View source for Degrassi

{{Short description|Canadian teen drama franchise}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox media franchise
| title = Degrassi
| image = Degrassi logo 2013.png
| caption = The Degrassi logo used from 2013 to 2017. A variation of this logo was used for ''Degrassi: Next Class'' (with the subtitle below the long "g") from 2016 to 2017.
| creator = {{Plainlist|
* [[Kit Hood]]
* [[Linda Schuyler]]
}}
| origin = "[[Ida Makes a Movie]]" (''[[The Kids of Degrassi Street]]'')
| owner = [[WildBrain]]
| years = 1979–present
| novels = {{Plainlist|
* ''Kids of Degrassi Street'' novels
* [[Degrassi Classic novels|''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'' novels]]
}}
| graphic_novels = ''[[Degrassi: Extra Credit]]''
| tv_series = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[The Kids of Degrassi Street]]'' (1979–1986)
* ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]'' (1987–1989)
* ''[[Degrassi High]]'' (1989–1991)
* ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]'' (2001–2015)
* ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]'' (2016–2017)
* ''[[Degrassi (unproduced TV series)|Degrassi]]'' (cancelled)
}}
| web_series = ''Degrassi Minis'' (2005–2016)
| tv_specials = ''[[Degrassi Talks]]'' (1992)
| tv_films = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[School's Out (1992 film)|School's Out!]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Degrassi Goes Hollywood]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Degrassi Takes Manhattan]]'' (2010)
* ''Don't Look Back'' (2015)
}}
| soundtracks = [[List of Degrassi soundtracks|''Degrassi'' soundtracks]]
| website = http://www.degrassi.tv
| otherlabel1 = Production companies
| otherdata1 = {{Plainlist|
* [[Playing With Time, Inc.]] (1979–1992)
* [[Epitome Pictures]] (2001–2017)
* [[WildBrain]] (2023–present)
}}
| otherdata2 = '''Canada'''
{{Plainlist|
** [[CBC Television|CBC]] (1979–1992)
** [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] (2001–2009)
** [[MuchMusic]] (2010–2013)
** [[MTV Canada]] (2013–2015)
** [[Family Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Family Channel]] (2016–2017)
}}
| otherlabel2 = Networks
}}

'''''Degrassi''''' is a Canadian [[teen drama]] television [[Media franchise|franchise]] created by [[Kit Hood]] and [[Linda Schuyler]], that follows the lives of youths attending the eponymous secondary school in [[Toronto]]. Each entry since 1987 has followed the same continuity. It is regarded as one of Canada's greatest and most successful media exports. Outside of television, the franchise comprises a variety of other media, such as companion novels, graphic novels, documentaries, soundtracks, and non-fiction works.

The franchise originated in the late 1970s, when ex-schoolteacher Schuyler formed a partnership with editor Hood to produce educational films and documentaries. The television success of [[Ida Makes a Movie|''Ida Makes a Movie'']] (1979), a short film based on a book by [[Kay Chorao]], on the CBC, led to the pair creating subsequent installments which eventually began airing under the name ''[[The Kids of Degrassi Street]]'' (1982–1986). By the mid-1980s, the aging cast inspired the pair to develop a new series, ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]'' (1987–1989). Regarded as the first modern television [[teen drama]], ''Degrassi Junior High'' gained widespread acclaim and established the franchise as a Canadian cultural icon. It enjoyed further acclaim and success after rebranding to ''[[Degrassi High]]'' (1989–1991), which chronicled the ''Degrassi Junior High'' cast's high school years. Creative exhaustion largely contributed to the franchise's initial end with the controversial post-graduation television film [[School's Out (1992 film)|''School's Out'']] (1992), which drew double the average viewership of the series, followed by the non-fiction documentary miniseries ''[[Degrassi Talks]]'' (1992), in which actors spoke to teens nationwide about various issues.

''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'' experienced sustained success in re-runs and syndication throughout the 1990s, aided by the emergence of online fan websites. A successful televised cast reunion in 1999 ultimately resulted in Schuyler creating a revival series, ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]'' (2001–2015), which originally aired on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] in Canada and [[The N (TV programming block)|The N]] in the United States. It focused on a new generation of students, augmented by select original characters in supporting roles. While respectably successful in Canada, ''The Next Generation'' made a significantly larger impact in the United States, and is credited with launching the careers of rapper [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] and actress [[Nina Dobrev]]. After nine seasons, ''The Next Generation'' was cancelled by CTV due to declining ratings; a subsequent deal with [[TeenNick]] resulted in a major retool of the series, its name changed simply to ''Degrassi'' and the format changed to a style reminiscent of [[telenovela]]. After five more seasons, it was cancelled by TeenNick in 2015. A deal with [[Netflix]] resulted in the short-lived co-production ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]'' (2016–2017), which was geared toward [[Generation Z]]. It was cancelled in 2017, though this wasn't revealed until 2019. In January 2022, [[Degrassi (unproduced TV series)|a new series]] was announced for [[HBO Max]] in which Schuyler would not be involved. It was ultimately cancelled as a result of the [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] merger, though [[WildBrain]] has indicated that they still intend to produce the series.<ref name="mw2023">{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2023 |title=Linda Schuyler: "I remain very hopeful that there will be a [Degrassi] reboot" – Degrassi Online // Your #1 Degrassi News & Media Source! |url=http://degrassi-online.com/?p=4034 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814070154/http://degrassi-online.com/?p=4034 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Degrassi'' has been widely acclaimed by critics over its four-decade history for its sympathetic portrayal of youth experiences and perceived authenticity compared to other teen-oriented media. It has faced international scrutiny and censorship since the late 1980s, particularly in regards to episodes depicting [[teenage pregnancy]], [[abortion]], and [[LGBT]] issues. Among the awards and accolades it has received<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi {{!}} The Canadian Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/degrassi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426032309/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/degrassi |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}</ref> include numerous [[Gemini Awards]], two [[International Emmy Awards]] in 1985 and 1987, and a [[Peabody Award]] in 2010. The franchise was inducted into [[Canada's Walk of Fame]] in December 2023.<ref name="CityNews2023">{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2023 |title=Avril Lavigne, Rick Mercer among honourees at Canada's Walk of Fame anniversary gala {{!}} CityNews Toronto |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/12/02/avril-lavigne-rick-mercer-among-honourees-at-canadas-walk-of-fame-anniversary-gala/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203004552/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/12/02/avril-lavigne-rick-mercer-among-honourees-at-canadas-walk-of-fame-anniversary-gala/ |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=CityNews |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref>

{{Degrassi series}}

== History ==
=== 1979–1986: ''The Kids of Degrassi Street'' ===
{{Main|The Kids of Degrassi Street}}

In 1976, [[Linda Schuyler]], a [[Grade 7]] and [[Eighth grade|Grade 8]] media teacher at Earl Grey Senior Public School in Toronto,<ref name="Ellis 2005">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=8}}</ref> founded [[Playing With Time, Inc.|Playing With Time Inc.]] with her partner Kit Hood. Schuyler had met Hood, who had a career in editing television commercials, when she needed help from an experienced editor to save the "muddled footage" of one of her projects.<ref>{{Cite news |last=West |first=Linda |date=September 1979 |title=Introducing...Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler |url=http://cinemacanada.athabascau.ca/index.php/cinema/article/viewFile/2292/2342 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225064528/http://cinemacanada.athabascau.ca/index.php/cinema/article/viewFile/2292/2342 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=[[Cinema Canada]] |format=PDF}}</ref> As a media teacher, Schuyler encouraged her students to use video as a narrative tool.<ref name="Ellis 2005" /> Bruce Mackey, Earl Grey's librarian and a friend of Schuyler, procured her several books about filmmaking upon her request, one being ''Ida Makes a Movie,'' by the American author [[Kay Chorao]].<ref name="Ellis 2005" /> Mackey did not realize that it was a children's book and discarded it, but Schuyler developed an interest in adapting the book into a film.<ref name="Ellis2005pg9">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=9}}</ref> Before leaving, Schuyler sought legal advice from [[Stephen Stohn]], a young entertainment lawyer who had recently graduated from law school,<ref name="Zekas2013">{{Cite news |last=Zekas |first=Rita |date=October 4, 2013 |title=Degrassi their home away from home |url=https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2013/10/04/degrassi_their_home_away_from_home.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101100547/https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2013/10/04/degrassi_their_home_away_from_home.html |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |access-date=February 13, 2022 |work=Toronto Star |language=en-CA |issn=0319-0781}}</ref> and who would eventually become her producing partner and husband.<ref name="Stohn 20182">{{Harvnb|Stohn|2018|pp=14|last1=|year=}}</ref><ref name="Growing up Degrassi">{{Cite web |title=Growing up Degrassi |url=https://playbackonline.ca/hall-of-fame/inductees/growing-up-degrassi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209083848/https://playbackonline.ca/hall-of-fame/inductees/growing-up-degrassi/ |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref>

Stohn recalled in his 2018 memoir ''Whatever It Takes'' that he advised Schuyler that being out of print, buying the rights to the book on her own would be "relatively straightforward", and that involving lawyers would make the process "unnecessarily complicated."<ref name="Stohn 20182" /> Stohn instead gave Schuyler a boilerplate form for permission to take with her to New York.<ref name="Stohn 20182" /><ref name="Yahoo!">{{Cite web |title=The real-life story that inspired the 'Degrassi' universe |url=https://ca.celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celebrity-news/the-real-life-story-that-inspired-the-degrassi-universe-192257424.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929020148/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/celebrity-news/the-real-life-story-that-inspired-the-degrassi-universe-192257424.html |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=April 23, 2016 |publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref> Schuyler purchased the rights for $200.<ref name="Yahoo!" /><ref name="Growing up Degrassi" /> The feline characters were changed into human children, and the story was also largely repurposed.<ref name="Yahoo!" /> The film featured production techniques that Schuyler and Kit Hood felt were missing from children's programming: it was shot in a [[cinéma vérité]] style, with handheld camera work and entirely on-location shooting.<ref name="www.blogto.com">{{Cite web |title=The history of The Kids of Degrassi Street |url=https://www.blogto.com/film/2022/05/kids-of-degrassi-street/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024173113/https://www.blogto.com/film/2022/05/kids-of-degrassi-street/ |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |access-date=October 23, 2022 |website=www.blogto.com |language=en}}</ref> Mackey offered his home, 98 [[De Grassi Street]], as a filming location.<ref name="www.blogto.com" />

