The Secret Life of the American Teenager

The Secret Life of the American Teenager
File:Secret life of the american teenager.jpg The Secret Life of the American Teenager title card
Created by	Brenda Hampton
Starring	Shailene Woodley Molly Ringwald Mark Derwin India Eisley Francia Raisa Kenny Baumann Daren Kagasoff Megan Park Greg Finley
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	2
Production
Executive producer	Brenda Hampton
Camera setup	Multi-camera
Running time	approx. 46:21
Original release
Network	ABC Family
Release	July 1, 2008 – present

The Secret Life of the American Teenager is an American television series, from the creator of 7th Heaven, Brenda Hampton, that debuted on ABC Family on July 1, 2008. Good-girl band geek Amy is smart, talented...and pregnant. Super-Christian cheerleader Grace wants to wait until she's married and sneaks around behind her parent's back to see her boyfriend, Jack. Jack is not sure he can wait until she finishes Medical school so he cheats on Grace with Adrian, the wild-child "bad girl". However, Adrian is really in love with bad-boy Ricky, the troubled drummer who has one night with Amy that leads to the biggest secret of all and ended up fathering Amy’s baby at band camp. Ben wants to win Amy's heart but doesn't know her secret. As their secrets start to spread to the parents and to friends everyone's secrets and stories start to come to the surface.

Cast

• Shailene Woodley as Amy Juergens

15-year-old good-girl freshman Amy plays French horn for Ulysses S. Grant High School's marching band. Shy, loving, easy-going, friendly, and caring but with a good heart, she finds her whole life turned upside-down after one fateful night at band camp with Ricky, the band's drummer. She doesn't want to tell her parents, but knows they will find out eventually. Luckily, her best friends, Madison and Lauren,the only ones initially told, are there to back her up all the way ... and so is her would-be boyfriend Ben, maybe, if she could ever bring herself to reveal her big secret to him. When it comes to dating, she's old-fashioned and just wants to find "the one." As long as she comes out of her protective shell and opens up to others, true love can't be far behind.

• Molly Ringwald as Anne Juergens

Anne Juergens, loving, caring mother to Amy and Ashley Juergens, has more problems than just her daughter's secret pregnancy. Having married her own husband, George, shortly after discovering that she was pregnant with Amy, Anne's wondering if having wed hastily at a young age was the right thing to do after all. Probably not, she decides, when she finds out that George has been cheating on her with another woman. Now Anne has to decide if she should leave George for good ... or if she and the girls need him now more than ever.

• Mark Derwin as George Juergens

George Juergens may not be the perfect role model for husbands everywhere, what with his sneaky "long hours at work (in the furniture store)," but he nonetheless finds himself torn between his family responsibilities and his cheating heart. Things get a little sketchier when we realize just who he's been cheating with -- none other than feisty Adrian Lee's even feistier mom, Cindy. Will George break off his secret affair to help his wife and daughter in a time of need, or does true love await him elsewhere? His ex-wife is Grace's mom, Kathleen.

• India Eisley as Ashley Juergens

Amy's 13-year-old sister who acts out and dresses against the dress code by wearing shirts that show midriff. She resents her older sister's good girl attitude. She was the third person, and the first family-member of Amy to find out about Amy's pregnancy.

• Francia Raisa as Adrian Lee

Flirty Adrian, the school's resident bad girl and a majorette in the marching band, often hangs around Ricky when she's not sauntering through the hallways twirling her baton. Her seldom-home flight attendant mom leaves her plenty of room to break rules, though one area she does seem to be excelling in is school. She'd never tell Ricky that, of course, nor would she ever admit that she's actually kind of ... into him ... and wants more than just a series of one-night stands. In fact, Adrian loves Ricky,but thinks he is using her for sex. She and Jack have sex. When Adrian needs help to find her biological father, she turns to the school counselor, Marc Molina. Adrian is opinionated, free-spirited, and unafraid to go after what she wants. Some might see her as arrogant, showy, or too tough for their own good, but she has also got a soft side - and she's pretty smart, too. She should not be afraid to let go of that hard-to-crack exterior, because somebody might see through it and realize they like the vulnerable, affectionate her, too.

• Kenny Baumann as Ben Boykewick

Ben, the wisecracking freshman class-clown at the school, is a sarcastic know-it-all ... or so he seems. A self-proclaimed wise guy, he's often seen cracking jokes with best friends Alice Valko and Henry Miller. He tells them that he wants to lose his virginity, even though he's actually an obsessive romantic at heart and would do anything for the perfect movie moment. He tries to play it cool when it comes to winning Amy's heart. He quickly falls in love with her, going as far as to join the marching band to spend time with her. Will he find true love with Amy? Will he want to be with Amy when her secret comes to the surface? Only time can tell. Ben is funny, witty, and totally lovable. What he's looking for is somebody who can be the yin to his yang, somebody who laughs at all his jokes and who he can be there for, just like the loyal person he is. But he shouldn't resort to humor to cover up his insecurities - chances are, the person he end's up with just might want to get serious. His mom died 5 years ago.

