I have watched almost 2 seasons of this with my 16 year old daughter. I thought the message was going to be good for my daughter to learn sex can bring pregnancy. It was appropriate to me up until this 2nd season. The word "sex" was used so many times in every episode I found myself getting de-sensitized to it. Grace, the only christian girl charater, changed her morals. She was going to wait until she got married, including wearing a purity ring. By 2nd season I guess they decided her character was too boring b/c she had sex with Jack. Yes, the made sure her character expressed how sorry she was about it. But, when she had an abstinance group at her church and all the kids went, she was made fun of by everyone, even her mentally challenged brother. Even her mentally challenged brother wants to have sex with his girlfriend. The main character, Amy has changed too much in one season. This season she was more bold, bitchy, rude to parents. Grace's mom, who's husband just passed away, has moved on to greener pastures. She was caught buying condoms at the store by Grace's boyfriend. What kind of message is that? I was all for this show until this season and now I find it totally inappropriate for my child. I have noticed my daughter talking more about sex, some things appropriate, some not. I want to be open with her so I try not to act shocked when she asks questions. I think it has made her think on a more sexual level. I don't think she will get to watch it next season. I'm sure she won't understand why, although I will try to explain.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Molly Ringwald, Shailene Woodley, Megan Park, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD, Online)Ratings at a Glance
| 70% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 60% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 30% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 30% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
Have you seen it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
I would say this is not appropriate for even my 16 year old
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Worst show on tv
Every single scene in this show has someone talking about sex. The kids are disrespectful little brats and the parents let them be. They make the parents so stupid on this show. ABC Family should be ashamed to put this on television. My 8 and 10 year olds were subjected to this crap. It teaches nothing but it's ok to have sex as a young child!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title and give it
this is show is terrible, not as in innappropriate, but so bad and stupid! it's a mockery to television! my kids were laughing on how stupid it was, don't even bother!
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Secrect Life review
I think that although the show is about a tween pregnancy, it gives good messages.
- I rate this title off for age 9 and give it
Not now
I checked out this show when my dd age 9 saw the title and was interested. It is not Ok at this time for her to watch. The behaviors of the adults and the teens are too focused on sexual intimacy and their sexual activities are too casual a part of the conversation. I did like the one character's point of view that premarital sex was wrong for anyone, adult or otherwise, but her perspective is a very small part of the one episode I saw. There maybe a time when this show will be OK for us to watch with her and a time when she, if she is still interested, to watch with out us, but at 9 she is not ready to consider these choices so casually.
- I rate this title off for age 9 and give it
Not now
I checked out this show when my dd age 9 saw the title and was interested. It is not Ok at this time for her to watch. The behaviors of the adults and the teens are too focused on sexual intimacy and too casual a part of the conversation. I did like the one character's point of view that premarital sex was wrong for anyone, adult or otherwise, but her perspective is a very small part of the one episode I saw. There is a time when this show will be OK for us to watch with her and a time when she, if she is still interested, to watch with out us, but at 9 she is not ready to consider these choices so casually.
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Terrible show with mixed messages, not good for anybody
To be honest, I have only seen a few episodes of this show because it's so unspeakably bad I have to leave the room rather to refrain from speaking my mind while my sister (a fan) watches the show. First, let me comment on the quality of the TV show. To say the acting is bad is a gross understatement. I can't even think of a comparison to how bad the acting is. It's just that bad. To be fair, any actor would have a hard time working with the inconsistent, unrealistic, practically nonsensical drivel that passes for dialog in this show. Watch one episode (without the kids) and ask yourself how many people actually talk like that? The story is contrived, predictable and uninspired. The character development is disgraceful. Just when you get to know a character, he or she says something completely out of character just to drive home some "point" or put someone in their place. Characters who at first were kind turn out to be just as mean and petty as everyone else. The two characters who use people the most both turn out to have unresolved "daddy issues." The writers treat the characters like they're all the same person raised in different circumstances. The writers must have absolutely no knowledge of biology, psychology, or basic human nature. This show is too bad even to laugh at. It's just that awful. Now on to the messages. Many people give this show credit for having dialog about sex. Having an honest, open, and complete dialog about sex is one thing. Filling dialog with people talking about sex is quite another. All anyone ever talks