''Ida Makes a Movie'' premiered on [[CBC Television]] on December 8, 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roper |first=Wayne |date=December 11, 1979 |title=The movie maker: Former Paris girl hits success in film work |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107231264/the-expositor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023045121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107231264/the-expositor/ |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |access-date=October 23, 2022 |work=The Expositor |pages=15}}</ref> Over the next couple of years, the network ordered two more short films. By 1982, they ordered five more episodes, developing the series of short films into a television series named ''The Kids of Degrassi Street.''<ref name="Ellis200pg10">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pai |first=Tanya |date=January 25, 2016 |title=Degrassi, the Canadian teen soap that gave us Drake, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/2016/1/25/10826146/degrassi-netflix-explained |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416065310/https://www.vox.com/2016/1/25/10826146/degrassi-netflix-explained |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref> In 1985, the episode ''Griff Gets A Hand'' (which starred future "Wheels" actor [[Neil Hope]] as Griff) received an [[International Emmy Award for Best Children & Young People]].<ref name="Ellis200pg10" />

=== 1986–1990: ''Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High,'' and international success ===
{{Main|Degrassi Junior High|Degrassi High}}

A new ''Degrassi'' series began development in 1986,<ref name="Ellis200pg10" /> this time with new characters and centered around the fictional eponymous school near the same street. The first actor to audition for the new ''Degrassi'' series was [[Pat Mastroianni]], who would later win the role of [[Joey Jeremiah]].<ref name="Ellis200pg10" /> Several of the actors from ''The Kids of Degrassi Street'' would return with new roles, including Neil Hope, [[Stacie Mistysyn]], [[Anais Granofsky]], and [[Sarah Charlesworth (actress)|Sarah Charlesworth]]. It was at this time that Playing With Time Inc. started a repertory company,<ref name="Ellis2005pg14">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=14}}</ref> with fifty children selected from auditions.<ref name="Ellis2005pg14" /> The workshops would be repeated at the beginning of production for each season, as new cast members joined, and existing cast members underwent more advanced workshops.<ref name="Ellis2005pg14" /> The repertory company also meant that even major characters could be relegated to the background if not the main focus of the episode, which according to Kathryn Ellis, was "nearly unheard-of on other television shows."<ref name="Ellis 2005 15">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=15}}</ref> Conversely, a background character could later be given more lines or a full role.<ref name="Ellis 2005 15" />

The cast would have significant input into the writing of their characters, with Schuyler seeking opinions during every [[read-through]],<ref name="Ellis2005pg14" /> and cast members often talking about their experiences to writer [[Yan Moore]], who would eventually adapt said experiences to their characters.<ref name="Ellis2005pg20">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=20}}</ref> The resulting series, ''Degrassi Junior High'', premiered on CBC on January 18, 1987. The series marked the beginning of the franchise's canon, as characters from this series would appear as adults in later installments.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bleznak |first=Becca |date=May 31, 2018 |title=15 TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/tv-shows-that-were-ahead-of-their-time.html/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625082915/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/tv-shows-that-were-ahead-of-their-time.html/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |language=en-US}}</ref> The show also aired on [[PBS]] in the United States starting from September 1987.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Froelich |first=Janis |date=September 26, 1987 |title=The class of '87 TV: 'Degrassi Junior High' teaches the rest of television a lesson |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]}}</ref> The show would feature one of the franchise's most well-known and influential storylines, in which 14 year old [[Christine "Spike" Nelson]], portrayed by [[Amanda Stepto]], becomes pregnant. The episode in which she discovers her pregnancy, "[[It's Late (Degrassi Junior High)|It's Late]]"'','' the eleventh episode of the show's first season, would win an International Emmy Award,<ref name="Taylor1986">{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Bill |date=August 7, 1986 |title=Degrassi Junior High crew aims for slice-of-life reality |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=560 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914121249/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=560 |archive-date=September 14, 2007 |work=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> for which [[Emma Nelson (Degrassi: The Next Generation)|Emma Nelson]], Spike's daughter and central character of the later series, was named. The popularity of the show led to international publicity tours by members of the cast throughout North America and parts of Europe.<ref name="Ellis2005pg142-143">{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=142–143}}</ref>

Upon its debut, it immediately garnered critical acclaim in Canada, where it was considered to be an alternative to the American sitcoms of the era that were perceived as unrealistic and heavy-handed in their portrayal of societal issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Remington |first=Bob |date=September 28, 1987 |title=Degrassi High teens face dilemmas head-on |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77602937/edmonton-journal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611061615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77602937/edmonton-journal/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=Edmonton Journal |pages=10}}</ref> Although not as well known in the United States,<ref name="Granville1988">{{Cite news |last=Granville |first=Kari |date=August 8, 1988 |title='Degrassi High' Prize Winner at Banff TV Fest : Realistic Teen Series Tops Network Shows |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-08-ca-47-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204042837/http://articles.latimes.com/1988-08-08/entertainment/ca-47_1_degrassi-junior-high |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> it drew similar praise from the American media.<ref name="Remington 25">{{Cite news |last=Remington |first=Bob |date=September 25, 1987 |title='Degrassi Junior High' moves to prime time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77659032/alberni-valley-times/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514020523/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77659032/alberni-valley-times/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 14, 2021 |work=Alberni Valley Times |pages=25}}</ref> Initially aired on Sundays at 5:00pm,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 24, 1987 |title=CBC slots Degrassi in prime time |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=385 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914093833/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=385 |archive-date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=May 9, 2021 |work=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> Canadian critics believed the show deserved a better timeslot;<ref name="Remington 25" /> [[Ivan Fecan]], then the programming chief for CBC, was also a champion of the series,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Riches |first=Hester |date=June 21, 1988 |title=CBC reaches into its past for a glimpse of its future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77476564/the-vancouver-sun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513114134/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77476564/the-vancouver-sun/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=The Vancouver Sun |pages=26}}</ref> and had the series moved to primetime on Mondays at 8:30pm, in between ''[[Kate & Allie]]'' and ''[[Newhart]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Bill |date=December 30, 1987 |title=Future looks bright for Degrassi |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]}}</ref> When Fecan called Schuyler to inform her of the move, she reportedly disagreed,<ref name="Stohn2018">{{Harvnb|Stohn|2018|pp=99}}</ref> feeling that the series wasn't ready for prime time.<ref name="Stohn2018" /> She eventually agreed to the decision,<ref name="Stohn2018" /> under the condition that if the move was unsuccessful, the series wouldn't be cancelled and instead be moved back to its original timeslot.<ref name="Stohn2018" /> After its move to prime time, the viewership increased by 40%,<ref name="Kennedy1987">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=December 31, 1987 |title=High marks for Degrassi kids; We're not in this to make pots full of money |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77415993/the-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611061212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77415993/the-gazette/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=[[Montreal Gazette]]}}</ref> and by August 1988, it had become the highest-rated Canadian-made drama in Canada.<ref name="Granville1988" /> The series also premiered in the United Kingdom on [[BBC1]] in 1988, where it drew in a reported six million viewers, making it the highest-rated children's television series in the country and the show's largest audience.<ref name="Burns1989">{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=John |date=February 5, 1989 |title='Degrassi': A Series For Children That Goes for the Gut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/arts/television-degrassi-a-series-for-children-that-goes-for-the-gut.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417014234/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/arts/television-degrassi-a-series-for-children-that-goes-for-the-gut.html |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> However, in spite of a publicity tour by actress Amanda Stepto,<ref name="Winnipeg Free Press1988">{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1988 |title=Pregnancy offends British taste |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-26-1988-2384541/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420025332/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-26-1988-2384541/ |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=April 26, 2021 |work=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]}}</ref> controversial episodes from its first season,  including those centred on Stepto's character's pregnancy, were aired in a later timeslot on [[BBC2]],<ref name="Burns1989" /> and the network did not air its second and third seasons.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunphy |first=Catherine |date=November 5, 1988 |title=Junior achievers avidly watched by kids in more than 40 countries |work=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> The series established the franchise's popularity and longevity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ricky D |date=December 12, 2019 |title=Degrassi Junior High, "Season's Greetings" |url=https://goombastomp.com/degrassi-junior-high-seasons-greetings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503124418/https://goombastomp.com/degrassi-junior-high-seasons-greetings/ |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |website=Goomba Stomp |language=en-US}}</ref> By the time its follow-up began, it amassed over a million viewers weekly in Canada.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=11}}</ref> In November 1988, after the premiere of the third and final season of ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]'', Linda Schuyler alluded to the potential of a high-school followup when discussing the direction of the franchise with the [[Montreal Gazette]], although she was unsure if it would go forward.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wesley |first=David |date=November 5, 1988 |title=Degrassi doors re-open |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77721790/the-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517070822/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77721790/the-gazette/ |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=The Gazette |pages=156}}</ref> It was decided to continue into high school as the actors were becoming older, which would also make way for more controversial topics, including [[abortion]], which was addressed in the [[A New Start (Degrassi)|series premiere]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sontag |first=Sharon |date=November 3, 1989 |title=Degrassi High moving on to meatier issues |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77721840/calgary-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517070823/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77721840/calgary-herald/ |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Calgary Herald |pages=35}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunphy |first=Catherine |date=November 4, 1989 |title=Dilemma At DeGrassi |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=403 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024204911/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=403 |archive-date=October 24, 2005 |work=[[The Toronto Star]]}}</ref> According to Schuyler: "As the kids get older, the only way we can remain true to this age group is by growing with them. Therefore, the issues get more complex."<ref name="Nicholls1989">{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Stephen |date=November 6, 1989 |title=Abortion: Degrassi takes on explosive topic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78783474/the-ottawa-citizen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602231417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78783474/the-ottawa-citizen/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |work=The Ottawa Citizen |pages=33 |agency=[[The Canadian Press]]}}</ref>

