A look at the many incarnations of Canada’s long-running ‘Degrassi’
Posted Jul 30, 2015 02:20:32 PM.
Last Updated Jul 30, 2015 03:20:20 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – “Degrassi” wraps a 14-season run on CTV, Much and MTV Canada on Friday, but this is not the end. A new instalment, “Degrassi: Next Class,” heads to Family Channel next year, continuing a franchise that stretches back 35 years.
A look back at the many incarnations of “Degrassi,” which started when Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood acquired the rights to the book “Ida Makes a Movie” by Kay Chorao in 1979:
“The Kids of Degrassi Street” (1980-86) — The franchise launches on CBC-TV as a three-part series: “Ida Makes a Movie,” “Cookie Goes to Hospital” and “Irene Moves In,” before the network orders 26 episodes of “The Kids of Degrassi Street” in 1982. It centres on a group of children living on Degrassi Street in Toronto, exploring the rewards of friendship and the challenges of growing up.
“Degrassi Junior High” (1987-89) — Actors from “The Kids of Degrassi Street” return in this CBC follow-up, although character names change and scenarios are reinvented. This time, the setting is Grades 7 to 9, and tough lessons relate to sexuality, drugs and alcohol, child abuse and shoplifting. Most notably, Spike gets pregnant at Lucy’s party, a controversial storyline that would earn the show an international Emmy in 1987.
“Degrassi High” (1989-1991) — The saga continues into high school, with 28 more episodes over two seasons on CBC. This time the tricky issues include AIDS, abortion, cheating, suicide, dating, depression and eating disorders.
“School’s Out” (1992) — This made-for-TV movie on CBC serves as a finale for the show’s lengthy run, which of course turns out to be only temporary.
“Degrassi: The Next Generation” (2001-09) — This reboot premieres Oct. 14, 2001 on CTV, this time centred on Emma — Spike’s child from “Degrassi Junior High” — and her friends’ high school experiences.
“Degrassi” (2010-15) — After nine seasons on CTV, the name is shortened and the show moves over to Much where it continues to draw audiences with its frank portrayal of teen life. That includes a groundbreaking storyline involving a transgender teen that earns the show a Peabody Award in 2010. In 2013, it debuts on MTV Canada, where it wraps its latest run Friday.
“Degrassi: Next Class” (due January 2016) — The latest iteration is set to move to Family Channel, where producers say it will focus on Generation Z.