about is sex. Yes, teens will sometimes talk about sex, but not nearly to this extent, and not in this manner. The phony sex "dialog" is not my biggest complaint, however. The cruelty and immaturity of all the characters (including the adults) goes to Desperate Housewives levels. All they ever think about are their immediate needs and wants, unless they're having a conveniently placed worry about the future that's forgotten by the next scene. Worst of all, the show gives mixed messages. At the end of the show the actors say "It might seem like everyone is having sex, but they're not..." but EVERYONE ON THE SHOW IS DOING IT!!! That's as bad as if Michael Vick said "It's bad to hurt dogs" after each bloody dogfight. The hypocrisy is repulsive! The last statistic I read said that half of all teenagers have not had sex by the time they graduate high school. If this steaming pile of a show was an example, 95% of teens would be having sex, and having it in contrived, stupid circumstances. Finally, let me address the issue of teen pregnancy. Even though it's a subject in every episode, it's dealt with so superficially as to be practically useless. Maybe I missed too many episodes, but that girl had one easy pregnancy, and oh, how quickly her body returned to a size 0. How unfortunate that her baby only stops crying when Daddy is near. Could the writers not think of even one REAL health issue that afflicts babies? How unbelievably stupid! The bottom line is this show is absolutely awful in every respect. It's too inconsistent and hypocritical to be a positive influence, and it's too stupid and poorly made to be entertaining. If you want a good show about teen pregnancy, watch Juno. If you have extremely low standards and limit your activities to staring at glowing rectangles with moving images on them, watch Secret Life. No. Don't. Battlefield Earth is better than Secret Life of an American Teenager.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
I'm not a prude, but you've got to be kidding. I honestly cannot understand why ABC FAMILY would air this show. The YOUNG teens and adults ALL not only exhibit irresponsible sexual behavior, they talk about it ALL the time. Take Grace for example - who started out by proudly declaring her Christian values. She asks for birth control pills (just to have them) , her mother gets them for her (just in case), then she tells everyone in school. This season she not only has sex with her boyfriend Jack, but she declares it's the BEST experience of her life. Even her minister states sometimes sex before marriage is okay. The dialogue is unrealistic, sexually explicit and laughable. Here's the scary thing teenagers relate to these clean cut, nice looking, middle class youth which makes it a more dangerous program than Rock of Love.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
perfect conversation starters with your own teenage kids
Although the material is very intense (teenage pregnancy, sexual behaviors, etc.)it portrays high school today. It brings up topics many parents shy away from. I use the different decisions and actions the characters are making for conversation starters with my girls. I point out when wrong decisions are being made, and I point out consequences of choices being made. It is a great teaching tool, especially for young teenage girls watching the show. I was thankful to see some material in the show about Jesus also. Morality is lost in television today, so it is a relief to see some Christian values seeping through the screen. Although I hate that the "Christian teens" fell into temptation, it still shows viewers reality of a teenage world.
Lives in IllinoisI rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate sexual content
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
Wake up People!
Anytime you show or tell children about some choice that could have a serious negative consequence and then you don't follow it up with the really bad consequence, you indirectly tell them that it might turn out okay. That is a lie. Getting pregnant, doing drugs, being in an abusive relationship, etc. all of these choices will result in a negative consequence and TV shows will never be able to depict the extent of the suffering and unhappiness caused: not even a reality show. This is because the TV show is a "event" not a lifetime. I know a girl who was pregnant in high school and married the father. Fifty years later she is still married (oh isn't that happy) to an abusive alcoholic. Will the TV show follow this family around for the next 20 years so we can see the long-term impact of this girl's decisions. And will we ever really experience internally, since these are two-dimensional characters on a TV screen that we just happen to let into our living room periodically for our "entertainment." Yes, you can truly experience internally the heartache and troubles that come with teenage pregnancey when your daughter comes home, tells you she's pregnant and hopes that you will be as understanding as the mom on this show.
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give it
Going in the wrong direction
I gave this show a try since my little sister likes it so much. Although the sex public service ad at the end was encouraging, the direction of this show is not. Since it got renewed for another season, it looks as the show went in the direction of keeping the baby to keep everyone happy (except for the main character). The show started off with a message but has lost it to keep ratings. The next season will glamorize having a baby even though the lead will go through some struggles. Teens will then think that everything will be okay causing more teen pregnancies (similar to the JamieLynn Spears' pregnancy). The show is unrealistic, badly written, and will send the wrong message to tweens and teens with the season finale and upcoming season. Highly disappointed with ABC Family.
