The Hard Times of RJ Berger

The Hard Times of RJ Berger was an American television comedy series created by David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith for MTV. The show's central character is RJ Berger an unpopular sophomore at the fictional Pinkerton High School in Ohio who has an exceptionally large penis. Berger's two best friends are Miles Jenner, whose ambitions for popularity cause him to clash with Berger, and goth girl Lily Miran, who has been lusting after Berger for several years. Berger's love interest is Jenny Swanson, a cheerleader who is involved with Max Owens, a popular jock and bully. The show is presented as a coming of age story and has been described by Katzenberg and Grahame-Smith as a blend of the television series The Wonder Years and the film Superbad. The pilot episode premiered on June 6, 2010, and the first season of 12 episodes concluded August 23, 2010. MTV renewed The Hard Times of RJ Berger for a second season, which premiered on March 24, 2011, and concluded on May 30, 2011, but canceled the show that August.

Directed by David Katzenberg, Seth Grahame-Smith, The Hard Times of RJ Berger leans on a strong ensemble — Paul Iacono, Jareb Dauplaise, Kara Taitz — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2010.