I Totally Love This Show!


DEGRASSI (AND ALL ITS INCARNATIONS)


Since 1979, the Degrassi Universe has existed. First the Kids of Degrassi Street then they enrolled in Degrassi Junior High, followed by Degrassi High. Later Degrassi, The Next Generation begat the single monikered Degrassi and I’ve loved them all and continue to do so. They’ve gone from the CBC to CTV and current eps run on MuchMusic (this is all in Canada).



Remeber Joey's Dare? Nudity for kids? Must be Canada! And, on a Sunday night!


The greatest thing about the old Degrassi was that the kids looked like real kids. They weren’t attractive (the twins!) or well dressed (Joey Jerimiah’s hat and Caitlin’s headband come to mind) but they sure had real-life problems. In the new shows (well the “new” show has been on for ten seasons) everyone’s a little better looking and lit by pros but the problems still exist. Also, I’m pretty sure these new kids aren’t dressing themselves whereas it looked very much like the original kids were.



Caitlin says a swear!




One of the great things about Degrassi is that things are rarely tied up by episodes end. Problems and dilemmas follow characters and there are repercussions. If there is an issue in the world, this show has probably covered it: divorce, rape, mental health problems, pregnancy, cutting, abortion, gun violence, coming out, , death, drugs, abuse, hoarding, AIDS, strict parents, slutty reputations (not just for girls!) and the list goes on to the point where one wonders why anyone would ever send their kid to such a messed up school. But, we viewers are glad they do.



Awesome! Two of my favorite things together: Zombies and Degrassi!


The show has also been great for covering queer issues and has had 8 queer characters over the years including the currently attending Adam a transgendered kid who had a budding romance with Fiona (who was only really into him when she was drunk, unfortunately for Adam). Like all issues on the show, these were presented in a non-sensational way and handled matter-of-factly.


The current show, in its 10th season, changed formats this season. In the Summer, the show ran four nights a week for six weeks. Then there were 12 more episodes in the Fall and the remaining 12 are currently airing.



It seems wrong to spend money on Degrassi, but I guess the latest incarnation of the show isn't just a cheap Canadian thing anymore. This promo is way too slick.


When the latest version of the show started, some of the original “kids” showed up as parents but at this point they’ve all moved on and their kids aren’t even on anymore so we’re following a whole new set of kids. The way this show is set up, this show could run forever. If they ever get tired of showing kids they could just take a character from any point in the franchise, drop in on their lives and show us what’s happening. Just imagine: Where are Heather or Erica or Liz? We could find out. I hope this show finds ways to continue running for a long, long time.