Early last month, the most awaited summer awards show took place at the Gibson Ampitheater in Hollywood. Several artists, actors and actresses were recognized and given a surfboard for garnering the most votes in their nomination category. The winners for this year’s Teen Choice Awards include Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill) for Choice TV Actor – Drama, and Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively for Choice TV Actress – Drama. However, the Choice Summer TV Show went to ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager, beating out America’s Best Dance Crew, Degrassi, High School Musical: Get in the Picture and So You Think You Can Dance.
“It is such an honor to win an award that is completely decided by your fans,” Francia Raisa said in a statement. “The Teen Choice Awards was by far one of the most exciting award shows I have ever been to, and the fact that we won was amazing – I appreciate and love my fans so much, I hope they enjoy the rest of season one, we have some great stuff coming up!”
Recently, Daren Kagasoff spoke to Media Blvd. about the success of the show, which garnered impressive ratings since the show’s premiere in July. In fact, we recently reported that the show was able to reel in around 3.6 million viewers early last month.
Daren Kagasoff, who plays baby daddy Ricky in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, revealed that he was surprised at how well the show was received, saying, “I haven’t been in this business long enough to know what a good series is, and what isn’t. But Brenda Hampton is very well renowned as a producer and has been in the business for awhile. She had that hit show, 7th Heaven. So I had faith in her. But once the show finally took off, I’m like, ‘This is insane! I’m living a dream.’”
He adds that he is very thankful to the fans who have supported the show from day one, because they have definitely contributed to the renewal of the show for a second season.
Part of the success of the show can be attributed to ABC Family’s knowledge of their viewers. In fact, Kagasoff says that the network has definitely connected with its audiences through the show.
“ABC Family is directed towards the teenagers, and the demographic is younger, I would assume,” he said. “With our show it kind of really glorifies the consequences of what happens in high school, whether it’s teen pregnancy or gossip, how rumors can start like this one sleeping with this one or that one. So it’s really true to reality, which is why I think a lot of kids can relate to it and enjoy watching the show.”
Catch Francia Raisa and Daren Kagasoff tonight as Episode 1.10, “Back to School Special” airs at 8pm. Meanwhile, check out the preview clips below for a sneak peek into tonight’s episodes.
-Valerie Anne del Castillo, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Express Press Release, Associated Press, Media Blvd
(Photo courtesy of ABC Family)
Staff Columnist, BuddyTV
