'Secret Life' of ABC Family won't be kept quiet

0 Comments | USA TODAY, June, 2008 | by Bill Keveney

The teen years pose challenges, but they also can yield rewards.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager explores the former, a 15-year-old's pregnancy. ABC Family hopes the new drama (Tuesday, 8 ET/PT) brings the latter: more attention and viewers, especially teens and young adults.

Once lost in the giant Disney clan, ABC Family has established itself by seeking viewers ages 14 to 28, bridging the gap between Disney Channel's "tweens" and adults who watch ABC. "We went, 'Let's target those Millennials,'" network president Paul Lee says.

The cable network has raised its profile with original movies and series, including the popular Greek and Kyle XY. In the past five years, ABC Family is up 75% in viewers 12 to 34 and 46% among those 18 to 49. ...