In the series finale of ''Degrassi Junior High'', the titular school is destroyed in a fire.<ref name="Nicholls1989" /> To keep the entire cast together, a creative decision was made to move the younger students displaced by the fire to the new school to join those that had already graduated.<ref name="Kennedy1989">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=June 17, 1989 |title=New school year has already started for the kids of Degrassi High School |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77722019/the-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517071802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77722019/the-gazette/ |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |work=The Gazette |pages=175}}</ref> Conversely, the grade 7 students introduced in the third season of ''Degrassi Junior High'' were accelerated to [[grade 9]] for an unspecified reason.<ref>{{harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=167}}</ref> To give the series a "harder-edged feel", several older characters were introduced.<ref name="Kennedy1989" /> Reflecting the growing independence of the aging characters, ''Degrassi High'' began to give more focus to the characters' lives outside of school, with scenes taking place at nighttime, on the street, or at the characters' jobs.<ref name="Barss1990">{{Cite news |last=Barss |first=Karen |date=1990 |title=What's New at Degrassi |url=https://archive.org/details/degrassi-high-season-1-newspaper/page/n1/mode/2up |access-date=October 13, 2021 |work=Degrassi High Newspaper |publisher=[[WGBH Educational Foundation|WGBH]] |page=3}}</ref> In contrast to ''Degrassi Junior High'', in which the extras were still made known to the viewers, the newer series would include a team of "extra extras", who would simply appear for no other purpose than to fill the background.<ref name="Barss1990" /> ''Degrassi High'' notably tackled [[HIV/AIDS]], with the character Dwayne Myers ([[Darrin Brown]]),<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 1991 |title=TV Reviews : 'Degrassi High' Teen Copes With AIDS |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-08-ca-71-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905040019/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-08-ca-71-story.html |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[suicide]] with the character Claude Tanner (David Armin-Parcells).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=January 26, 1991 |title=Degrassi's look at teenage suicide restrained and sensitive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108955365/the-ottawa-citizen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905040032/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108955365/the-ottawa-citizen/ |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |work=The Ottawa Citizen |pages=67}}</ref>

Despite continued success and demand from CBC,{{sfn|Schuyler|2022|p=}}{{pn|date=March 2024}} WGBH was finding it increasingly difficult to fund the show from the children's department of PBS, and were forced to back out.{{sfn|Schuyler|2022|p=}}{{pn|date=March 2024}} Combined with creative exhaustion,{{sfn|Schuyler|2022|p=}}{{pn|date=March 2024}} it was decided to end ''Degrassi'' ''High'' after its second season,{{sfn|Schuyler|2022|p=}}{{pn|date=March 2024}} and filming wrapped in October 1990.<ref name="Pryor1991">{{Cite magazine |last=Pryor |first=Kelli |date=April 12, 1991 |title=Degrassi High |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/04/12/degrassi-high-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503141540/https://ew.com/article/1991/04/12/degrassi-high-2/ |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |language=en}}</ref> In November 1990, Schuyler explained to the Canadian Press that they wanted to end the series "while we were still feeling good about what we were doing."<ref name="Nicholls1990">{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Stephen |date=November 1, 1990 |title=Degrassi crew to close books |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604208/the-windsor-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002231058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604208/the-windsor-star/ |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |work=The Windsor Star |pages=16 |agency=Canadian Press}}</ref> In addition, she noted that most of the cast were occupied with post-secondary education, and that she felt the show had already tackled what they had aimed to.<ref name="Nicholls1990" /> Schuyler informed [[Ivan Fecan]], then the programming chief of CBC and long-time supporter of ''Degrassi'', of their decision to end the series and suggested a feature-length finale as a compromise, which Fecan enthusiastically accepted and offered funding for.{{sfn|Schuyler|2022|p=}}{{pn|date=March 2024}}

=== 1991–1998: ''Degrassi Talks,'' ''School's Out'', and hiatus ===
{{Main|Degrassi Talks|School's Out (1992 film)}}

[[File:Degrassi Wordmark (1989-1991).png|thumb|The Degrassi logo used between 1989 and 1992.]]

During development of the television movie in early 1991, six Degrassi actors – Amanda Stepto, Pat Mastroianni, Stacie Mistysyn, [[Rebecca Haines]], [[Siluck Saysanasy]], and Neil Hope – travelled around Canada to interview teenagers about various health and social issues for the six-part documentary series ''[[Degrassi Talks]]'', which aired on CBC in six installments from February 29 to March 30, 1992, each tackling a specific issue that the series had portrayed.<ref name="Oswald1992">{{Cite news |last=Oswald |first=Brad |date=February 22, 1992 |title=Teen Talk |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-22-1992-2398370/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420042614/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-22-1992-2398370/ |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]}}</ref> Each actor was chosen specifically for their character's relation to each topic.<ref name="Oswald1992" /> The series was personally funded by then-[[Minister of Health (Canada)|Minister of Health]] [[Benoît Bouchard]], who contributed $350,000.<ref name="Ward1992">{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Bruce |date=February 14, 1992 |title=Ottawa teens critique Degrassi Talks |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=569 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024213558/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=569 |archive-date=October 24, 2005 |work=Waterloo Region Record}}</ref> The six actors conducted interviews in 26 cities,<ref name="Boone1992">{{Cite news |last=Boone |first=Mike |date=February 22, 1992 |title=A troubled generation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78588190/the-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905040033/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78588190/the-gazette/ |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |work=The Gazette |pages=43}}</ref> including bigger and smaller towns.<ref name="Boone1992" /> The series also featured archive footage from the series, [[Vox populi|vox pop]] interviews and on-screen statistics.<ref name="Van Alphen1992">{{Cite news |last=Van Alphen |first=Laura |date=May 7, 1992 |title=Most teens bored by Degrassi Talks |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=391 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024222619/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=391 |archive-date=October 24, 2005 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |work=Waterloo Region Record}}</ref> While it was well received by critics, it proved less popular with teenage viewers, who felt it to be redundant and at times perpetuating certain stereotypes.<ref name="Van Alphen1992" /><ref name="Ward1992" />

Principal photography began on [[School's Out (1992 film)|''School's Out'']], the television movie, on July 21, 1991,<ref name="DegrassiTV2006">{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2006 |title=School's Out |url=http://www.degrassi.tv/fan/schoolOut.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103062102/http://www.degrassi.tv/fan/schoolOut.jsp |archive-date=January 3, 2006 |access-date=March 8, 2021 |website=Degrassi.tv}}</ref> and it premiered on CBC on January 5, 1992.<ref name="Kennedy1992">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=January 3, 1992 |title=The Degrassi gang grows up fast |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78642275/the-vancouver-sun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78642275/the-vancouver-sun/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021 |work=The Vancouver Sun |pages=134}}</ref> The movie, which mostly focused on a love triangle between Joey, Caitlin (Mistysyn), and Tessa Campanelli (Kirsten Bourne), garnered a positive, yet mixed reception. It garnered controversy for its unusual characterization of certain popular characters as well as the catastrophic events experienced by other characters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi High: School's Out |url=http://www.filmcritic.com.au/reviews/d/degrassi_high_schools_out.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129200900/http://filmcritic.com.au/reviews/d/degrassi_high_schools_out.html |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=June 1, 2021 |website=www.filmcritic.com.au}}</ref> It was also notable for its use of the word "fuck", first said by [[Stefan Brogren]] and then Stacie Mistysyn, that are claimed to be the first uses of the word in Canadian television history.<ref name="Wong2017">{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Tony |date=March 17, 2017 |title=Snake and Degrassi alumni reunite to celebrate 30th anniversary at Toronto ComiCon |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2017/03/17/the-world-of-degrassi-according-to-snake.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513072442/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2017/03/17/the-world-of-degrassi-according-to-snake.html |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |work=The Toronto Star |language=en-CA |issn=0319-0781}}</ref> Despite the mixed reception, the film drew an estimated 2.3 million viewers: double that of the average audience that ''Degrassi High'' received.<ref name="DegrassiTV2006" /> The movie did not air in the United States until over two years later, when it premiered on PBS on June 20, 1994.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=Suzanne |date=June 18, 1994 |title='Degrassi' era finally closes on PBS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105257489/the-daily-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709102702/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105257489/the-daily-tribune/ |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |access-date=July 9, 2022 |work=The Daily Tribune |pages=49}}</ref>

Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood dissolved their partnership in the early 1990s but continued to own Playing With Time. In July 1998, Hood revealed the company was "virtually dormant."<ref name="Kit Hood Interview July 19982007">{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2007 |title=Kit Hood Interview July 1998 |url=http://www.degrassi.ca/Interviews/kit-hood-interview.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015073621/http://www.degrassi.ca/Interviews/kit-hood-interview.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2007 |access-date=May 30, 2021}}</ref> He continued to rent the company's former offices as a [[battered women's shelter]],<ref name="blogto.com">{{Cite web |title=People want to name a Toronto laneway after Degrassi's co-creator |url=https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/08/toronto-laneway-degrassi-co-creator/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122041959/https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/08/toronto-laneway-degrassi-co-creator/ |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=blogto.com |language=en}}</ref> before retiring to Nova Scotia for the remainder of his life.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Townsend |first=Kelly |date=January 27, 2020 |title=Degrassi co-creator Kit Hood dies |url=https://playbackonline.ca/2020/01/27/degrassi-co-creator-kit-hood-dies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118204010/https://playbackonline.ca/2020/01/27/degrassi-co-creator-kit-hood-dies/ |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2023}}</ref>  In 1992, Schuyler and [[Stephen Stohn]] founded [[Epitome Pictures]], the company which would produce all future ''Degrassi'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Growing up Degrassi |url=https://playbackonline.ca/hall-of-fame/inductees/growing-up-degrassi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209083848/https://playbackonline.ca/hall-of-fame/inductees/growing-up-degrassi/ |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref> In 1994, Epitome Pictures produced the television movie ''X-Rated'', which centred on a group of young adults living in an apartment complex; the movie starred Stacie Mistysyn. ''X-Rated'' was the pilot for the series [[Liberty Street (TV series)|''Liberty Street'']], which starred Pat Mastroianni and aired on the CBC for two seasons in 1995. In 1997, Epitome Pictures produced the soap opera [[Riverdale (Canadian TV series)|''Riverdale'']]; its set, located on 220 Bartley Drive in Toronto, was re-used as the set for ''Degrassi: The Next Generation''.

=== 1999–2019: ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' and ''Degrassi:'' ''Next Class'' ===
{{Main|Degrassi: The Next Generation|Degrassi: Next Class}}

[[File:Degrassi typeface.png|thumb|The ''Degrassi'' logo used between 2001 and 2010.]]

