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.
WriterSeth Grahame-Smith
Pilot
Jun 6, 2010
When RJ's shorts fall off in front of the whole school, his life is turned upside-down.
Yes We Can't
Jun 14, 2010
When RJ's request for Computer Club funding is denied, he runs for student government.
The Berger Cometh
Jun 21, 2010
RJ tries out for the school musical to get closer to Jenny Swanson.
Here's to You, Mrs. Robbins
Jun 28, 2010
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.
The Rebound
Jul 5, 2010
When Jenny becomes single, she asks RJ to study with her.
Over the Rainblow
Jul 12, 2010
RJ becomes interested in a new girl at school and discovers that she is a member of the Purity Club.
Tell and Kiss
Jul 19, 2010
RJ lies to the jocks about his progress with Claire; Miles is busted for spreading rumors.
Nerds Gone Wild
Jul 26, 2010
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
Aug 2, 2010
While in detention, RJ befriends a tough thug; Lily tries out for the cheerleading squad.
Behind Enemy Lines
Aug 9, 2010
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
Aug 16, 2010
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
Aug 23, 2010
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.
