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Ever since 1979, Degrassi has been a show that teens can enjoy and relate to. It has been a significant part of many teens’ lives and has prepared several generations of them for the harsh realities of attending middle and High School.
They have tackled stories like teen pregnancy, abortion, drugs, death, coming out, dating, school shootings, suicide, friendships, and so much more. We grew up with them in The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: The Next Class.
It was the Saved By the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210 in Canada, as in the show’s stars were massive celebrities. And all over the world, they had a following of fans, including me.
We know what it was like to be a viewer, but what was it like being part of the series? Creator Linda Schuyler, Aubrey “Drake” Graham (TNG), Stacie Mistysyn (DH), Amanda Stepto (DH), Stefan Brogan (DH), Miriam McDonald (TNG), Shenae Grimes-Beech (TNG), Dayo Ade (DH), Melinda Shankar (TNG), Jake Epstein (TNG), Shane Kippel (TNG), and superfan Kevin Smith, are going to talk about what the show has meant to them: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
There are a few famous alumni names missing from that list, like Pat Mastroianni (DH), Nina Dobrev (TNG), Stacy Farber (TNG), Cassie Steele (TNG), and Adamo Ruggiero (TNG). But the saddest people not interviewed are creator Kit Hood, who died in 2020, and Neil Hope (DH), whose body was unidentified for years.
As a fan of the series that made my teenage years seem boring (in a good way), I can’t wait to see Lisa Rideout’s doc Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. However, I will have to wait until after someone buys the distribution rights next month at the Toronto International Film Festival to find out when I can watch it. I am hoping that Netflix, which streamed the latest sequel, buys it!
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Degrassi has been around for over 40 years, and that is long enough to give us a third generation of the show about high school and everything that comes along with it. Therefore, HBO Max is giving birth to the third take of it.
The original Degrassi launched in 1979 and ran until 1991. Degrassi: The Next Generation ran from 2001-2015. And coming in 2023, we will get the next next generation.
Since this is just an announcement, we don’t know if anyone (minus Drake) from the original two versions will be back in some form. But, I am hoping they find a way to merge them all together. That is what made TNG so special.
Well, that and the fact that they take on uncomfortable issues and make them relatable for the teenage audience. They don’t shy away from the challenging and controversial subjects like abortion, homosexuality, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and so much more.
Unlike American shows that focus on teens, Degrassi is not cheesy or dumbed down. They keep it real, and teens appreciate that. I am hoping they continue to do that with the upcoming ten episodes.
Even though the second sequel will not debut for another year, The Next Generation will begin streaming in the Spring on HBO Max. And the mothership is coming to the Cartoon Network soon. If you have never seen the 1,0, then you should watch it. It is television excellence.
Can you tell I am a Degrassi fan and can’t wait to see what happens next?
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