In 1999, a televised reunion of the ''Degrassi Junior High'' cast took place on the CBC youth show ''[[Jonovision]]'', hosted by [[Jonathan Torrens]].<ref name="Brioux1999">{{Cite news |last=Brioux |first=Bill |date=December 24, 1999 |title=Back to Degrassi St. |url=http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=182 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914120736/http://news.degrassi.ca/article.php?a_id=182 |archive-date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=May 9, 2021 |newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]]}}</ref> The reunion became particularly popular, with the live taping drawing in audience members from as far as [[San Francisco]].<ref name="Brioux1999" /> The success of the reunion inspired Yan Moore and Linda Schuyler, now running [[Epitome Pictures]], to develop an interest in creating a new ''Degrassi'' series by December 1999.<ref name="Rollercoaster2007">{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2007 |title=Degrassi – Behind the Scenes – How it all happened |url=http://abc.net.au/rollercoaster/degrassi/bts/happened.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021124401/http://abc.net.au/rollercoaster/degrassi/bts/happened.htm |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |access-date=March 2, 2021 |website=Rollercoaster}}</ref> They had originally planned to create an unrelated teen drama titled ''Ready, Willing And Wired''.<ref>{{harvnb|Mazumdar|2020|pp=107}}</ref> Moore noted that Emma, Spike's daughter, would be entering junior high school by the new millennium, and the show was retooled to centre around Emma and her friends attending Degrassi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2007 |title=Degrassi – Behind the Scenes – How it all happened |url=http://abc.net.au/rollercoaster/degrassi/bts/happened.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021124401/http://abc.net.au/rollercoaster/degrassi/bts/happened.htm |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Ellis|2005|pp=12}}</ref> Epitome would propose the idea of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' to [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] in October 2000, and Ivan Fecan, now CEO of CTV's parent company, ordered thirteen episodes of the new show.<ref name="Rollercoaster2007" /> Filming began on July 3, 2001,<ref name="Rollercoaster2007" /> and the show premiered on CTV on October 14, 2001.<ref name="Rollercoaster2007" />

Although the original ''Degrassi'' series were widely popular in Canada, ''The'' ''Next Generation'' was particularly successful in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Degrassi' Becomes a Cult Hit Depicting Violence and Heartaches |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=1199990&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403143442/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=1199990&page=1 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahearn |first=Victoria |date=January 25, 2020 |title=Kit Hood, co-creator of 'Degrassi' Canadian TV series has died |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/kit-hood-co-creator-of-degrassi-canadian-tv-series-has-died-1.4783312 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114120627/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/kit-hood-co-creator-of-degrassi-canadian-tv-series-has-died-1.4783312 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}</ref> During the show's ninth season, the producers were informed in a meeting with CTV executives that the network did not plan to renew the show.<ref name="Ajello">{{Cite web |last=Ajello |first=Erin |title=The oral history of the 'Shark in the Water' promo that saved 'Degrassi' and changed TV forever |url=https://www.insider.com/degrassi-shark-water-behind-scenes-secrets-interview-2021-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929020654/https://www.insider.com/degrassi-shark-water-behind-scenes-secrets-interview-2021-7 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=December 2, 2021 |website=Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> At the same time, Stephen Stohn was in talks with [[TeenNick]] to produce 48 episodes of a [[telenovela]]-style teen show, which he later pitched as the tenth season of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation''.<ref name="Ajello" /> To promote the series on the new network, TeenNick commissioned a promotional music video, set to "[[Shark in the Water]]" by [[V V Brown]] and themed around a carnival and circus, which contained clues foreshadowing later events of the season.<ref name="Ajello" /> The promo was extremely successful.<ref name="Ajello" /> According to Stephen Stohn, [[MuchMusic]], the network that the series moved to from CTV in Canada, cited the promo as having improved the network's ratings significantly.<ref name="Ajello" /> Season 10 premiered on July 19, 2010, and marked a change in production style to a telenovela/soap opera format, and for the first time, episodes airing in Canada and the United States on the same day. "The Next Generation" was also dropped from the title, which became simply ''Degrassi''.<ref name="Ajello" />

''Degrassi'' was cancelled after fourteen seasons, and a spin off series called ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]'' aired on [[Netflix]] for four seasons from 2016 to 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pena |first=Jessica |date=March 7, 2019 |title=Degrassi: Next Class: Cancelled; Producer Confirms Netflix Series Has Ended |url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/degrassi-next-class-cancelled-producer-confirms-netflix-series-has-ended/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623154116/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/degrassi-next-class-cancelled-producer-confirms-netflix-series-has-ended/ |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2019 |website=TV Series Finale}}</ref> Season one was released on Netflix January 15, 2016, and started airing January 4, 2016, on [[Family Channel (Canadian TV network)|Family]]'s new teen programming block, ''F2N''. Fourteen cast members from season 14 of ''Degrassi'' also reprised their roles.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=608999700600135680 |user=stephenstohn |title=@Tom_degassi @Rcarter555 we've been wondering that ourselves. It's really both. But I think it will be easier to call it DNC Season 1 |author=Stephen Stohn |date=June 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=July 17, 2015 |title='Degrassi' Next Season Coming to Netflix: Why Teen Drama Is Leaving TV After 35 Years |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/degrassi-netflix-teen-sexting-cyberbulling-1201543113/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026140409/http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/degrassi-netflix-teen-sexting-cyberbulling-1201543113/ |archive-date=October 26, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=630388361287499777 |user=stephenstohn |title=@KDTalks2 yes, tho the characters who didn't graduate are mostly still continuing in DNC |author=Stephen Stohn |date=August 9, 2015}}</ref> On March 7, 2019, Stefan Brogren alluded to the show's cancellation in a tweet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi: Next Class: Cancelled; Producer Confirms Netflix Series Has Ended |url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni62403753 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422141552/https://www.imdb.com/news/ni62403753 |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2019 |publisher=IMDb}}</ref> [[Sara Waisglass]], who played Frankie Hollingsworth, recalled to the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' in 2022 that she was disappointed at the cancellation and recalled: "They never told us anything. We had our contracts and the way it worked was they had to tell you by a certain date if we were picked up or not. We just never heard from them again."<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2022 |title=After Degrassi: Where are they now? |work=Toronto Star |pages=C12}} {{ProQuest|2704196087}}</ref>

On January 20, 2020, ''Degrassi'' co-creator Kit Hood died of a brain aneurysm<ref name="Schuyler 2022">{{harvnb|Schuyler|2022|pp=208|year=2022}}</ref> at his home in Nova Scotia, aged 76.<ref name="Vlessing2020">{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=January 28, 2020 |title='Degrassi' Co-Creator Christopher "Kit" Hood Dies at 76 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/christopher-kit-hood-dead-degrassi-creator-was-76-1274005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903193201/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/christopher-kit-hood-dead-degrassi-creator-was-76-1274005/ |archive-date=September 3, 2024 |access-date=October 6, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2022–present: Planned second revival and documentary series ===
{{Main|Degrassi (unproduced TV series)}}

On January 13, 2022, it was announced that [[HBO Max]] gave a series order to ''[[Degrassi (2023 TV series)|Degrassi]]'', a new series in the franchise consisting of 10 hour-long episodes set to premiere in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=January 13, 2022 |title=''Degrassi'' Reboot Ordered at HBO Max |url=https://tvline.com/2022/01/13/degrassi-returning-hbo-max-reboot-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113184811/https://tvline.com/2022/01/13/degrassi-returning-hbo-max-reboot-2023/ |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=TVLine}}</ref> It was announced that the new series would be helmed by Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen, who previously wrote the ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]'' episode "Heat of The Moment."<ref name="Friend2022">{{Cite news |last=Friend |first=David |date=January 13, 2022 |title=New one-hour Degrassi series to premiere spring 2023 on HBO Max |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/degrassi-hbo-1.6314299 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407065926/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/degrassi-hbo-1.6314299 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |work=[[CBC News]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ajello |first=Erin |title=A new 'Degrassi' reboot is coming. Here's everything we know so far. |url=https://www.insider.com/degrassi-hbo-reboot-everything-we-know-so-far-2022-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929020736/https://www.insider.com/degrassi-hbo-reboot-everything-we-know-so-far-2022-1 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=Insider}}</ref> Linda Schuyler, franchise co-creator, and Stephen Stohn, creative partner on ''The Next Generation'', issued a joint statement confirming that they would not be involved in the new series, stating that the "time is perfect to pass the baton" to Azzopardi and Cohen.<ref name="Friend2022" /> On February 23, 2022, casting commenced for the series with a search for 13- to 20-year-old youth of all backgrounds. Filming was scheduled to begin July 1, 2022, and end November 30, 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi |url=https://castingworkbook.com/open-breakdown.asp?bd=0135766 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225170822/https://castingworkbook.com/open-breakdown.asp?bd=0135766 |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Casting Workbook}}</ref> However, in August 2022, reports surfaced of the restructuring of HBO Max, which led to fears of the reboot's potential cancellation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Marfo |first=Dorcas |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Degrassi fans fear the worst for reboot after reports surface over HBO Max's plans to drop scripted shows |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/08/04/degrassi-fans-fear-the-worst-for-show-reboot-after-reports-surface-over-hbo-maxs-plans-to-drop-scripted-shows.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823020434/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/08/04/degrassi-fans-fear-the-worst-for-show-reboot-after-reports-surface-over-hbo-maxs-plans-to-drop-scripted-shows.html |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |work=[[The Toronto Star]]}}</ref>

