History of Degrassi

Degrassi Jr. High
Canada

Original Air Date: 1979
Channel: PBS

Characters & Voices
Joey Jeremiah - Pat Mastroianni
Snake - Stefan Brogren
Arthur - Duncan Wangh
Spike - Amanda Stepto
Lucy - Anais Granofsky
Wheels - Neil Hope
Heather - Maureen Deiseach
Simon - Michael Carry
Alexa - Irene Courakos
Melanie - Sara Ballingall
Kathleen - Rebecca Haines
Amy - Jacey Hunter
Yick - Siluck Saysanasy
Dwayne - Darrin Brown

"Wake up in the morning, feeling shy and lonely,
Gee, I gotta go to this school.
I don't think I can make it, don't think I can take it,
I wonder what I'm gonna do.
But when I look around and see,
That someone is smiling right at me,
Wait, someone talkin' to me,
Hey, I got a new friend..."

If you think Americans instituted “kids with issues” television, think again. Pre-Beverly Hills, 90210, and much more realistic than the After School Specials oeuvre, the Degrassi kids hit Canadian airwaves in the mid-80's, seeming more true-to-life and natural than any other kids on TV. Canadian youths grew up watching the Degrassi gang, and the series’ actors grew up onscreen-from the age of nine or ten, all the way through high school graduation.

Down south, American kids would come to gobble up the import on PBS. If the kid equivalent of an office water cooler is the school water fountain, then certainly, this show inspired many a water fountain discussion.

Degrassi Junior High grew from the seed of The Kids of Degrassi Street, produced by former junior high school teacher Linda Schuyler and erstwhile video editor and child actor Kit Hood. Their production company, “Playing With Time,” pitched episodes to the Canadian Broadcasting Company, receiving funding from a production entity called “Magic Lantern” and from the occasional private investor. Twenty-six episodes were made between 1979 and 1985, covering the kids' elementary career.

For Junior High, which began filming the year after Kids wrapped, the producers kept some of same young actors, but all the characters’ names were changed. This second Degrassi incarnation premiered in 1987. Its first time slot was Sunday afternoons at 4:30pm, but as it gained popularity, it was promoted to CBC's prime time schedule. Within two years, it was televised in forty countries. Stateside, the show appeared on PBS in 1988. The upside to PBS was that the show ran without commercials. On the downside, it was subject to censorship-type cuts, which infuriated its Canadian producers.

In terms of dilemmas, of course there were the usual adolescent suspects-crushes, first loves, gossip, sports, cliques, elections, parents. But the show was known for its heavier “issues,” always boldly and realistically presented, such as depression, eating disorders, interracial romance, teen sex and teen pregnancy, drunk driving, divorce. And this was junior high, remember, not high school - the character “Spike” got pregnant in her eighth grade year.

Episodes were seen through an adolescent perspective, not an adult-pretending-to-be-an-adolescent perspective. Adults on the show occasionally offered information, but didn’t suggest choices…the kids made their own. Viewers went through decision-making processes as the characters did. Though the issues were topical and risky, parents condoned the show, education groups endorsed it, and teachers frequently taped it for use in the classroom.

But it wasn’t all “issues.” Degrassi Junior High embraced a powerful sense of hokey, campy fun too. For American kids, the show was a novelty, partly because of the Canadianisms (those wacky pronunciations of “about” and “drama,” insults such as “narbo” and “broomhead”) and partly for the sheer realism. These actors weren’t the beautiful, plastic-perfect archetypes of most U.S. programs; these guys had zits (and a band called “Zit Remedy,” incidentally) and bad hair. Joey wore a fedora of questionable fashion integrity, the girls did endless and disarming accessorizing with scarves…they talked-and they looked-just like real kids.

In 1989, the kids graduated to Degrassi High, and the show was retitled accordingly. This was the venue for one of TV’s first AIDS-afflicted characters - school tough guy Dwayne. The show officially ended in the spring of 1991, and in the fall, the 90-minute TV film School’s Out was produced, giving closure to the series. After that film, a six-part documentary series called Degrassi Talks was shot. Hosted by some of the Degrassi actors, who traveled across Canada interviewing kids, the show dealt with a different adolescent issue each week.

The Degrassi kids, now grown up, remain some of the most talked-about stars for a generation of Canadians that grew up with them. True television groundbreakers, the gang from Degrassi and their creators brought topical themes to adolescents in way that has rarely been seen, before or since.