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give it
Unbelievable!
But believable that ABC Family would have this show on at primetime for any child to view. Your children are watching this online and downloading. Eleven year olds are watching this. I agree that this program does NOT communicate what high school is all about. Who is having sex with who tonight, and who is going to adopt the baby..with the teens making the decision, and the parents getting a divorce, and mom making appetizers for teens talking calmly about who will adopt the baby when born. Give Me A Break. This is another attempt to gather the masses of teenage brains and basically brainwash them into thinking this is what you have to look forward to in high school. Molly Ringwald should be ashamed; she must be desperate for work@
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
NOT for Tweens!
I watched the first episode with my 13yo daughter. Teen sex is all the show is about. The main character, a young 15yo who gets pregnant after the first time she "thinks she did it" is well acted.You feel sorry for her and feel how scared this young girl is. But other than that the show suffers from a lack of creativity or realism. The creators chose to take an easy way out by stereotyping the Christian girl - a Susie-Sunshine fanatic, "promise ring" and all. They missed the opportunity to show the real aspect of church youth groups which are often a place where teens have their values supported, where they talk about all the issues they are faced with (including sex, drugs, relationships etc..) and are taught about giving back and doing service for others less fortunate. The Guidance Counselor is made out to be someone who is annoyed by these kids rather than as someone they could look up to and really go to for guidance. It's just another show that assaults morality and portrays sex to young teens as no big deal and what it's all about. After the first half of the show my daughter looked at me and said, "This is so stupid...no one at school talks about sex like this all the time. It's not what we talk about in front of our lockers...we talk about what tests we have and what homework we have." The show made her uncomfortable and when I asked if she wanted to watch the next episode (we had them on the DVR) she said no.I personally don't feel this is a show for anyone younger than 16yo, but even for them it's a time waster. If you want your older teen to watch a good show that portrays teens realistically, have them watch Friday Night Lights instead!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Watch this with your Children!
There are three main girl characters. The innocent one that gets pregnant because she lets a guy do something to her without really knowing what he was doing. (She doesn't speak up for herself.) A girl that uses sex to get a guy. And a Christian that has said "no" to sex. From all I have heard about middle school girls making bad choices, I think this show is a good vehicle to have conversations that might not normally emerge. We talked during the commercials. The one thing I do like about this show is that the characters behaviors are somewhat exaggerated. It makes it easy to talk about the circumstances that the characters are facing. Another good thing is that the topic of self-esteem and having self-worth is connected with making choices. It's on again next Tuesday. That's when, I think, the parents find out about the pregnancy. Since yesterday, we have discussed the characters and their predicaments again.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Appealing, but appauling!!!!
This show looks like fun in the commercials that promote it, but the subject matter...mostly about high school kids and their sex lives... is for a very mature teenager that already has a clear understanding of peer pressure and moral values. Beware before you let your child watch it - make sure you check it out first.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Why is this even on?!
Pregnancy/sex are real issues, but the title of 'secret life' makes it seem as though every teen faces these issues! What about peer pressure, getting into a good college and doing something with your life rather than shows that depict kids making the WRONG choice!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Good show
You'll love this show I watch it every day 7 days a week.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Unbelievable ABC Family!
My husband & I have 2 children ages 11 & 14. We watched this alone to preview it and we were appauled at what we saw. ABC Family should be ashamed for airing this. Do they not realize that really young children will see this? My 11 year old watched it at a friends house without knowing that the entire show would revolve around sex. I was just sick that she saw it. Although sex may be an issue for high school students this was so overboard and unrealistic. Preteens are not ready to hear about getting laid and oral sex! The sarcasim with Christianity was upseating also. I hope this show does not make it.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Great for opening dialogue!
When I first heard about the show I thought "Just more sex being pushed on our kids", but I read about it and decided to watch it with my 13yrold daughter. I worked in a MS and HS as a sub for past 5 years and sex is what the kids are thinking about. They are so misinformed and flooded with messages that sex is fine as long as you feel good and sexy wins, that they need a show like this that shows the fears, thoughts, consequences and even benefits of communicating about sex. I was surprised with my latest pregnancy at 43 (others are 10,13 and 16) and am hoping that when they see the work involved, this baby will be great birth control for my teens, but communication remains the most important venue. This show fits that bill!