In November 2022, [[The Wall Street Journal]] reported that the new ''Degrassi'' series would not be moving forward amid the Warner Bros. merger.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Marriage Hurt by High Debt, Low Morale |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-making-of-warner-bros-discovery-hurt-by-high-debt-low-morale-11667404373 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103005059/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-making-of-warner-bros-discovery-hurt-by-high-debt-low-morale-11667404373 |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref> However, multiple statements from Schuyler and WildBrain have indicated that there are still plans to produce the series; on the day of the cancellation's announcement, WildBrain stated they were "committed to the future of Degrassi" and that "discussions concerning the contract with WarnerMedia are ongoing."<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2022 |title=Production 'paused' on new 'Degrassi' TV series as HBO Max pulls out |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/production-paused-on-new-degrassi-tv-series-as-hbo-max-pulls-out-1.6139442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113230849/https://www.cp24.com/news/production-paused-on-new-degrassi-tv-series-as-hbo-max-pulls-out-1.6139442 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref> In April 2023, Schuyler told the ''Toronto Star'' that WildBrain considered the failed HBO deal a "false start."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeo |first=Debra |date=April 9, 2023 |title='Degrassi' creator Linda Schuyler on her memoir 'The Mother of All Degrassi' — the hardest part to write was the title |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2023/04/09/degrassi-creator-linda-schuyler-on-her-memoir-the-mother-of-all-degrassi-the-hardest-part-to-write-was-the-title.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409130035/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2023/04/09/degrassi-creator-linda-schuyler-on-her-memoir-the-mother-of-all-degrassi-the-hardest-part-to-write-was-the-title.html |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |website=[[Toronto Star]] |language=en}}</ref> Schuyler maintained her optimism in an August 2023 podcast interview, but revealed that the [[2023 SAG-AFTRA strike]] had been impacting plans to go forward.<ref name="mw2023" />

On December 6, 2023, WildBrain announced a three-part documentary series about the franchise, produced in co-operation with Peacock Alley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yossman |first=K. J. |date=December 6, 2023 |title='Degrassi' Documentary in the Works From WildBrain (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/degrassi-documentary-wildbrain-1235824258/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206183255/https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/degrassi-documentary-wildbrain-1235824258/ |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The series is set to examine the franchise's 40-year history in depth and features new cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Ghamdi |first=Abdullah |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Degrassi Documentary Series in the Works, Examines Popular Teen Drama |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/1429390-degrassi-documentary-series-in-the-works-examines-popular-teen-drama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207031610/https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/1429390-degrassi-documentary-series-in-the-works-examines-popular-teen-drama |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Friend |first=David |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Degrassi lands three-part docuseries that will school fans in its enduring legacy |url=https://www.thespec.com/entertainment/degrassi-lands-three-part-docuseries-that-will-school-fans-in-its-enduring-legacy/article_81f1292d-8eb3-56f8-ac3b-92e40e038d15.html |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The Hamilton Spectator |language=en |issn=1189-9417 |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> In July 2025, its title was announced as ''[[Degrassi: Whatever It Takes]]'', with the documentary set to premiere at the [[2025 Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Angel |date=2025-07-28 |title=Drake to ‘Delve Deep’ Into ‘Degrassi’ Past for Documentary Premiering at Toronto Film Festival |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/drake-degrassi-documentary-whatever-it-takes-toronto-tiff-1236032078/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Franchise overview ==
=== Main television series ===
{{Episode table |background=#2354AE |overall= |title= |Aux1= |Aux1T=Original airdates |Aux2= |Aux2T=Networks |episodes={{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 1
| Title               = ''[[The Kids of Degrassi Street]]''
| Aux1                = December 8, 1979 – January 5, 1986
| Aux2                = [[CBC Television|CBC]] (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = Follows the lives of children living on [[De Grassi Street]] in [[Toronto]].
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 2
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]''
| Aux1                = January 18, 1987 – February 27, 1989
| Aux2                = CBC (Canada), [[PBS]] ([[United States]])
| ShortSummary        = Follows an ensemble cast of students attending the titular fictional school as they navigate their lives and face a wide range of issues, ranging from mundane to serious.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 3
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi High]]''
| Aux1                = November 6, 1989 – January 28, 1991
| Aux2                = CBC (Canada), [[PBS]] (United States)
| ShortSummary        = A continuation of ''Degrassi Junior High'', following the same cast as they move into high school. It tackles more mature and serious issues such as abortion, AIDS, and suicide.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 4
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]''
| Aux1                = October 14, 2001 – August 2, 2015
| Aux2                = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]], [[MuchMusic]], [[MTV Canada]] (Canada), [[The N]], [[TeenNick]] (United States)
| ShortSummary        = A revival of ''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'', centred on a new generation of students attending Degrassi Community School. Characters from the previous series return as adults. Renamed ''Degrassi'' from seasons 10 to 14.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 5
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]''
| Aux1                = January 15, 2016 – July 7, 2017
| Aux2                = [[Netflix]] (international), [[Family Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Family Channel]] (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = Follows the remaining underclassmen from ''Degrassi: The Next Generation''  as well as a new set of students. Final franchise entry to date.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
}}

=== Television movies ===
{{Episode table|background=#2354AE|overall=|title=|Aux1=|Aux1T=Original Air Date (Canada)|Aux2=|Aux2T=Original Air Date (US)|Aux3=|Aux3T=Network|episodes={{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 1
| Title               = ''[[School's Out (1992 film)|School's Out!]]''
| Aux1                = {{Start date|1992|01|05}}
| Aux2                = {{Start date|1994|06|20}}
| Aux3                = CBC (Canada), PBS (United States)
| ShortSummary        = Set post-graduation, Joey Jeremiah ([[Pat Mastroianni]]) cheats on Caitlin Ryan ([[Stacie Mistysyn]]) with Tessa Campanelli (Kirsten Bourne); Snake ([[Stefan Brogren]]) can't get a girlfriend. Wheels ([[Neil Hope]]) is imprisoned when he drunk drives and kills a child. Meanwhile, Alexa (Irene Courakos) and Simon (Michael Carry) prepare to marry.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 2
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi Goes Hollywood]]''
| Aux1                = {{Start date|2009|08|31}}
| Aux2                = {{Start date|2009|08|14}}
| Aux3                = The N (United States), CTV (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = The cast of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' goes to Hollywood. Paige Michalchuk ([[Lauren Collins]]) lands a role in a film directed by [[Jason Mewes]]. The relationship between Ellie Nash ([[Stacey Farber]]) and Craig Manning ([[Jake Epstein]]) intensifies, and Stüdz, a band led by Peter Stone ([[Jamie Johnston]]), seem poised for their big break.
----
'''NOTE:''' Aired in syndication as a four-part episode titled "Paradise City".
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 3
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi Takes Manhattan]]''
| Aux1                = {{Start date|2010|07|16}}
| Aux2                = {{Start date|2010|07|19}}
| Aux3                = MuchMusic (Canada), TeenNick (United States)
| ShortSummary        = A group of Degrassi students go to New York. Jane Vaughn ([[Paula Brancati]]) is invited there to front a rock band for a TV performance, Spinner Mason ([[Shane Kippel]]) and Emma Nelson ([[Miriam McDonald]]) decide to marry in a spur of the moment situation.
----
'''NOTE:''' Aired in syndication as a four-part episode titled "The Rest Of My Life".
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}}}

=== Documentaries and specials ===
{{Episode table |background=#2354AE |overall= |title= |Aux1= |Aux1T=Original Air Date |Aux2= |Aux2T=Networks |episodes={{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 1
| Title               = ''Degrassi Between Takes''
| Aux1                = October 30, 1989<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=October 28, 1989 |title=Degrassi High has valuable lessons for teenagers and their parents, too |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77418986/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513114131/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77418986/the-gazette/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=[[Montreal Gazette]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Riches |first=Hester |date=October 30, 1989 |title=Audiences eagerly await Degrassi kick-off |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77419054/the-vancouver-sun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513114137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77419054/the-vancouver-sun/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=The Vancouver Sun |pages=20}}</ref>
| Aux2                = [[CBC Television|CBC]] (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = Narrated by Canadian journalist [[Peter Gzowski]], ''Degrassi Between Takes'' documents the creative process and impact of ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]'', The documentary features footage of the acting workshops, as well as clips from a radio interview with [[Amanda Stepto]], and the 1988 Gemini Awards ceremony in which the show won four awards.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 2
| Title               = ''[[Degrassi Talks]]''
| Aux1                = February 29 – March 30, 1992
| Aux2                = CBC (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = A non-fiction documentary series that aired for six episodes on the CBC following ''School's Out''. Six of the best known actors from the series – Rebecca Haines, Neil Hope, Pat Mastroianni, Stacie Mistysyn, Siluck Saysanasy, and Amanda Stepto – travelled across Canada to interview teens and young adults about the issues dealt with in the show.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 3
| Title               = ''The Degrassi Story''
| Aux1                = September 17, 2005<ref name="Chronicling the Generations">{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Chronicling the Generations |url=https://playbackonline.ca/2005/09/12/book-20050912/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910015750/https://playbackonline.ca/2005/09/12/book-20050912/ |archive-date=September 10, 2022 |access-date=September 10, 2022 |website=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]]}}</ref>
| Aux2                = CTV (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = A documentary created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ''Degrassi'' franchise, hosted by [[Stefan Brogren]], who played Snake. Brogren tracks down and interviews various ''Degrassi'' actors and crew, including [[Neil Hope]] (Wheels) in his final public appearance before his death in November 2007.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 4
| Title                 = ''It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments''
| Aux1                = July 31, 2015
| Aux2                = [[TeenNick]] (United States)
| ShortSummary        = The cast of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' discuss their favorite character moments and the show's most controversial moments.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber       = 5
| Title                 = ''[[Degrassi: Whatever It Takes]]''
| Aux1                = September 13, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi: Whatever It Takes |url=https://_/films/degrassi-whatever-it-takes |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=TIFF |language=en}}</ref>
| Aux2                = [[2025 Toronto International Film Festival]] (Canada)
| ShortSummary        = Actors from across the franchise discuss the show's success and impact over the decades.
| LineColor          = 2354AE 
}}
}}

=== Books and other print media ===
{{Main|Degrassi Classic novels|Degrassi: Extra Credit}}

During The Kids of Degrassi Street's run, a series of eight books based on episodes from the series were published by James Lorimer & Co. The books were written by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood, with help from Eve Jennings. Two of the books, ''Casey Draws The Line'' and ''Griff Gets A Hand'', were later reprinted with an updated cover with a similar style to the ''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'' books.

