When MTV premiered 16 and Pregnant in 2009, followed quickly by its spin-off Teen Mom, television executives expected a modest documentary-style look at adolescent parenthood. What they created instead was a ratings juggernaut that redefined reality television, launched a pop-culture empire, and sparked a nationwide conversation about teenage pregnancy.

Unlike polished lifestyle shows of the late 2000s, Teen Mom stood out for its unvarnished grit. The original series followed four young mothers—Maci Bookout, Farrah Abraham, Amber Portwood, and Catelynn Lowell—as they navigated the turbulent transition into young adulthood with infants in tow.

New baby

Lexi from Young & Pregnant welcomed a new baby.

“How many do they have now? 3? Happy for her.” one fan commented.