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. 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
  2. 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!
  3. brookea.
    Oct 6, 2008
    10
    Its was really good and it has too many twists i cant wait for the n ext season to come up.
  4. 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.
  5. PhilipG.
    Jul 23, 2008
    0
    This show is amazing! I love all the drama and the storyline is awesome!
  6. VictoriaS
    Jul 30, 2008
    9
    I watched the pilot purely because Molly Ringwald is in the show. I am now thoroughly addicted. It's definitely a guilty pleasure, because no matter how much I enjoy it, certain parts of this show really aren't well-executed. But I find it enormously, ENORMOUSLY entertaining. I think it's definitely worth watching at least once...and I personally will be watching it every week.
  7. RachaelS.
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    This is hands down one of the best shows I have ever watched. I can barely wait until Tuesday. You would have to be crazy not to like this show.
  8. KimL.
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    This show is more realistic than most shows on tv today. It sends a serious message but is entertaining at the same time. It doesn't tell kids not to do it, that just makes them want to do it more. It informs kids of the consequences and leaves the choice to them. The cast matches fairly well and most of them are very in character. the settings are very realistic as well. overall it This show is more realistic than most shows on tv today. It sends a serious message but is entertaining at the same time. It doesn't tell kids not to do it, that just makes them want to do it more. It informs kids of the consequences and leaves the choice to them. The cast matches fairly well and most of them are very in character. the settings are very realistic as well. overall it is very good.… Expand
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. BrianA.
    Jul 1, 2008
    1
    I thought nothing could be more preachy then "7th Heaven". I was wrong. This show is not realistic at all. Sure, sex is an issue on the minds of high school students, but they don't talk and think about only sex 24/7. And the religious messages are just absurd. I'm expecting Pat Robertson to pop out and start rambling at any time. Terrible in all ways.
  15. Mark
    Jul 10, 2008
    0
    This show is completely unrealistic. I'm a sophomore now, and there aren't any teenagers I know that say sex that much. And just about evey character is annoying and fake. Especially Ben, and that older sister; They are awful characterization. Worst teenage show I've seen in a long time. Next time don't let the person from a Christian show try to take on teenage pregnancy.
  16. DaveT.
    Jul 10, 2008
    1
    Truly a weak attempt at presenting a fresh perspective on a common theme.
  17. daslfs.
    Jul 18, 2008
    10
    I love this show! Brenda Hampton did an amazing job with casting. Shailene Woodley is perfect for the part of Amy. I reserve my Tuesday nights just to sit down and watch this very realistic show. Keep up the good work!
  18. CupcakeWagner
    Aug 5, 2008
    10
    I love this show! In high school, kids do have sex and they do get pregnant. There is diffidently all that drama and all those problems. Kids have problems at school and at home. They have relationships, break ups, all that. This show is a lot better than all those un-realistic teen shows.
  19. LeeH.
    Aug 5, 2008
    9
    Good show. Being a high school teacher, I see a lot of these characters in my students. The downside is that the show drags things out too long. Things need to move at a more steady pace.
  20. AllysonF
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    Yes, the show might be way out in the ball park for High School drama but it brings the real views of what is on teenagers minds then the rest of those TV teen drama shows. From Labels to Religion it brings up every topic you can think of that teenagers think through. Other then the drug factor and I do for once hope they don't bring that in, it will do wonders for the plot but drug Yes, the show might be way out in the ball park for High School drama but it brings the real views of what is on teenagers minds then the rest of those TV teen drama shows. From Labels to Religion it brings up every topic you can think of that teenagers think through. Other then the drug factor and I do for once hope they don't bring that in, it will do wonders for the plot but drug opinions are crazy and won't help anything. The show brings out new meaning to the word 'Secret' because not only does the main girl act secretive she has a big one of her own and makes you wonder if she has any others. If you hate it just because it's unoriginal or unrealistic then take a look around, it's life at its funniest and TV appropriate. I know I sound like a teacher or something but if you hate it you don't have to watch it or comment it, ruining other peoples good times and favorite things can't be all there is to do in the world; I mean the main character is pregnant at 15 how about you go try getting what she has... A life.… Expand
  21. GabbyR
    Aug 8, 2008
    10
    I think this show is great i go nuts every tuesday because i love it so much. I'm hooked!
  22. DanielL.
    Aug 9, 2008
    9
    I've seen more than 300 Teenage shows around, but none ever like this one. Since I'm just about over my teenage years, and have experienced many of what some people so call " Unrealistic situations", and i say to them "Your completely wrong.". The majority of this show represent realistic situations such as young pregnancy, which also happened to a very close friend of mine. I've seen more than 300 Teenage shows around, but none ever like this one. Since I'm just about over my teenage years, and have experienced many of what some people so call " Unrealistic situations", and i say to them "Your completely wrong.". The majority of this show represent realistic situations such as young pregnancy, which also happened to a very close friend of mine. Although the indiscreet usage of the word "sex", it has and is being used as a common word in high school lately. I'm just basing myself on the show and other people's non-sense comments. Great show!… Expand
  23. DanielleT.
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    As someone who actually relates to the girl in this story I was a teen parent. I belive this show is an amazing example of what girls really do go through in this situation. You do lose your friends and the hardest part is telling your parents. Some may think that he parents were dense well they weren't they just didn't expect that from her because that's not the sterio As someone who actually relates to the girl in this story I was a teen parent. I belive this show is an amazing example of what girls really do go through in this situation. You do lose your friends and the hardest part is telling your parents. Some may think that he parents were dense well they weren't they just didn't expect that from her because that's not the sterio type of person that gets pregnant in high school I would know I was a straight A student. It happens and it shows that this is what its like when it does happen.… Expand
  24. LisaB.
    Jan 5, 2009
    10
    I love this show, because this kind of thing actually happens in high school. It may not happen to everyone, but it still happens. People are saying that it's unrealistic and fake, but it's not. It's true, and even though you might not be pregnant at your hiugh school, I gaurantee there is someone.. I'm 16 and know someone that just had a baby at my age.. so yes. it I love this show, because this kind of thing actually happens in high school. It may not happen to everyone, but it still happens. People are saying that it's unrealistic and fake, but it's not. It's true, and even though you might not be pregnant at your hiugh school, I gaurantee there is someone.. I'm 16 and know someone that just had a baby at my age.. so yes. it happens. That's what this show portrays. .the life of a teenager who does end up pregnant and it's interesting to see what goes on with them as people find out. i LOVE this show. =]… Expand
  25. 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.
  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. CodyD.
    Aug 30, 2009
    10
    I just like everything about it iz a hole lot better then 7th heaven.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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