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Use caution when letting children watch
I found this show to be more fitting for dating teens. Even if my 12 year old has sexual intercourse knowledge, I don't want her exposed too early to some of the characters behaviors. Although I know in real life she sees and hears things tv and movies in general romanticize and show unrealistic consequences to teen actions.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
I loved it
I loved this show. Its great.. its a way of showing what kids go through if they get pregnant and how they cope with it. This show should have been out sooner
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for kids 13 and +
I Love this show! So many critics and parents think this show is full of crap, but actually this is what is happening in school! This show is so realistic its crazy. Adrian Lee(Francia Raisa) for example, is so not understood. Her mom isnt around and she is just looking for love, in the wrong way, but love is all she wants! Despite that she is a good girl. She doesnt do drugs or drink, and yeah sometimes she gets mad at her dad but hey if your dad wasnt around most of your life wouldn't you be upset too? And Grace(Megan Park) shows and beleives (used to in earlier seasons) to wait to het married and some teens stuck with Graces beleifs and still do. If I was a parent I would definately let my kids watch this to show them what not to do. I know I learned alot from this show and im just a early teen myself. So, let your kids watch this show, watch it with, or watch it by yourself. All that matters is that your kids will learn what not to do, and when not to do it. (Not For Kids Under The Age Of 12 Or 13)
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Negative but Positive
It might be a little bad for kids. A lot of talk about sex, and pregnancy. But at the same time, it teaches kids, teens, AND adults, that if you don't be careful, you will get consequences. This show is recommended for 12 or 13 years old.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
I doubt there is a more controversial show aimed at teenagers on air now than The Secret Life of the American Teenager. After all, who would want their teen watching a show about a 15-year-old girl who gets pregnant by a guy not only a year older than her, but has a rather horrible past himself, including being molested as a child and having sex with any girl who will say yes. And as the episodes roll on, discussions of sex become more and more frequent, and occurances become more and more outrageous; such as Amy's mother becoming pregnant by her soon-to-be-ex-husband right after her own daughter gives birth. On the surface, it sounds pretty bad. But like pretty much anything, you have to give it a chance before you judge. I started watching a little bit into the first season, and I was shocked at how realistic the dialogue was, even if the circumstances of the actual show weren't. A conversation between any two of the teenager characters sounds surprisingly and genuinely real, like you could overhear it walking down any modern high school hallway. The characters, also, were surprisingly layered and multidemensional, like Amy, the 15-year-old central character who gets pregnant after a night with drummer and school bad boy Ricky. She's a seemingly simple and easy-to-like character; a sweet, innocent, and unassuming band geek, Amy seems like the kind of girl who would never in ten million years think about having sex as a high school freshman, but ends up doing it anyway. But her simple, sweet demeanor comes dramatically unraveling as the show goes on; she's a passionate and dedicated mother, and won't let anyone walk all over her or take advantage of her. Wow...that's quite a transformation from the meek little just-turned-15 year old from a year ago. She's intriguing as well as very, very likable. Yes, sometimes the circumstances can get a little ridiculous, and any parent listening to their daughter watch the show from the kitchen might worry about what kind of messages she's getting; but it truly is not a bad show. And besides; it is frequently shown that Amy has almost no time for herself as a teenager mother, which I don't think any outgoing, social teenage girl would find appealing, so it could be argued that the show discourages teenagers from having sex before they're ready. It's wonderfully written, well acted, very compelling, and really quite addictive.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
good show with positive messages
very good show about a girl who gets pregnant when she is 15. good role models it shows the teenage mother and father taking care of their responsibility.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
ok for kids around 13 and up
I think that this show shows teens and tweens what can really happen in the real world if you are not careful..... it is not all about sex as some people think.... but still a big chunk of it is sex. none of it is shown.... parents need to know that like i said... lot of talk about sex... i am 13 and love watching it! and i think 13 is the age that is appropriate for seeing this show.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
A great teaching tool!!!
I personally love this show. Even though there many sexual references and a pregnant teenage girl is the main character I think this is a godd teaching tool to teach tweens and teens the reprecussions of there actions.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Unappropriate
I tried watching this show, because my friend told me that it was the best show she's ever seen. The first episodes were interesting, but there is too much sexuality. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone under 13. I am mature, but I got red listening to how many times they discuss sexual activity! I don't watch this show anymore.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
This show rocks!! and is appropriate fior teens 13 and uip!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Although the topic can be touchy, the show is full of lessons that kids need to know.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good for young teens, age 12 and up, not for elementary students.
