Abstract

This study explores the construction of adolescent sexuality through a textual analysis of two popular teen television programs broadcast on the CW, “One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl”. A comparative textual analysis suggests that the older program, “One Tree Hill” (first broadcast in 2003) contains fewer portrayals of high-risk sexual activity than the CW’s newer teen program, “Gossip Girl” (first broadcast in 2007). This is consistent with media research that tells us how programs increase the amount of sexual content to attract new audiences. It is unfortunate that storylines are filed with high-risk sexual behavior and harmful stereotypes regarding the role of women in American society. Television holds promise as an outlet to influence teenagers and their decisions concerning sexand more needs to be done to understand the balance of entertainment and education.

Key words: Sexual representations, textual analysis, sexual health, teen television drama.