Between 1988 and 1992, James Lorimer & Co. published a series of eleven paperback books based on the characters of ''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'' to accompany the two series''.'' Each book focused on a different character, such as [[Spike (novel)|Spike]], Joey, Caitlin, Wheels, and Snake, often expanding on their storylines or following new ones entirely. Another novel, ''Exit Stage Left'', was an original story focused on multiple characters.<ref name="Degrassi Online2018">{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Books |url=https://degrassi.ca/books/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430125247/https://degrassi.ca/books/ |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |access-date=March 6, 2021 |website=Degrassi Online |language=en}}</ref><ref name="issarged.com">{{Cite web |title=issarged.com – degrassi books |url=http://www.issarged.com/issarged/issarged.com_-_degrassi_books.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924090520/http://www.issarged.com/issarged/issarged.com_-_degrassi_books.html |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=March 6, 2021 |website=issarged.com}}</ref> One book, focused on the characters of Arthur Kobalewscuy and Yick Yu, was written, but not released.<ref name="Degrassi Online2018" />

To coincide with the debut of ''Degrassi Talks'' in February 1992, [[Boardwalk Books]] published companion books based on the six episodes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=February 21, 1992 |title=Telling it with feeling |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77487381/the-vancouver-sun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907110828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77487381/the-vancouver-sun/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=The Vancouver Sun |pages=83}}</ref> The books, which contain more content than the television series, feature an image the host of the episode, usually while holding camera equipment on the front cover, and a preface written by ''Degrassi'' writer Catherine Dunphy, profiling the actor who hosted the episode. The books also feature expanded versions of several interviews seen in the series, as well as other interviews that were not shown in the series due to time constraints.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boardwalk|1992|p=123}}</ref> From 2006 to 2007, four graphic novels based on ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' were released as part of the ''Extra Credit'' series, with the books centering on the characters Ellie Nash, Emma Nelson, Spinner Mason, and Marco Del Rossi respectively.<ref name="issarged.com" />

There were also several other non-fiction books based on the franchise, including ''The Official 411: Degrassi Generations'', a behind-the-scenes history book written by Degrassi writer and publicist Kathryn Ellis released to celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary in September 2005,<ref name="Chronicling the Generations" /> and ''Growing Up Degrassi: Television, Identity and Youth Cultures'', an anthology of scholarly essays on the franchise, edited by Michelle Byers.<ref name="issarged.com" /> A memoir by Schuyler, titled ''The Mother Of All Degrassi'', was released on November 15, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir |url=https://ecwpress.com/products/mother-of-all-degrassi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207011643/https://ecwpress.com/products/mother-of-all-degrassi |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=ECW Press}}</ref>

=== Planned ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' film ===
During 2005 and 2006, a feature film adaptation of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' was in development.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dixon |first=Guy |date=February 9, 2006 |title=DEGRASSI READY FOR THE BIG SCREEN? |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/degrassi-ready-for-the-big-screen/article703014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908075128/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/degrassi-ready-for-the-big-screen/article703014/ |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> American filmmaker [[Kevin Smith]], a longtime fan of the franchise, was slated to direct the movie.<ref name="Vlessing2005">{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Director Smith lands dream gig |url=https://playbackonline.ca/2005/09/12/smith-20050912/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908075121/https://playbackonline.ca/2005/09/12/smith-20050912/ |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=Playback}}</ref> By September 2005, the film was awaiting a green light from [[Paramount Pictures]], with a script written by Aaron Martin and [[Tassie Cameron]],<ref name="Vlessing2005" /> and was set to begin filming in May 2006.<ref name="Vlessing2005" /> Smith told [[Playback (magazine)|''Playback'']] that he had considered getting [[Ben Affleck]] to cameo in the movie, but decided against it.<ref name="Vlessing2005" /> The project eventually came to be unrealized.<ref name="Elliott2022">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Warren |date=August 2, 2022 |title=Kevin Smith Recalls Almost Directing Degrassi Movie About Drake's Jimmy |url=https://screenrant.com/degrassi-movie-jimmy-drake-kevin-smith-response/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908075123/https://screenrant.com/degrassi-movie-jimmy-drake-kevin-smith-response/ |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2022, Smith revealed to ''[[Screen Rant]]'' that the movie would have heavily centred on Drake's character Jimmy Brooks "getting up and walking."<ref name="Elliott2022" /> Smith claims that they incorporated elements from the script into a future episode of the television series.<ref name="Elliott2022" />

== Critical reception and impact ==
=== Critical reception ===
The ''Degrassi'' franchise has been critically lauded for virtually its entire existence. The Canadian press was celebratory of ''Degrassi Junior High''<nowiki/>'s local and international success, and believed it to be one of the most groundbreaking children's television series of all-time;<ref name="Kennedy19872">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Janice |date=December 31, 1987 |title=High marks for Degrassi kids; We're not in this to make pots full of money |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77415993/the-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611061212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77415993/the-gazette/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=[[Montreal Gazette]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Remington |first=Bob |date=September 28, 1987 |title=Degrassi High teens face dilemmas head-on |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77602937/edmonton-journal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611061615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77602937/edmonton-journal/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=Edmonton Journal |pages=10}}</ref> in the lead-up to its American debut, [[Fred M. Hechinger]] of the ''[[New York Times]]'' pondered; "Can teen-agers be won over to entertainment that is not mindless, violent or sexually irresponsible?".<ref name="Hechinger1987">{{Cite news |last=Hechinger |first=Fred M. |date=August 11, 1987 |title=Public TV Tries to Reach Teen-Agers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/11/science/about-education-public-tv-tries-to-reach-teen-agers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143919/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/11/science/about-education-public-tv-tries-to-reach-teen-agers.html |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2012 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 1989 the series was profiled by [[John Fisher Burns]], also of the New York Times, who asserted it was "remolding the pat-a-cake image of what the industry, with at least some sense of paradox, likes to call <nowiki>''</nowiki>children's television.<nowiki>''</nowiki><ref name="Burns19892">{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=John |date=5 February 1989 |title='Degrassi': A Series For Children That Goes for the Gut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/arts/television-degrassi-a-series-for-children-that-goes-for-the-gut.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417014234/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/arts/television-degrassi-a-series-for-children-that-goes-for-the-gut.html |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=12 March 2012 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Its sequel, ''Degrassi High'', garnered similar praise. In 1990, Lynne Heffley of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called ''Degrassi'' one of the "gutsiest shows on television."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffley |first=Lynne |date=1990-01-13 |title=TV Reviews : 'Degrassi High,' 'Wonderworks' Return to PBS |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-13-ca-71-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603044635/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-13-ca-71-story.html |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-02 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Kelli Pryor of [[Entertainment Weekly]] called it the "''[[thirtysomething]]'' of the book-bag set."<ref name="Pryor19912">{{Cite magazine |last=Pryor |first=Kelli |date=April 12, 1991 |title=Degrassi High |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/04/12/degrassi-high-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503141540/https://ew.com/article/1991/04/12/degrassi-high-2/ |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |language=en}}</ref>

While met with some skepticism, including from ''The Ottawa Citizen''<nowiki/>'s Tony Atherton<ref name="Atherton review2">{{Cite news |last=Atherton |first=Tony |date=October 14, 2001 |title=Degrassi Returns With New, Old Faces: Unfortunately, the Stories Are Stuck In the Same Old Ruts |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |publisher=[[Canwest]] |page=A12}}</ref> and ''The Seattle Times''<nowiki/>' Melanie McFarland,<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFarland |first=Melanie |date=March 30, 2002 |title=''Degrassi'' Back In a New Generation |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20020330/degrassi30/degrassi-back-in-a-new-generation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929001957/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020330&slug=degrassi30 |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2010 |work=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref> ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' also went on to receive critical acclaim. ''Entertainment Weekly'' called it "a cult hit", and ''[[The New York Times]]'' named it "Tha Best Teen TV N da WRLD."<ref name="fast times2">{{Cite magazine |last=Armstrong |first=Jennifer |date=October 1, 2004 |title=Fast Times at Degrassi High |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,701427,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023091816/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,701427,00.html |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=October 21, 2007 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref name="NYT2">{{Cite web |last=Neihart |first=Ben |date=March 20, 2005 |title=DGrassi Is tha Best Teen TV N da WRLD! |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/20/magazine/20DEGRASSI.htm |access-date=December 12, 2007 |website=The New York Times |page=5}}</ref> [[AOL TV]] ranked it as the sixth TV's Biggest Guilty Pleasure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2008 |title=TV's Biggest Guilty Pleasures |url=http://www.aoltv.com/2008/01/02/biggest-best-tv-guilty-pleasures/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025103743/http://www.aoltv.com/2008/01/02/biggest-best-tv-guilty-pleasures/ |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |publisher=[[AOL TV]]}}</ref>

=== Authenticity ===
Linda Schuyler explained to ''Entertainment Weekly'' in 2012 that "the show set out to be an authentic — and I use the word authentic very carefully; I don't use the word realistic –- an authentic portrayal of teenage years."<ref name="Entertainment Weekly">{{Cite magazine |title='Degrassi': We interview creator Linda Schuyler before ep 300 airs |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/10/25/degrassi-300th-episode-linda-schuyler/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115213957/http://ew.com/article/2012/10/25/degrassi-300th-episode-linda-schuyler/ |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref> Authenticity is regarded as a major tenet of ''Degrassi's'' identity, and is a frequent talking point in critical and fan discourse about the franchise''.<ref name="Druick2008" />'' In their book ''Canadian Television Today'', Bart Beaty and Rebecca Sullivan wrote how ''Degrassi'' touted itself as an "a honest, unflinching look at growing up";<ref name="Beaty2006">{{Cite book |last1=Beaty |first1=Bart |title=Canadian television today |last2=Sullivan |first2=Rebecca |date=2006 |publisher=University of Calgary Press |isbn=978-1-55238-222-6 |series=Op/Position: issues and ideas series |location=Calgary, Canada |pages=81–82}}</ref> in the book ''Programming Reality: Perspectives On English-Canadian Television'', Michele Byers wrote that the series is "often heralded as speaking to rather than for young people."<ref name="Druick2008">{{Cite book |last1=Druick |first1=Zoë |title=Programming reality: perspectives on English-Canadian television |last2=Kotsopoulos |first2=Aspa |date=2008 |publisher=Wilfrid Laurier university press |isbn=978-1-55458-010-1 |series=Film and media studies series |location=Waterloo (Ont.) |pages=187–201}}</ref> Throughout the years, it has commonly been contrasted with similar teen shows produced in the United States that are perceived to value style over substance.<ref name="Beaty2006" /><ref name="Druick2008" />

