**Degrassi: The Next Generation**
**Definition**
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* is a Canadian teen drama television series that aired from 2001 to 2015. It is the fourth series in the Degrassi franchise and follows the lives of a diverse group of teenagers attending Degrassi Community School as they navigate various social, personal, and cultural issues.
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## Overview
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* (often abbreviated as *Degrassi: TNG*) is a Canadian television series created by Linda Schuyler and Yan Moore. It premiered on CTV in Canada on October 14, 2001, and later aired on The N (Noggin) in the United States. The series is a continuation of the Degrassi franchise, which began in the late 1970s with *The Kids of Degrassi Street* and continued through *Degrassi Junior High* and *Degrassi High*.
The show is known for its realistic portrayal of adolescent life and its willingness to tackle controversial and complex issues such as bullying, mental health, sexuality, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and more. It has been praised for its diverse cast and inclusive storytelling, reflecting the multicultural nature of Canadian society.
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## Development and Production
### Origins and Concept
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* was developed as a revival and continuation of the original Degrassi series. Linda Schuyler, co-creator of the original series, sought to create a show that would resonate with a new generation of viewers while maintaining the authenticity and social relevance that characterized the earlier series.
The show was produced by Epitome Pictures, a company co-founded by Schuyler. The production aimed to cast young actors who could authentically portray the experiences of teenagers, often casting actual teenagers rather than adults playing younger roles.
### Filming and Setting
The series is set in the fictional Degrassi Community School, located in Toronto, Ontario. Filming primarily took place in Toronto, utilizing real school locations and sets designed to replicate a typical Canadian high school environment.
The show’s visual style is grounded and naturalistic, avoiding overly stylized or sensationalized depictions of teen life. This approach contributed to the series’ reputation for authenticity.
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## Plot and Themes
### Storylines
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* follows the lives of students as they deal with everyday challenges and extraordinary circumstances. The series covers a wide range of topics, including:
– Bullying and peer pressure
– Sexual identity and LGBTQ+ issues
– Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
– Substance abuse and addiction
– Teen pregnancy and parenting
– Family dynamics and divorce
– Academic pressure and future aspirations
– Violence and crime
The show often uses multi-episode arcs to explore these issues in depth, providing nuanced perspectives and avoiding simplistic resolutions.
### Characters
The series features an ensemble cast, with characters introduced and phased out over its fourteen seasons. Some characters are the children or relatives of characters from previous Degrassi series, creating continuity within the franchise.
Key characters include:
– **Emma Nelson** – The daughter of Spike and Shane, original characters from *Degrassi High*, Emma is a central figure in the early seasons.
– **J.T. Yorke** – A popular and charismatic student whose storylines often address bullying and peer relationships.
– **Manny Santos** – Known for her outgoing personality and complex family background.
– **Spinner Mason** – A character who evolves from a troublemaker to a more responsible individual.
– **Craig Manning** – A musically talented student dealing with bipolar disorder.
– **Liberty Van Zandt** – A character who explores issues of identity and belonging.
The show’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its cast, which includes characters of various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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## Reception and Impact
### Critical Reception
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* received critical acclaim for its honest and sensitive portrayal of adolescent issues. Critics praised the show for its willingness to address topics often considered taboo on television, especially in programming aimed at younger audiences.
The series was lauded for its writing, acting, and social relevance. It won numerous awards, including Gemini Awards (now Canadian Screen Awards) and a Peabody Award for its contribution to youth programming.
### Cultural Impact
The show has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in Canada and the United States. It has been credited with helping to normalize discussions about mental health, sexuality, and other important issues among teenagers.
Many former cast members have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, and the series has maintained a dedicated fan base. Its influence can be seen in subsequent teen dramas that adopt a similar approach to storytelling.
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## Episodes and Seasons
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* ran for fourteen seasons, totaling 385 episodes. The series evolved over time, with changes in cast and storylines reflecting the natural progression of its characters from early adolescence to young adulthood.
### Notable Episodes
Several episodes garnered particular attention for their groundbreaking content:
– **”Shout” (Season 4)** – An episode focusing on a character’s struggle with sexual assault.
– **”Time Stands Still” (Season 4)** – A two-part episode dealing with a school shooting, one of the first teen dramas to address this issue.
– **”My Body Is a Cage” (Season 14)** – A two-part episode exploring transgender identity, praised for its respectful and educational approach.
These episodes exemplify the show’s commitment to addressing difficult topics with care and realism.
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## Legacy and Continuations
### Degrassi Franchise
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* is part of a larger franchise that includes:
– *The Kids of Degrassi Street* (1979–1986)
– *Degrassi Junior High* (1987–1989)
– *Degrassi High* (1989–1991)
– *Degrassi: Next Class* (2016–2017)
*Degrassi: Next Class* serves as a direct sequel to *The Next Generation*, continuing the stories of some characters while introducing new ones. It was produced for Netflix and targeted a global audience.
### Influence on Television
The series set a standard for teen dramas by combining entertainment with education. Its approach to storytelling has influenced other shows seeking to portray adolescence authentically and responsibly.
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## Cast and Crew
### Notable Cast Members
Over its run, *Degrassi: The Next Generation* featured a large ensemble cast, including:
– **Miriam McDonald** as Emma Nelson
– **Cassie Steele** as Manny Santos
– **Stefan Brogren** as Archie „Snake” Simpson (also a director and producer)
– **Shenae Grimes** as Darcy Edwards
– **Jake Epstein** as Craig Manning
– **A.J. Saudin** as Connor DeLaurier
– **Charlotte Arnold** as Holly J. Sinclair
Many cast members were teenagers at the time of filming, contributing to the show’s authenticity.
### Production Team
Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the series. Yan Moore served as a key writer and producer. Stefan Brogren transitioned from actor to director and producer during the series’ run.
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## Awards and Recognition
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* received numerous accolades, including:
– Multiple Gemini Awards for Best Children’s or Youth Fiction Program or Series
– A Peabody Award in 2011 for its outstanding contribution to youth programming
– Recognition from organizations focused on mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy for its positive representation
The series’ awards reflect its critical and social success.
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## Conclusion
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* remains a landmark in teen television for its honest, inclusive, and socially conscious portrayal of adolescent life. Its legacy endures through its influence on subsequent programming and its continued relevance to discussions about youth issues.
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**Meta Description:**
*Degrassi: The Next Generation* is a Canadian teen drama series known for its realistic portrayal of adolescent issues, airing from 2001 to 2015. The show is celebrated for its diverse cast and socially relevant storytelling.