Degrassi: The Next Generation is a TV series that occurred in the fictional universe called Degrassi. It was aired from 2001 till 2015. The series was created by Linda Schuyler & Yan Moore and was filmed in Toronto. The story revolves around teenagers at the Degrassi School as they have to deal with adulting and other high school problems like bullying, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and many more. The personal and academic obstacles often created a high & low in their lives, through which they dealt and excelled.
The creators of the series were Linda Schuyler & Yan Moore and the producer, Epitome Pictures created this masterpiece that gained its popularity due to the relatable content and unique visuals. However, the entire series was not filmed at the real De Grassi street, rather was filmed at Epitome’s studios in Toronto, Ontario.
Episodes Of Degrassi:
Degrassi stories are typically written using a set formula, with two or three main plots (Plots A, B, and C) in each episode. The episode’s primary plot, or Plot A, is typically driven by a single character and opens and ends it. Plot B frequently advances story arcs and has a lighter tone. It is also occasionally loosely connected with the other stories. Formerly utilized occasionally throughout a season-long arc, plot C now serves as comedic relief in each episode.
Not every episode ends with the problems and issues it presents resolved; occasionally, they carry over to the next or develop into a mini-arc that spans multiple episodes.
Almost every episode had only two plots before Season 4 when the three-plot format was introduced.
Most of the episodes have been named after 1980s songs, and since the most recent seasons, the episodes have been named after 1990s and 2000s songs. Degrassi: The Next Generation was a weekly half-hour teen drama series that ran for nine seasons, with each season having between fifteen and twenty-four episodes.
The show created a daily soap opera format for the summer run of the tenth season and expanded the number of episodes to 48 in response to declining viewing figures between seasons 6 and 9. With just one original cast member remaining, the tenth season also abandoned the tagline “The Next Generation” and changed the name of the show to “Degrassi” because the younger audience was not familiar with the previous generation.
Premise of Degrassi :
Emma Nelson, who was born to Christine (Spike) Nelson at Degrassi High, was reintroduced at the beginning of the show. Emma and her friends had started junior high and high school in this series. Views on a variety of diverse students who enroll at Degrassi are altered by the show now that most of the original cast and characters have left.
The characters adapt to reflect the changes that occur in high school. The challenges and problems that the characters encounter occasionally mirror those from the previous series, but they also include new problems that deal with contemporary issues like cyberspace and current technologies, school shootings, and even contemporary perceptions of people of Muslim descent.
Degrassi Cast:
The people shown in the opening credits are regarded as the show’s main cast. Out of the thirteen original main cast members, Stefan Brogren is the only one still appearing on the show. Shane Kippel, Cassie Steele, and Christina Schmidt were the final original cast members to depart from the program. The first member of the second-generation cast to depart from the show was Jamie Johnston. The 2014 class was the last to graduate.
Awards Won By Degrassi :
The series peaked in 2005 and won many awards including 28 Gemini Awards. It became the most-watched series in Canada and the US. It also was rated on Noggin’s Teen Block as the highest-rated show. One certain episode gained more than a million views in Canada and over half a million views in the US.
The series premiered on CTV on 14 October 2001. In 2010, during the ninth season, the series moved to CTV’s youth-oriented sister channel, MuchMusic, and the 10th season marked a change in production style which saw the series become more like a soap opera. In 2013, the series moved again from MuchMusic to MTV Canada. The series ended its run on August 2, 2015.
The show debuted on CTV on October 14, 2001. A shift in production style during the 10th season saw the show become more akin to a soap opera. In 2010, the series moved to CTV’s youth-oriented sister channel, MuchMusic. The show relocated from MuchMusic to MTV Canada once more in 2013. The show’s run concluded on August 2, 2015.
Where to watch:
Missing that teenage angst, the forbidden crushes, and epic dance-offs? Degrassi: The Next Generation, despite (or perhaps because of) its sensational themes, took on real-life problems with raw honesty. It’s yelling your name. But how do you get back to Degrassi High? How even do you begin such a journey? With the list in hand, let’s take a look at the competitive streaming landscape. Where can you relive your youth?
Budget-Friendly Streaming:
- Tubi: On this free, ad-supported platform you can watch all 14 seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation. Information that ads in between your binge-watches? The budget is not bad, and monthly fees are not required.
- Pluto TV: Pluto TV is another free service that includes a dedicated channel covering episodes of Degrassi non-stop throughout the day. You can choose to catch your favorite moments, or else stumble upon forgotten gems. But don’t ever forget that the schedule isn’t always predictable.
For the Binge-Watchers:
- Amazon Prime Video: Prime members can enjoy the whole series without interruptions. So why not devour season after season? Extra points for smooth transitions between scenes and the ability to download specific seasons for viewing on your mobile offline.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Also, Degrassi is available online on Google Play at normal retail. Some people prefer this option, which gives them total control over what they watch and when. It comes at a premium though.
- Netflix: The availability of Degrassi varies throughout regions, however: depending one place to another on what is available. Some countries have the whole series up on Netflix already. See what local content your provider offers and celebrate if they have Degrassi amidst all the big streamers.
- Other international services: In the past, occasionally Hulu (US), Crave(Canada) and Stan (Australia has hosted Degrassi. Stand by for these platforms, however; licensing agreements can bring the show back at any time.
Beyond streaming devices:
DVDs: If you’re a real fan, then investing in the entire DVD collection will give you complete control.
Online forums: You will find hundreds of forums where you can binge-watch the series and discuss the controversies. These communities are filled with fans and therefore will give you an authentic fandom-like experience
Irrespective of the budget, there are a thousand ways for you to watch Degrassi, and dive into the chaotic high school world filled with teenagers, drama, and fun, and get a trip down memory lane.
