm entertain by this mess becaus I so happen to b a teenager, you are mistaken. And if they attempt to put together Ben and Amy for any other idiotic notions. I will puke. They do not love each other, they barely KNOW each other. Ben dated Amy for a couple of weeks and he did NOT know she was pregnant because she hid it from him and he was declaing LOVE since their second date. Not to mention Ben dated Amy over a bet. Good job for that throw back to 80s, cliche crap. Maybe it was an idea of Molly Ringwald.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best TV Season of 2008
9
#9 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 6 out of 15
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    75
    The show, like the old "90210" and "The O.C.," looks to be--from its premiere, at any rate--a top-flight series about a group of high school students, most of whom I liked immediately.
    Read full review
  2. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    80
    Secret Life feels a lot more authentic than many teen dramas.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    60
    It's far more realistic in scope and situations than "Gossip Girl," but there's such an earnestness and one-dimensionality to the characters that they seem a lot less believable.
    Read full review
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