The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season 1 – DVD Review - CLIPS ADDED

ABC Family Channel has a hit series with The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

It has a large audience following and teen viewers talking, as the show apparently hits the marks with fairly realistic portrayals of the complexities of high school relationships laced with humor and tenderness. One might be surprised at the subject matter, as viewers learn in the first few minutes of the first episode that Amy (Sharilene Woodley) is pregnant from a one night, first sexual experience with a boy she met at band camp.

But even more surprising is the story that follows in this first season of the show.If The Secret Life of the American Teenager had been made awhile back, it probably would have been a silly sit com about who “likes” whom and girls bad mouthing each other to be noticed and therefore be popular. This new look into the secret lives of high school students is very different from what one would expect from even the title. Amy’s pregnancy is just one of the problems, as there are kids who have family issues, and kids who are rebelling and in search of themselves. There are adults who are clueless about life, and others who are better equipped to handle problems. What is refreshing and entertaining is that the story rarely goes to the angst levels that can be seen in the “reality” relationship shows.

There seems to be an honest effort to explore the reasoning behind the actions of the characters. There is a lot of truth and wisdom imparted in the stories, but not in an unpalatable way. The show is NOT an hour long dramatized public service announcement on the evils of irresponsible sex. It does address the problems created by this activity, from the good kid Amy who is caught by a single mistake, to the temptress of the campus Adrian who is acting out internal hurt. There is even a committed Christian couple who present the two sides of the abstinence stand. And there are messages included as to the responsible way to handle issues and problems.The actors and actresses chosen for the roles add nuances and expression that complete the picture rather than detract from or overshadow the plot. Molly Ringwald is excellent as Amy’s mother, establishing in the character the perfect blend of authority and cluelessness that many parents of teens experience. Sharilene Woodley as Amy is a young but most accomplished actress. Her portrayal of the emotional confusion of the pregnant teen is elegant in style. She moves from tenderness to terror, from humor to agony and back, with expression and skill than can bring about tears or laughter from the viewer.The Secret Life of the American Teenager Season One is presented on three discs with all eleven episodes. The bonus feature is a behind the scenes look at the production with cast members. Created and produced by Brenda Hanson who is also the creator of 7th Heaven, The Secret Life of the American Teenager is an entertaining and informative show. The issues of teen sex are addressed in an honest manner, and some parents may feel that this is too mature for the younger pre-teen crowd.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season 1 is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.Don't miss The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Season Two premiere tonight on the ABC Family Channel! Here are some clips from the show:

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JessieS.Dec 30th, 2008 - 19:44:43

Oh i love this show! I'm excited about the new season starting on Monday.. I would love a refresher on last season though, wonder if i have enough time to order and watch all the DVDs before then...

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TAKAYLAJan 6th, 2009 - 01:27:26

I THINK AMY DID THE RIGHT THING I MEAN OTHER GIRLS WOULD HAVE GIVEN THEIR BABY AWAY,THROW THE BABY AWAY,OR NOT EVEN HAVE THE BABY I MEAN SHE DID THE RIGHT THING BY MAKING HER ON CHOSES TO MAKE.......AND IT'S NICE OF HER TO MARRY BEN TO BE THE DAD OF THE BABY AND RICKY I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY ABOUT HIM I MEAN HE'S AN JERK FOR NOT WANTING TO MARRY HER AND TREATING HER LIKE THAT I MEAN JUST SPEAK THE TRUTH FOR ONCE......AT LEAST HE WANT TO BE INVOLED OF CARING FOR HIS ON BABY......!!!!!!!!

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KayleeSJan 11th, 2009 - 20:44:02

Okay to tell the truth..... I think Amy is doing the right thing and having the baby some girls dont and where i live some girls have babies and then dont take care of them!!!!!!!!! And i dnt think Ricky should be the farther and he shouldnt have any say in the baby and Amy.I think Ben will be a good farther and treat the baby like his and be a good husband to Amy. And I think Amy's mom should have let her get married to Amy already because instead Amy went to get fake ids' and got married.

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KayleeSJan 11th, 2009 - 20:46:50

Okay to tell the truth..... I think Amy is doing the right thing and having the baby some girls dont and where i live some girls have babies and then dont take care of them!!!!!!!!! And i dnt think Ricky should be the farther and he shouldnt have any say in the baby and Amy.I think Ben will be a good farther and treat the baby like his and be a good husband to Amy. And I think Amy's mom should have let her get married to Ben already because instead Amy went to get fake ids' and got married. And Ben has already done sssssooooooo much for Amy as soon as he found out.

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Baby boomFeb 11th, 2009 - 00:00:10

OH I look up to Amy for my life!!!!!!!!!!! I am only 16 and I am pregnant at 34 weeks!!!!!!! I was scared at first then i saw secret life now i will keep my beautiful babies!!!!! and YES i have triplets not just one. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO anyone who is like me PREGNANT!!!! Then look up to her!!!!!
I go to school everyday witha belly that sticks out exactly 7.5 inches ffrom me!! Every one knows i am pregnant but no one cares they like me for me!!!!

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