Filmmaker and ''Degrassi'' fan [[Kevin Smith]] wrote in ''TV Guide'' of watching ''Degrassi Junior High'': "These were ordinary-looking ... kids like I had been in high school ... dealing with real problems—not that ''[[Beverly Hills, 90210|90210]]'' kinda TV problem-crap ... I could identify with these kids ... These non-glamorous, unpolished, awkward, age-appropriate-for-the-roles actors made me believe that I was a kindred spirit to the characters they played."<ref name="Druick2008" /> ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'', while being the most successful of the series and generally considered by many to share the same qualities, is frequently criticized for its higher production value and gradual shift towards soap opera-style sensationalism like that of other teen drama series.<ref name="Beaty2006" />

''Degrassi'' is also noted for its casting of real teenagers, as opposed to [[Dawson casting|the common practice of casting much older actors]]:<ref>{{Cite news |title='Degrassi' is on Netflix now. It's still the realest show about teens. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/01/15/degrassi-is-on-netflix-now-its-still-the-realest-show-about-teens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201152649/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/01/15/degrassi-is-on-netflix-now-its-still-the-realest-show-about-teens/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lancaster |first=Brodie |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Quit the moralising, HBO's Euphoria isn't pretty but neither is being a teen |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/quit-the-moralising-hbo-s-euphoria-isn-t-pretty-but-neither-is-being-a-teen-20201216-p56nzb.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503072004/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/quit-the-moralising-hbo-s-euphoria-isn-t-pretty-but-neither-is-being-a-teen-20201216-p56nzb.html |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> something often cited when discussing the franchise's authenticity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landau |first=Emily |date=September 2012 |title=Teenage Dreams |url=http://walrusmagazine.com/printerFriendly.php?ref=2012.09-television-teenage-dreams&src=longreads |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105040520/http://walrusmagazine.com/printerFriendly.php?ref=2012.09-television-teenage-dreams&src=longreads |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |work=The Walrus}}</ref> During development of ''Degrassi Junior High'', Schuyler observed that "so much of the American stuff set in high schools is played by late teens and early 20s – and then some."<ref name="Taylor1986" /> She further elaborated to ''[[IndieWire]]'' in 2016: "I like to talk about the fact that you can take a 25-year-old who looks 15 and have them play a role, but that actor is bringing 10 more years of life experience to that role. By having our cast be age-appropriate, they bring the freshness and the authenticity of that age."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=July 18, 2016 |title=Here's Why Degrassi Will Never Die (And No, It's Not Just Because of Netflix) |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/degrassi-creator-next-class-netflix-500-episodes-1201707118/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109212205/https://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/degrassi-creator-next-class-netflix-500-episodes-1201707118/ |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=IndieWire |language=en}}</ref>

=== Censorship ===
The franchise has been the subject of numerous controversies and censorships since the 1980s. In the United Kingdom, several episodes of ''Degrassi Junior High'''s first season, including the International Emmy award-winning episode "It's Late", were not aired in its regular place on the children's timeslot at 5pm on BBC1<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Programme Index |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d2dc2850578c494c962dcc9947ea534d |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112003625/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d2dc2850578c494c962dcc9947ea534d |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=November 12, 2021 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> due to complaints from parents that their content "too strong for [young children]",<ref name="Summers2020">{{Cite web |last=Summers |first=Brett |date=January 23, 2020 |title=The Degrassi Legacy and why it matters |url=https://cultfaction.com/2020/01/23/the-degrassi-legacy-and-why-it-matters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625131727/https://cultfaction.com/2020/01/23/the-degrassi-legacy-and-why-it-matters/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=CULT FACTION |language=en-US}}</ref> and were instead shown at 6pm on the BBC2 teen block [[DEF II]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1988 |title=Def II: Degrassi Junior High: It's Late |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/8562fba09c164a3a93871cb8cc72272f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603125235/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/8562fba09c164a3a93871cb8cc72272f |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=June 7, 2021 |work=Radio Times |pages=50 |language=en-GB |issue=3383 |issn=0033-8060}}</ref> The network did not air its second and third seasons.<ref name="Winnipeg Free Press1988" /><ref name="Summers2020" />

The two-part premiere of ''Degrassi High'', "[[A New Start (Degrassi High)|A New Start]]", which centered around a character becoming pregnant and ultimately choosing to get an abortion, aired uncensored in Canada in November 1989, but was edited by PBS for its January 1990 American premiere to remove the episode's final scene depicting said character fighting through [[anti-abortion]] picketers outside of a clinic.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 1989 |title=Degrassi High edited by PBS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78784384/the-ottawa-citizen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603114432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78784384/the-ottawa-citizen/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |work=Ottawa Citizen |pages=37}}</ref> This decision was met with backlash from the show's producers, with co-creator and director Kit Hood lambasting the network for giving the episode "an American ending, happy, safe but incomplete..." and requested his name be removed from the credits.<ref name="Remington1989">{{Cite news |last=Remington |first=Bob |date=November 6, 1989 |title=Anger at PBS much ado about a minor point |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78916331/edmonton-journal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604075114/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78916331/edmonton-journal/ |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |work=Edmonton Journal |pages=32}}</ref>

In 2004, [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]]'s [[The N]] block decided to postpone an episode of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' revolving around abortion, titled "[[Accidents Will Happen (Degrassi: The Next Generation)|Accidents Will Happen]]."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Perebinossoff |first=Philippe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UOP0GlzMGNsC&q=Noggin+postponed&pg=PT113 |title=Real-World Media Ethics: Inside the Broadcast and Entertainment Industries |date=July 26, 2012 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781136032653 |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929020700/https://books.google.com/books?id=UOP0GlzMGNsC&q=Noggin+postponed&pg=PT113#v=snippet&q=Noggin%20postponed&f=false |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> The two-part episode focused on a character who becomes pregnant and decides to have an abortion. The N's decision prompted backlash from fans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Degrassi's Infamous 2004 Abortion Episode Still Matters |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/02/23/degrassi-abortion-accidents-will-happen-manny-craig |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204701/https://www.thefader.com/2017/02/23/degrassi-abortion-accidents-will-happen-manny-craig |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=The FADER |language=en}}</ref><ref name="outcry">{{Cite news |date=July 20, 2004 |title=''Degrassi'' Abortion Episode Sparks Fan Outcry in US |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/degrassi-abortion-episode-sparks-fan-outcry-in-u-s-1.465646 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210123137/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2004/07/20/degrassi040720.html |archive-date=December 10, 2006 |access-date=February 8, 2008 |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> A subsequent petition from fans condemned the decision as "unjust and asinine", and argued that the episode did not espouse any forceful opinions about the subject, and that the fans had the right to watch the series in an uncensored, unaltered form.<ref name="interim">{{Cite web |last=Kok |first=Dina |date=September 2004 |title=Abortion Issue On Popular TV Show |url=http://www.theinterim.com/2004/sept/22abortionissue.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012013221/http://theinterim.com/2004/sept/22abortionissue.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=September 20, 2007 |publisher=The Interim}}</ref> Conversely, CTV in Canada showed the episode twice.<ref name="interim" />

=== Reception from LGBT groups ===
''Degrassi''{{'}}s portrayal of LGBT youth was viewed by critics as groundbreaking. Linda Schuyler said that the impetus for the show's inclusion of LGBT themes stemmed from her colleague Bruce Mackey, who was central to the early development in the franchise, and who hid his sexuality from his professional life.<ref name="Kayvon2017">{{Cite web |last=Kayvon |first=Shervin |title=The queer legacy of "Degrassi: Next Class" |url=https://www.intomore.com/culture/the-queer-legacy-of-degrassi-next-class/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625082916/https://www.intomore.com/culture/the-queer-legacy-of-degrassi-next-class/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=INTO |language=en-US}}</ref> Schuyler said: "It made me so sad to see somebody who had to live duplicitously like that, that it kind of has been right from the very beginning of this show, it's been a very important mandate for me."<ref name="Kayvon2017" />

The tenth season of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' introduced the female-to-male transgender character Adam Torres, played by [[Jordan Todosey]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Jasper |date=December 11, 2018 |title=Cisgender actors can play trans roles |url=https://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca/2018/12/cisgender-actors-can-play-trans-roles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625082917/https://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca/2018/12/cisgender-actors-can-play-trans-roles/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=The Chronicle |language=en-CA}}</ref> who by 2011 was the "only transgender regular or recurring character on scripted television" according to [[GLAAD]].{{Sfn|GLAAD|2012|p=9-10}} A central episode involving Adam's struggles with dysphoria, "[[My Body Is a Cage]]", won a [[Peabody Awards|Peabody Award]] that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi: My Body Is A Cage |url=https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/degrassi-my-body-is-a-cage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625082915/https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/degrassi-my-body-is-a-cage/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=The Peabody Awards |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Legacy and honours ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by the Degrassi franchise}}

[[File:Drake July 2016.jpg|alt=A man performs on stage|thumb|238x238px|[[Drake (musician)|Drake]], pictured in 2016, launched his career starring on ''Degrassi: The Next Generation''.]]

