Real-life on Television

For more than 20 years, one television series has caught many Canadian hearts. When I turn on one of my favourite shows, my mom always reminds me that she grew up watching this program, just not with these characters. The Degrassi series is the most popular and highest rated show on Canadian television programming, and from the looks of it, its not going anywhere.

Playing With Time (a small Canadian production company), created all four seasons of the Degrassi series. Starting with 'The Kids of Degrassi Street' (aired 1979-1985), followed by 'Degrassi Jr. High' (1986-1989), growing to 'Degrassi High' (1989-1991), then moving on to the popular 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' (2001-present), this very blunt show has been making fans and enemies for many years.

All four series, centre on a group of kids growing up in Toronto, Ontario, showing the struggles and obstacles of being a teen. Each week, the episode focuses on a different character, looking closely on the drama in their life. From fighting with your parents, to losing your virginity, Degrassi is one of those shows that have definitely opened the eyes of Canadian viewers. This show is certainly not afraid to raise awareness to what teens are actually thinking and going through.

This Canadian show is one of the few that has taken many risks. These kids may have gone through more then the normal teenager, but life at Degrassi is never a dull moment. One week there’s a school shooting, where two people die, next week the head cheerleader is pregnant with the bad boy’s baby. Then, the star quarterback is questioning his sexuality, while the popular girl is going crazy, starving and cutting herself. With many dark scenes shown on the streets of Degrassi, there are a numerous cheerful moments as well. Degrassi has never once been scared to touch any subject.

With many events happening in the shows history, many fans have been shocked at how open and controversial Degrassi has been. Many adults don’t want their child watching, for the reason that they’ll grow up to soon and mimic the actors that portray ‘bad’ characters.
This is one of the only shows that I know that have opened the topic of discussion about the real issues that teenagers go through. With multiple pregnancy scares, school lockdowns, rape, eating disorders, cancer, school rivalries, teacher & student relationships and gang fights, Degrassi has opened the eyes of many Canadians.

Being a frequent watcher of Degrassi: The Next Generation, I feel the writers and producers actually feel the emotion of what a regular teenager goes through on a daily basis. They capture exactly what runs through every individuals (aged 14 to 20) head.

The Degrassi series has been a hit all over Canada. Just recently it has been airing in the States, making it a new series to fall in love with. With multiple Canadian awards won, the most important award for the Degrassi cast is the ‘Teen Choice Award’, given by teens in America. With shows like Gossip Girl, 90210, and The O.C, Degrassi is one of the most real-life dramas that kids can relate too. Instead of worrying about what they’re going to wear tomorrow, the kids of Degrassi worry about decisions that will affect their life forever.

This series also opens up many doors for struggling Canadian teen actors. By forcing these teenagers to play difficult and interesting characters, the producers are testing just how much ability and motivation these young actors have.

“It has put me in a great place to continue finding work based on the publicity generated by the show, but also Degrassi has trained me to become a well-rounded, efficient actor. It’s not easy for teen girls to find roles that are compelling and complex like Paige. I’ve been so fortunate to tackle issues such as rape and coming to terms with exploring sexual orientation.”, says Lauren Collins who plays the famous popular girl, Paige Michalchuck. [1]

Whether it’s a fight in the cafeteria, or an intimate moment between two teenagers, I feel Degrassi is the best show to watch while growing up. Sure it can be influential to some in a bad way, but for others it shows how the character feels, and makes them not want to go through that experience. Degrassi has touched every aspect of a teenager growing up, and I’m looking forward to what they’ll bring to the tables next season!

SIDENOTE: If you walk around Toronto long enough, you may just see some of these young actors.

[1] “A Conversation with Lauren Collins”. Thetvaddict.com. May 11, 2006. April 21, 2009.
http://thetvaddict.com/2006/05/11/thetvaddictcom-exclusive-interview-lauren-collins/