MTV 12 and Pregnant: Real or Hoax?

A report claims that MTV is working on a new show called “12 and Pregnant.” Is this story real?

The story is fake.

It was published back in July 2014 by the fake news “satire” website Empire News. The fake article appears to have renewed interest in late September 2014 after it was posted to the popular website Reddit.

Synopsis

The bogus story reports that production began on the new series, inspired by the popular MTV show 16 and Pregnant, and it is slated to begin airing this fall. The false report continues to state that three 12-year olds had already been chosen for the show which would document their pregnancies “with a lot more parental drama” than 16 and Pregnant.

Empire News

Empire News publishes fictional articles in the name of satire. Its disclaimer states it is a “satirical and entertainment website.” Other recent viral stories by the website include “news” that Orange is the New Black was not actually canceled, or that Charles Manson was released from prison.

“12 and Pregnant” YouTube Videos

A Google search of the term “12 and pregnant” yields several older YouTube videos using this name. According to Bad Satire Today, these videos were posted back in 2010 and 2011 parodying the 16 and Pregnant series which first aired in 2009.

16 and Pregnant

The popular MTV series concluded its fifth season in July 2014. The controversial series has spawned three spin-offs: Teen Mom, Teen Mom 2, and Teen Mom 3. These shows highlight the struggles for moms featured on 16 and Pregnant after giving birth. Despite the show’s popularity, 16 and Pregnant has been panned by critics and viewers, scoring a 3 out of 10 rating on IMDB. The New York Times reported in 2014 that both 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom were among the network’s most popular shows. The Times also hinted that the shows may have helped reduce teen birth rates in areas where the show was most popular, citing such examples as increased searches for contraceptives while the show aired.

Bottom Line

MTV has not started production for a show called 12 and Pregnant. That story was published by a fake news website. YouTube videos by the same name were created several years ago to parody the controversial 16 and Pregnant series.