ABC Family renews 'Secret Life of the American Teenager'

 

ABC Family has made a heft commitment to "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," ordering an extra-long second season for the hit drama.

On Monday (Feb. 9), ABC Family announced the pick-up of a 24-episode second run of "American Teenager" tentatively set to return in the summer of 2009.

That will leave fans of the show with only a brief window with "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," which will complete its first season on March 23.

"'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' has really struck a chord not just with our Millennial audience, but with viewers across the board," says Kate Juergens, ABC Family's executive vice president for original series programming and development. "We're delighted to announce the series will return. The success of this show goes directly to creator Brenda Hampton’s telling of this heartfelt story and is backed by the standout performances of our talented cast."

After a successful summer premiere, ABC Family moved "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" into a Monday night 8 p.m. slot opposite "Gossip Girl." The drama has thrived in that slot, ranking as TV's most watched program in the hour among females 12-34 (2.1 million) and as cable's most watched show in total viewers (3.7 million) and adults 18-49 (1.7 million).

The show's first season, focusing on the various relationships impacted by an unplanned teen pregnancy, was 23 episodes. The series stars Shailene Woodley, Molly Ringwald, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Ken Baumann, Daren Kagasoff, Francia Raisa, Megan Park and Greg Finley.

The renewal of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" had been expected for some time. ABC Family also just ordered up new seasons of "Greek" and "Liberty Heights," plus 10 episode seasons of the comedies "Ruby and the Rockits" and "10 Things I Hate About You," as well as the drama "Perfect 10."