Why did MTV bring Farrah back for Teen Mom OG? EP Morgan J. Freeman explains
Yesterday MTV released the first preview trailer for the highly anticipated return of the “original girls” from Teen Mom in the network’s revamped series, Teen Mom OG. In addition to giving a sneak peek at some of the dramatic and emotional moments in store for fans, the trailer also iterated the show’s complete disregard for the fourth wall as producers informed Catelynn, Amber and Maci that MTV had changed their minds and were going to include Farrah Abraham on the show after all.
The reactions from show stars ranged from laughter (Catelynn and Tyler) to shock (Amber Portwood) to borderline disgust (Maci Bookout), which mirrors fans’ reactions to the news when it was confirmed back in January. The video seemed to back up earlier reports that after Maci Bookout found out Farrah was returning, she refused to allow MTV to film Bentley any more and plans to call it quits after this season.
So why did MTV bring Farrah Abraham back? The cast and some of the production team are currently in New York City to film reunion stuff and promote the show with photo shoots, interviews, etc., and executive producer Morgan J. Freeman was asked that very question in a rather revealing interview with TV Guide‘s Joyce Eng.
You never planned for Farrah to be part of it at first, correct? Was there a specific reason why?
Morgan: Initially in bringing it back, that was the decision. … I do think her priorities and the things she was focused on did not quite fit in at the time. We sort of started them at different points. We didn’t have to jump into their stories at the exact same time. Just looking at those three stories, ultimately, there was a feeling that something was missing and having a fourth perspective — the four different journeys and four different sets of consequences, all stemming from Teen Mom — that was the right way to go.
I don’t think you could’ve done this without her.
Morgan: [Laughs] I like that observation. … We were a few episodes in [filming], but everything is sort of staggered in following their stories. We’re not going super hard and fast in banging out an episode.
The other girls aren’t fond of Farrah, to say the least. I’m assuming they were not happy when they found out she’s back.
Morgan: Well, that’s hopefully what people will be watching for! [Laughs] I wouldn’t say you’re wrong.
Later in the interview it is revealed that fans won’t be seeing Farrah in the premiere episode of Teen Mom OG (so if you are planning a boycott, there’s no need to skip the premiere!) Morgan is asked what fans can expect to see from Farrah this season, and he says that initially Farrah’s mother Debra is living in Seattle but is considering moving to Austin, Texas where Farrah and Farrah’s dad Michael Abraham are. “Farrah definitely has some feelings about that,” Morgans says. “You definitely get reacquainted with the entire family.”
And what about Farrah’s love life? “She does meet somebody,” Morgan says, “I’ll leave that there.” We assume Morgan is referring to Farrah’s new man, Simon Saran, who she has been dating since late last year at least.
Interviewer Joyce Eng shows she is up on her Teen Momology, and that she has a sense of humor, when she asks Morgan, “So she won’t go on Couples Therapy alone next time?” Morgan laughs and says, “We’ll see. She does have that ability. I will say this one has gone on a little longer than some of the previous ones.”
Morgan is asked what he hopes fans will get out of Teen Mom OG, and his response is both eloquent and insightful:
The idea of having all four stories, there’s something for everybody. There are fans of all the stories. I feel like they’re gonna get their hearts broken. You’re gonna get annoyed with certain people, you’re gonna root for certain people. Just being able to continue that for the actual fans of the show, it feels great to bring them back. The show also has the cautionary tale of the immense amount of obstacles these girls have faced. Being able to see some of them climb out of them, like Amber, come out a different person. It’s authentic. There’s something really satisfying about being able to tell this part of her story.
Teen Mom OG premieres Monday, March 23 at 10/9c on MTV. You can watch the trailer here and all of the “Getting To Know…” catch-up specials with each of the moms here.