• Daren Kagasoff as Ricky Underwood

Ricky is the school's resident bad boy, so it's no surprise that he's often seen with Adrian, the band's super-sexy majorette. He was sexually abused by his father as a child and now lives in a foster home. He is the drummer in the band, of course, and a free-spirited rebel who never plays by the rules -- not in his foster home and certainly not in love. His major womanizing seems to be the hot topic of discussion, not only in the hallways, but also in his shrink's office. He and his psychiatrist believe this has led to his womanizing and promiscuity with women, because Ricky feels that he must have sex with every girl he meets in a vain effort to prove to himself his own masculinity. But one fateful night might prove more than this bad boy can deal with, when he finds out that Amy is going to have their baby. He may also find out that he wants more than a one night stand with Amy. The lone rebel without a cause, he's good-looking and he knows it. But he let's it get to his head. Breaking the rules can be fun - but playing by them might also bring him some unexpected surprises.

• Megan Park as Grace Bowman

Grace is the perky, lovable, and wholesome head cheerleader whom every guy wants but none can have. Oh, and did we mention that she's a super-devoted Christian? Her parents even give her a promise ring, as a reminder of her purity pledge with long-term boyfriend, Jack. Whether it's in cheerleading, dating, school (she's already plotting Med school), or at home, Grace is a Type A perfectionist. She's a serious go-getter who doesn't take no for an answer. No wonder Adrian can't stand her. But when she finds out her boyfriend Jack has been unfaithful, will she forgive him? She is bubbly, spirited, and kind. She's the girl-next-door type who everybody likes. She play's by the rules and works hard to do well in school. Success in academics, extra-curriculars, and love are super-important to her, but she should not be so hard on herself or others when something goes wrong! After all, nobody's perfect, and we can all learn from our mistakes.

• Greg Finley as Jack Pappas

Jack, the star of the football team and Grace's boyfriend, is also a devoted Christian and super serious about athletics. His heart may be in the right place, but his head isn't always so clear. Too bad for Jack, because failure of any kind is totally out of the question -- same as Grace. Can he accept his mistakes like a man, or will he let them tear him apart? More important -- does he have what it takes to stick by Grace 'til death do them part? Looks like Jack may have more than just football to worry about. Jack loves Grace, but is unsure if he can wait until they are married and she is finished with Medical School. He makes the mistake of sleeping with Adrian and must face the consequence when they are caught making out by Graces brother. He is strong, "loyal," and always the leader of the pack, he feels obliged to do the right thing or take one for the team, even if it might not be what he personally wants. But instead of rushing headlong into every game, he should take some time to think about what he really wants. He should use his heart instead of his head - the results might surprise him.

Recurring

• Josie Bissett as Kathleen Bowman

Kathleen Bowman, wife to Marshall and mom to Tom and Grace, is also George Juergens's first wife, which explains George's glee when he sees Grace misbehaving on a street corner on the morning news. It's a wake-up call to Kathleen too, who's raised Grace to be the perfect daughter. Yet even Kathleen isn't as hard on Grace as Grace is on herself, and it'll take a mother's love and support to help her through heartbreak and beyond. Her ex-husband is Amy's dad, George.

• John Schneider as Marshall Bowman

Marshall Bowman is Grace Bowman's over-protective yet well-meaning father. He's a good Christian, but he's certainly not beyond threats or holding grudges, especially when it comes to any guy who's wronged his precious Grace. A doctor himself, Marshall finds out about Amy's pregnancy even before her own parents do, which sparks off a whole series of debates on the meaning of "making a mistake." But the question is ... will Marshall ever allow his own oh-so-perfect daughter to be anything less than perfect?

• Luke Zimmerman as Thomas (Tom) (Tommy) Bowman

Grace's mentally handicapped brother with down syndrome

• Jorge Luis-Pallo as Marc Molina

Marc Molina is the hot new counselor in town. Oh, and we do mean hot, because he's certainly been an exciting piece of news among the collective student body ... the girls, anyway. But he'd better be prepared for his new role, 'cause handing out condoms is the least of his bizarre duties. Can he help Ben score the love of his dreams, even when there's a bun in the oven ... or help Adrian find out who her real father is? Whew! Maybe Marc should've stayed on Wall Street after all ...

• Renee Olstead as Madison Cooperstein

Madison is one of Amy's best friends. She is always seen with Lauren. She and Lauren accidentally slip out the rumor that Amy had sex with Ricky, which starts to go around the whole school.

• Camille Winbush as Lauren Treacy

She is one of Amy's closest friends. She is very logical and constantly telling Amy to see a doctor about her pregnancy

• Amy Rider as Alice Valko

One of Ben's best friends. Ben tells her and Henry that he wants to lose his virginity, although he is truly a romantic, and seeks out Amy. Alice knows a lot of statistics about teenage sex. She is dating Henry Miller, Ben's other best friend.

