The most controversial family drama on TV? Why it took 10years for The Secret Life of the American Teenager to reach the small screen.

Teen pregnancy is hardly a staple of the typical family show, perhaps the most obvious reason creator Brenda Hampton had to parade Secret Life in front of every TV executive in town before it got picked up.

When she finally round a network, Secret Life subsequently became a hit.

It's no surprise, really. Brenda is the woman behind Blossom, Mad About You and 7th Heaven, among others. She has an uncanny ability to tap into the hearts and minds of a generation. Hampton has said she just never grew up and that she finds her own voice in that of teenagers. The only difference is that her inner child is a little more experienced.

And really, we should all refuse to grow up. Seriously. Stop growing up already.

Of course, we cannot change time. It marches on. Secret Life captures the growing pains, with a hint of comedy to keep things lively. Brenda is well-known for allowing her young actors to change up their dialogue if it doesn't sound right to them. Her cast has opinions.

And the best part of all is that her cast includes the delightful Molly Ringwald. You don't have to be an old person to enjoy 80s movies, in fact it's a crying shame if you haven't seen Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. Classic!

The new season of Secret Life starts June 22 on ABC Family.

Want more TV? See my TiVo Reload rundown!

Wes Ferguson is a lifestyle expert and entertainment writer living out the Young Hollywood dream in beautiful Westside Los Angeles.

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