MTV has greenlit a new show that will follow the lives of teens and young adults contemplating losing their virginity, Entertainment Weekly reports. For a network that features such sex-obsessed shows from "Jersey Shore" to "Buckwild" and "The Real World," the new series may be a welcome change for many viewers.
The as-yet-untitled new show will feature several young people aged 18-25, who have so far remained abstinent for a variety of reasons, as they navigate sex talks with parents, sexually active friends, their love lives and pressure to have sex for the first time. From whom are they recevining such pressure, though, will likely differ depending on each participant.
MTV describes the participants as being "plagued with the overwhelming question of keeping their virginity...or losing it."
It's an interesting concept, but will it be possibly be sending a problematic message to teens and young adults, or will the show address such concerns and ideals thoughtfully?
After all, in a culture in which the word "virgin" is often deragatory and the pressure to be sexually active from a young age is high, it's likely something that will hit close to home for a variety of viewers. On the majority of MTV's reality shows, sex is something expected, something easily obtainable and not given much insight into. Shows like the long-running docuseries "True Life" do however, attempt to tackle such issues with more tact, but there is no indication yet on the intentions of this new show's producers, nor whether or not we'll meet LGBT young adults in addition to straight ones, though it is highly likely.
Last year, the network sent out a casting call for a show preemptively titled "My First" that sought out young adults on the verge of losing their virginity. The concept generated much controversy online and was subsequently cancelled. Now the new series has a different focus, as the cast may or may not decide to have sex. So basically, a sex-themed "True Life."
Of course, as Entertainment Weekly assures us, if the participants do decide to have sex, their experience will not be filmed.
Would you be interested in watching a show like this? Do you think it's a good idea for a reality show, or do you find it problematic? Tell us your opinion in the comments below!
Here's a video showing one viewer's reactions to the controversial "My First" show that was scrapped following criticism.