• Allen Evangelista as Henry Miller

One of Ben's best friends. Ben tells him and Alice that he wants to lose his virginity, although he is truly a romantic, and seeks out Amy. He is dating Alice Valko, Ben's other best friend.

Setting

The show takes place at a real American high school, Ulysses S. Grant High School located in Valley Glen, CA a neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. The uniforms worn by the football team, cheerleaders, and band are the exact ones worn by the real students of Grant High School. Many of the scene designs have not been altered for the filming of the series.

Episodes

{{Episode list

#	Title	Airdate
1	"Pilot: Falling in Love"	July 1, 2008
After returning home from summer band camp, wholesome 15-year-old Amy Juergens discovers that she is pregnant after having sex for the first time with the drummer, Ricky Underwood (known school-wide as a player). Afraid to tell her parents, who consider her their "good girl", or even accept the truth herself, she turns to her two best friends, Lauren and Madison, for support. She won't tell them who the father is and wanting to be sure, Lauren and Madison buy her 3 pregnancy tests which confirm that she is indeed pregnant. Amy cannot bring herself to tell her parents, who have enough on their hands with their own marital issues and Amy's sister Ashley, a rebellious 13-year-old who doesn't follow the dress code. Meanwhile, Adrian is about to stand Ricky up to go on an illicit date with the school football star, Jack. Jack's a devout Christian, just like his beautiful, virginal girlfriend, Grace Bowman, but he finds himself torn between his manly instincts and his promise to God (and his girlfriend). But Ricky has other problems -- he lives in a foster home after his dad abused him, contributing to his current behavior. Just as Amy finally works up the courage to tell her parents, Ben calls to ask her out on a date, after being told by his friends that she might be a good place to start his sex life. He's even joined the marching band just to get closer to Amy. She agrees to go with him to the Youth Fellowship post-game celebration (hosted by Grace). Meanwhile, Ben's best friends, Alice and Henry, notice that Ben's moved beyond just trying to have sex with Amy -- he's actually got a thing for her now. Too bad he doesn't know her big secret, though he does notice her looking at Ricky from across the room. So do Lauren and Madison, unfortunately, and they put two and two together. But where are Jack and Adrian during all this? Oh, just making out in the church hallway. Unfortunately, Tom, Grace's brother, walks in on them and screams. Grace and Ricky discover their two-timing significant others while Amy and Ben, oblivious to it all, finish up their slow dance as the world falls apart around them.
2	"You Are My Everything"	July 8, 2008
Alice and Henry overhear Lauren and Madison talking about Amy and Ricky. They pass on the rumor to Ben, who calls Amy to ask her if the rumors are true. However, he feels bad and realizes that it doesn't matter to him. Amy, already miserable from morning sickness, is now worried that Ricky has been telling people they had sex and confronts him. Ricky tells her he hasn't told anyone and Amy suspects Lauren and Madison. She is upset at them and ignores their calls and emails. On the phone, Ben tells Amy he loves her and she reciprocates. Meanwhile, Jack tries to beg Grace's forgiveness, but her parents are less than trusting. After Jack promises his digression was nothing more than a kiss, Grace forgives him and says she will go out with him again if her parents give permission. Forgiveness must be in the air, because Ricky has forgiven Adrian for cheating on him with Jack and the two have sex. He doesn't spend the night, but promises to call - which he doesn't. Amy seems determined to ignore her pregnancy and spend time with her new boyfriend, Ben.
3	"I Feel Sick"	July 15, 2008
Ben continues to fall hard for Amy, and the two share their first kiss. Amy lets her sister, Ashley, in on her secret but keeps her parents in the dark about her pregnancy; Grace uses Ricky as a cover to sneak around with Jack; and a jealous Adrian feels like Ricky is just using her for sex.
4	"Caught"	July 22, 2008
Amy can't stand Ben's clingy behavior, especially in the face of her parents' increasingly strained relations with one another. Elsewhere, Ricky continues to play a part in Grace and Jack's ploy to see each another, but as things backfire, Jack seeks comfort from Adrian.
5	"What Have You Done to Me?"	July 29, 2008
Amy contemplates adoption for her unborn child, and George skips town.
6	"Absent?"	August 5, 2008
Ricky faces pressure from his foster parents to do right by Amy.
7	"Love For Sale"	August 12, 2008
Grace attempts to put a halt to Amy's plans for abortion.
8	"Slice of Life"	August 19, 2008
9	TBA	August 26, 2008
EpisodeNumber=10	Title=The End?	OriginalAirDate=September 2, 2008

Ratings

The Secret Life of the American Teenager had the highest premiere ever for an ABC Family original program. "American Teenager" brought in 2.82 million viewers and a 0.9/3 in the 18-49 demo. The premiere only ranks behind the first season finale of Kyle XY in terms of viewers. "American Teenager" also scored high in the female demos, registering a 6.5/24 in the female teens demo and a 3.1/11 in the older females.

External links

• Official website
• The Secret Life of the American Teenager at IMDb
• Template:Tv.com show
• The Secret Life of the American Teenager at Metacritic