Teen Mom 2: Has MTV Gone Too Far?

Teen Mom 2 is premiering Monday, January 11, 2011 on MTV. On this version of Teen Mom, we’ll see a new set of girls from Sixteen and Pregnant battle their way through teenage motherhood.

From what I’ve heard, this show was in the works way before the first season of Teen Mom hit its later round of controversy (Amber’s loss of custody), so it had been planned for some time.

I’m unconvinced that Teen Mom 2 is a great idea. I’d rather continue watching Maci, Amber, Farrah and Catelynn in their struggles. We, as viewers, have connected to these girls, and they got involved in the Sixteen and Pregnant / Teen Mom franchise before they knew what the public response would be. The girls now are facing the same struggle, but they know what to expect from the television exposure. It just seems less real.

Here's the thing - I understand that MTV is a business, and the 16 and Pregnant / Teen Mom franchise brings in major cash. So why would they stop? Television isn't about morals - it's about money. Advertising dollars. Revenue. Cold hard cash. So I get why MTV is keeping up with this inexpensive programming. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with it, though. (Not that the participants are upset, I'm sure - their payments for appearing on TV are great for helping them raise their kids.)