I Love It. The Secret Life Of The American Teenager is a show about a 15 year old girl who named amy who gets pregnant by a guy named ricky. It is a great educational show, especially for preteens who now start learning about sex in school. It also prepares jr.high students for issues that will occur in high school. i rated this iffy of course because teens like Adrian have sex alot (with ricky) and that is also the reason why the concern would be sex. commercialism is all around the show. highlights are good messages and good role models like grace who may be annoying but is always on the right path, and can easily get back on her feet. AMy is a smart girl, who just made a mistake.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
My favorite show
This is my favorite show, I make sure I'm ready to watch it every Monday night. Now you're probably thinking 'No way are my children watching this show' but if you consider it, it's an easy way to answer questions. If you don't know how to talk to your kids about sex then this show will bring lots of questions. My 10 year old sister has been watching with me and my mom. Grace Bowman (a character) is a great role model and if you give it a chance I'm sure you'll get hooked!
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
not very good...
this show had potential, but i think they just did everything all wrong. while some of the characters' behavior is realistic, the storyline just completely falls apart. i was looking forward to a show with a good message AND good drama, but the result is just a lot of bad acting and a slow moving plot. an average episode feels like one giant lecture. its seems like the writers feel the need to tell you what's right and what's wrong, not show you. and that's what makes for bad television. i sometimes find myself laughing at the pointless and excessively recycled dialogue between the characters, and i think, "WHEN is something actually going to happen on this show?" this is the only reason why i continue to watch this show: in hope that something interesting actually happens to these characters. in the end its a good show to watch when you want to kill time.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
PRETTY GOOD
A lot of sex!!!!!!!!!!! Constantly everyone is talking about sex. But there is some rally bad acting. I mean it's not the worst show on t.v and it's pretty good, but still.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
i thought this show would be good but i honestly dont know why i still watch it. its pathetic. almost every character has had sex except for ben. even grace. abc family really went downhill with this. everyone has sex. the dialogue is stupid. amy is a jerk to her parents. its ok for 13+ but its a waste of ur time.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Good for young teens/Older preteens and up. Great show
I love this show. I think it is very educational, especially for children who now start learning about sex in school. It is appropiate enough for a kid atleast age 12 to watch, because they relate to the characters and are old enough to know about these kinds of issues. I love Shailene woodley! she is a great actress!
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
great for teens
i LOVE this show and i think it is a good lession about what probubly wont but might happen it you have sex. It is kinda like a teen soap opera
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
not to have sex at ages 14 and up
this tv show helpes teens to know not to have sex at a young age
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Perfect for tweens.
It is very realistic, and it tells you what you would have to deal with if you got pregnant. Great show!
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Touch down!
Okay, when my mom walks in the room, change channel! I mean i know she's ok with me watching the show, but she likes some of the shows i watch and sits down and watches them too! And it's like going and seeing a PG-13 movie with her that is mostly about sex! Beyound akward! I love the show, it's pretty exagerated, and doesn't really show hwo bad of a disition it is to have sex that young, they could make it a bigger deal to spread the message more effectivley so teens wouldn't do it, but i really enjoy watching this show! I think it's informing and entertaining, it's also sad at parts, but i have seen better shows. It's not for little kids, but tweens are fine, it's not like if we see this show we'll go off and have sex! I think the point of this show is the oposite! Thank you! but really parents who hate this show, what are you worried about, your kids knowing that this kind of a thing happens? Or do you think they'll get pregant, because i think if they see this show there is a bigger chance of them not.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
very cool
very cool
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
:)
Good show, teaches pre-teens, and teens about what can happen when you dont think before your actions. However the edgeniss is that the good character Amy was the one who got pregnant, not the sex wanting black haired girl.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
I love this show!!!!
This show rules and I think 13 and up should watch this show it rules and they love it, but I think no one under 12 should watch it.
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give it
Terrible acting and message!
This is a horrible show! It sends out the message that it's okay for kids to have sex and that it's just a part of being a teenager. What ever happened to purity? At the beginning of the show, they had only one character saying she was going to wait until marriage to have sex. But by the end of the season, she was taking birth control pills. Besides the awful message, the acting is atrocious. They literally say the word "sex" in every sentence. I'm a teenager myself and we DON'T talk about sex so excessively. Parents, don't allow your kids to watch this!
