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.
Episodes
Pilot
When RJ's shorts fall off in front of the whole school, his life is turned upside-down.
Yes We Can't
When RJ's request for Computer Club funding is denied, he runs for student government.
The Berger Cometh
RJ tries out for the school musical to get closer to Jenny Swanson.
Here's to You, Mrs. Robbins
When RJ begins working to save money for a gift for Jenny Swanson's Sweet 16 birthday party, he soon learns his new employer has a strong sexual appetite, and Miles searches for a new best friend to replace RJ, due to his busy work schedule. At the end of the episode, RJ and Miles are best friends again.
Over the Rainblow
RJ becomes interested in a new girl at school and discovers that she is a member of the Purity Club.
Tell and Kiss
RJ lies to the jocks about his progress with Claire; Miles is busted for spreading rumors.
Nerds Gone Wild
RJ's parents go away for the weekend, leaving him in the care of a sexy babysitter; Miles throws a party for the nerds.
It's All About the Hamiltons
While in detention, RJ befriends a tough thug; Lily tries out for the cheerleading squad.
Behind Enemy Lines
Unable to concentrate on his tutoring with Jenny, RJ fears that he's losing his focus and failing both himself and the girl of his dreams, so he and Miles conspire to steal a cheat sheet from a teacher's house. Unfortunaley, Miles makes the mistake of getting his psychopathic Iraq War Vet brother involved, and promising the answers for other jocks at Pinkerton High.
Lily Pad
Lily's dreams might actually come true when RJ somewhat reluctantly decides to ask her to the upcoming dance. Things get a little sticky, however, when Miles raises the bar with an unlikely date and RJ finds himself in a tough spot.
The Right Thing
RJ and date Jenny try their hardest to have the "best winter formal ever," but RJ's guilt over leaving Lily lands him back at her hospital bedside, where the two keep their promise to lose their virginity together.
Top Cast
Paul Iacono
R.J. Berger
Jareb Dauplaise
Miles Jenner
Kara Taitz
Lily Miran
Amber Lancaster
Jenny Swanson
Jayson Blair
Max Owens
Beth Littleford
Suzanne Berger
Larry Poindexter
Rick Berger
Ciena Rae
Robin Pretnar
Marlon Young
Coach Jeriba Sinclair
