'Teenager' Impregnates ABC Family's Ratings

Zap2It.com | July 3, 2008

Molly Ringwald, 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager'

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'Secret Life of the American Teenager' was the most-watched premiere for the network

Despite ho-hum reviews, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" drew in a record number of viewers to ABC Family.

Tuesday night's (July 1) debut of the teen pregnancy drama by "7th Heaven" creator Brenda Hampton was the network's most-watched original series premiere ever, bringing in 2.8 million total viewers.

The series, about a good girl (Shailene Woodley) who gets knocked up when she loses her virginity to the school stud, ruled the time slot in cable and had the network's highest-rated premiere among several key demos, including adults 18 to 49.

The premiere also was the second-highest rated episode overall among ABC Family's original series telecasts, only trailing the Seasone One finale of "Kyle XY," which drew 2.9 million total viewers.

"Teenager" also co-stars former '80s teen movie queen Molly Ringwald as the teen's mother.