''Degrassi'' has been cited as the potential starting point for the modern television [[teen drama]],<ref name="Byers 2007">{{Harvnb|Byers|2007|pp=261–262|last1=|year=}}</ref> and it is said to have influenced shows including ''[[Beverly Hills, 90210]]''<ref name="Vitello2012">{{Cite news |last=Vitello |first=Paul |date=February 28, 2012 |title=Neil Hope Is Dead at 35; Teenage Actor Whose Life Unraveled |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/arts/television/neil-hope-dies-at-35-degrassi-actor-whose-life-unraveled.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503124417/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/arts/television/neil-hope-dies-at-35-degrassi-actor-whose-life-unraveled.html |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''[[Dawson's Creek]].''<ref name="Calgary Herald1999">{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1999 |title=Influences: TV, movies had impact |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77667684/calgary-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514052330/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77667684/calgary-herald/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 14, 2021 |work=Calgary Herald |pages=71}}</ref> Allegedly, American television producer Aaron Spelling unsuccessfully sought to adapt ''Degrassi'' for the American market before producing ''Beverly Hills, 90210'', a story Linda Schuyler<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Gayle |date=April 30, 2008 |title=Canadian actress, 18, to lead spinoff of Beverly Hills, 90210 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/canadian-actress-18-to-lead-spinoff-of-beverly-hills-90210/article958987/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611061622/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/canadian-actress-18-to-lead-spinoff-of-beverly-hills-90210/article958987/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref> and Kit Hood<ref>{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=Natalie |date=October 15, 2007 |title=Kit Hood Interview Part 2 |url=http://www.degrassi.ca/Interviews/KitHood-Interview-part2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015074103/http://www.degrassi.ca/Interviews/KitHood-Interview-part2.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2007 |website=Degrassi Online}}</ref> have both denied. The franchise has won numerous [[Gemini Awards]], several [[Teen Choice Award]]s and [[Young Artist Awards]], two [[International Emmy Award|International Emmys]], and a [[Peabody Award]], among other awards and nominations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi.tv |url=http://www.degrassi.tv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620045511/https://www.degrassi.tv/ |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=degrassi.tv |language=en}}</ref>

''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' became notable for featuring several actors who went on to achieve wider recognition and stardom since their time on the series,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2018 |title=Degrassi: 8 Stars Who Became A-Listers (And 7 Who Completely Flopped) |url=https://screenrant.com/degrassi-stars-a-listers-flopped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213225850/https://screenrant.com/degrassi-stars-a-listers-flopped/ |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2021 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Olivia |title=Then and Now: The cast of 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' |url=https://www.insider.com/degrassi-the-next-generation-cast-where-are-they-now-2018-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929020653/https://www.insider.com/degrassi-the-next-generation-cast-where-are-they-now-2018-6 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2021 |website=Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2015 |title=8 Degrassi stars who made it big |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2015/06/04/8-degrassi-stars-who-made-it-big.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506110648/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2015/06/04/8-degrassi-stars-who-made-it-big.html |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2021 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> most notably actor-turned-rapper [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], who played [[List of Degrassi: The Next Generation characters|Jimmy Brooks]],<ref name="Post">{{Cite news |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Preview: Drake rises from the rap pack with a moody, sensual style |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/music/preview-drake-rises-from-the-rap-pack-with-a-moody-sensual-style-637301/?print=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729071901/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/music/preview-drake-rises-from-the-rap-pack-with-a-moody-sensual-style-637301/?print=1 |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |publisher=post-gazette.com}}</ref> a basketball star who became physically disabled after [[Time Stands Still (Degrassi: The Next Generation)|he was shot]] by a classmate. When asked about his early acting career, Drake replied, "My mother was very sick. We were very poor, like broke. The only money I had coming in was [from] Canadian TV."<ref name="Complex">{{Cite news |date=November 15, 2011 |title=Cover Story Uncut: Drake Talks About Romance, Rap, And What's Really Real |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2011/11/cover-story-uncut-drake-talks-romance-rap-really-real/page/4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117212250/http://www.complex.com/music/2011/11/cover-story-uncut-drake-talks-romance-rap-really-real/page/4 |archive-date=November 17, 2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]}}</ref> [[Nina Dobrev]], who portrayed [[Mia Jones (Degrassi: The Next Generation)|Mia Jones]] in later seasons, went on to star as the lead character of the popular [[Supernatural fiction|supernatural]] [[teen drama]] television series ''[[The Vampire Diaries]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 2009 |title=From DeGrassi to the dark side |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/from-degrassi-to-the-dark-side/article4286332/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006185542/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/from-degrassi-to-the-dark-side/article4286332/ |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> The music video to Drake's song "[[I'm Upset]]" (2018) features a reunion of the ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' cast.

In 2012, the ''Degrassi'' franchise surpassed ''[[The Beachcombers]]'' as the longest-running Canadian drama by episode count.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2012 |title="Degrassi" Longest Running Canadian Show Of All Time |url=https://www.mandatory.com/fun/198847-qdegrassiq-longest-running-canadian-show-of-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524041854/http://www.mandatory.com/fun/198847-qdegrassiq-longest-running-canadian-show-of-all-time |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=Mandatory |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrassi surpasses Beachcombers as longest-running Canadian drama {{!}} TV, eh? |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2012/10/24/degrassi-surpasses-beachcombers-as-longest-running-canadian-drama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206065509/https://www.tv-eh.com/2012/10/24/degrassi-surpasses-beachcombers-as-longest-running-canadian-drama/ |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=www.tv-eh.com}}</ref>

=== Honours ===
After the death of co-creator [[Kit Hood]] in January 2020, a bench with a memorial plaque was installed in various locations important to the original ''Degrassi'' series, including [[Vincent Massey Junior School]] (the location of ''Degrassi Junior High'') and the [[Centennial College (Canada)|Centennial College Story Arts Centre]] (the location of ''Degrassi High'').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Centennial College – Memorial Bench for Degrassi Co-Creator, Kit Hood, Presented on Story Arts Centre Campus {{!}} School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design Blog |url=http://www.centennialcollege.ca/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106043636/https://www.centennialcollege.ca/ |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |website=www.centennialcollege.ca |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, Hood's daughter Georgia started an online petition to have the laneway behind the former Playing With Time production office named after him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Longwell |first=Karen |date=August 6, 2021 |title=People want to name a Toronto laneway after Degrassi's co-creator |url=https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/08/toronto-laneway-degrassi-co-creator/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122041959/https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/08/toronto-laneway-degrassi-co-creator/ |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |website=www.blogto.com |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2023, the franchise was inducted into [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Connor McDavid, Rick Mercer, 'Degrassi' among inductees to Canada's Walk of Fame |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2023/05/01/connor-mcdavid-rick-mercer-degrassi-among-inductees-to-canadas-walk-of-fame.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502041826/https://www.thestar.com/sports/2023/05/01/connor-mcdavid-rick-mercer-degrassi-among-inductees-to-canadas-walk-of-fame.html |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=thestar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CityNews2023" />

== Home media and streaming ==
{{Main|List of Degrassi home video releases}}

=== Physical releases ===
Each ''Degrassi'' series has seen home media release over the years. Initially available by mail-order for educational institutions,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirsch |first=Robin J. |date=1992 |title=Degrassi Health Education Curriculum |url=http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED364514.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706215100/https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED364514.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=[[ERIC]]}}</ref> ''Degrassi Junior High'' and ''Degrassi High'' were given a commercial home video release by WGBH in 2000. ''Junior High'' was released on DVD in North America and Australia in 2005, while ''Degrassi High'' was released on DVD in North America and Australia in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Each season of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' was released on DVD by [[Alliance Atlantis]] each year throughout the 2000s in big box sets that contained a variety of bonus content, including audition tapes, deleted scenes, and bloopers. These annual DVD releases stopped after season twelve of ''The Next Generation.''

=== Streaming ===
''Degrassi Junior High'', ''Degrassi High,'' and ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' have variously been available to stream online over the years, including on Canada Media Fund's Encore+<ref>{{Cite web |title=You can now watch every episode of Degrassi Junior High online for free |url=https://www.blogto.com/film/2020/11/degrassi-junior-high-online-free/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126184340/https://www.blogto.com/film/2020/11/degrassi-junior-high-online-free/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=www.blogto.com |language=en}}</ref> and the official ''Degrassi'' YouTube channel. It was announced in June 2023 that each series, including ''Kids of Degrassi Street'' and ''Degrassi Talks'' and bar ''Next Class'' would be made available on Amazon Prime Canada in July.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shankar |first=Bradly |date=June 27, 2023 |title=Nearly 500 Degrassi episodes are coming to Prime Video Canada in July |url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2023/06/27/amazon-prime-video-canada-degrassi-shows-july-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630023815/https://mobilesyrup.com/2023/06/27/amazon-prime-video-canada-degrassi-shows-july-2023/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=MobileSyrup |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Sources ==
* {{Cite book |last=Byers |first=Michelle |title=Girl Culture: An Encyclopedia |date=December 30, 2007 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=9780313084447 |editor-last=Mitchell |editor-first=Claudia |pages=261–262 |chapter=Degrassi |editor-last2=Reid-Walsh |editor-first2=Jacqueline}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ellis |first=Kathryn |title=The official 411 Degrassi generations |date=2005 |publisher=Fenn Pub. Co |isbn=1-55168-278-8 |oclc=59136593}}
* {{Cite book |title=Women and popular culture in Canada |date=2020 |isbn=978-0-88961-615-8 |editor-last=Laine Zisman Newman |location=Toronto |pages=104–108 |oclc=1140640717 |ref={{harvid|Mazumdar|2020}}}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Polger |first=Mark Aaron |year=2005 |editor-last=Byers |editor-first=Michelle |title=Degrassi.ca: Building a Fan Community Online |url=https://academicworks.cuny.edu/si_pubs/76/ |url-status=live |journal=Growing up Degrassi: Television, Identity and Youth Cultures |pages=259–271 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428091624/https://academicworks.cuny.edu/si_pubs/76/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021}}
* {{Cite book |last=Schuyler |first=Linda |title=The mother of all Degrassi : a memoir |date=2022 |isbn=978-1-77041-683-3 |location=Toronto |oclc=1309065167}}
* {{Cite book |title=Sex. |date=1992 |publisher=Boardwalk Books |isbn=1-895681-01-4 |location=Toronto |oclc=25370148 |ref={{harvid|Boardwalk|1992}}}}
* {{Cite book |last=Stohn |first=Stephen |title=Whatever it takes : life lessons from Degrassi and elsewhere in the world of music and television |date=2018 |publisher=Dundurn |others=Christopher Ward |isbn=978-1-4597-4000-6 |location=Toronto |oclc=1022792148}}
* {{Cite report |url=https://www.glaad.org/files/whereweareontv12.pdf |title=Where We Are on TV: 2012–2013 |year=2012 |publisher=[[GLAAD]] |access-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326013027/https://www.glaad.org/files/whereweareontv12.pdf |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |ref={{sfnref|GLAAD|2012}}}}

==External links==
* [http://www.degrassi.tv Official Degrassi website]

{{Degrassi}}

[[Category:1970s Canadian teen drama television series]]
[[Category:1980s Canadian teen drama television series]]
[[Category:1990s Canadian teen drama television series]]
[[Category:2000s Canadian teen drama television series]]
[[Category:2010s Canadian teen drama television series]]
[[Category:Canadian television soap operas]]
[[Category:Degrassi]]
[[Category:WildBrain franchises]]
[[Category:Television franchises introduced in 1979]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Ontario]]
[[Category:Personal development television series]]