"Everybody can succeed,
All you gotta do is believe,
Let's be honest with yourself,
Forget your fears and doubts,
Come on give us a try at Degrassi Junior High."
___________________________________________________

Degrassi series was originally a Canadian drama that followed the lives of a group of children and teenagers who lived on De Grassi Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The two main series were Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High. The early Degrassi series were produced by the small production company Playing With Time. However, a current version of Degrassi, Degrassi: The Next Generation, airs on CTV in Canada and is rebroadcast on The N in the United States.

In the Beginning

Linda Schuyler, a former teacher, and Kit Hood, a video editor and former child actor, first established the Playing With Time company in 1976. The first few productions were fun, educational videos for children and adolescents in junior high school. After their adaptation of the children's book Ida Makes A Movie by Kay Chorao, the idea for the mini-series The Kids of Degrassi Street was born.

In 1979, CBC Television and Magic Lantern agreed to give partial funding to make the mini-series of six episodes, initially intended to continue on from Ida Makes A Movie. Several years passed before Playing With Time was able to afford the seven episodes per year deal, and by 1986, 26 episodes of The Kids of Degrassi Street had been produced. They auditioned a small group of young actors with little if any acting experience and on a modest budget started filming around the area where their company was located. This series focused on elementary and primary school children, and when all the characters reached grade six, the series finished. The production company began work on a sequel-like series, Degrassi Junior High, re-using seven of the actors who had acted on the original series, but with different character names. The series focused on more adult issues and used a larger cast. The show aired on CBC in Canada, PBS in the United States, and in Australia with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Degrassi Junior High & Degrassi High

Degrassi Junior High first aired in 1987 on CBC in Canada and PBS/WGBH Boston in the United States. It delivered 26 episodes in the first two seasons (1987, 1988) and sixteen in the third season (1989), developing a cult following for its realistic and gritty portrayal of teenage life, without resorting to melodrama. It should be noted that these seasons typically began in the winter of their respective years. There is some speculation whether the producers intentionally tried to conceal the series' Canadian identity in the earlier episodes. For example, in one episode, a Canadian $20 bill is replaced with an American one in the version that was aired in the United States.

After the cast of Degrassi Junior High grew a few years older, their stories continued in the spin-off series, Degrassi High, where the cast was once again expanded and a larger building was used to portray the high school. Degrassi High aired on CBC and PBS / WGBH Boston for two years until early 1991. These series are often compared to Beverly Hills, 90210, a much more melodramatic series, which began airing in the United States at the same time. This series is also compared to Saved by the Bell. Like Saved by the Bell, this series follows teenagers going through everyday normal teen social issues. But unlike Saved by the Bell, problems are not solved within the episode; some plotlines often continue through multiple episodes.

A few months later, the 90-minute Degrassi made-for-TV film School's Out was produced, which concluded the series. It sparked controversy and anger amongst fans and critics for the unusual characterization of familiar characters and infamous scenes of sexuality and coarse language (U.S. viewers saw a toned-down version when it aired in 1993, which did not feature the infamous "F-bombs" Canadian viewers got to see). A six-part documentary series entitled Degrassi Talks was aired soon after to moderate success.

Hood and Schuyler subsequently worked on a similar series, Liberty Street, which applied the Degrassi format to a series about twentysomethings living on their own for the first time. Pat Mastroianni, one of the most famous actors from the Degrassi series, appeared in Liberty Street as well, although playing a different character.

Degrassi: The Next Generation

Almost a decade later, the Degrassi series was revived by Schuyler and Stephen Stohn as Degrassi: The Next Generation. This Degrassi series deals with similar issues as its predecessor, yet in a more contemporary setting. It has been extremely successful thus far and has grown its own distinct cult following amongst teenagers and adults alike. This series is broadcast on CTV in Canada and rebroadcast to the United States on the cable channel The N, to Australia on the ABC and Nickelodeon, and to Mexico, Peru and Chile on the cable channel MTV Latin America.

This newer, hipper version of Degrassi has thus far dealt with very mature topics, such as homosexuality, rape, various sex-related subjects, suicide, cutting, eating disorders, drugs, school shootings and relationships.

Although US rights are exclusively owned by The N, there could be a market for this show on broadcast syndication as it meets the criteria for E/I programming.

Plot Rules

Each episode of Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High and Degrassi: The Next Generation follow a plot formula as well as a set of plot rules that was created by the writers. In Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, the plot formula consists of three plots, Plot A, B and C. Plot A takes place within one week and comes to a resolution at the end of the episode. Plot A is often the most serious plotline and the episode always begins and ends with Plot A. Plot B often has a connection to Plot A. Plot C often finishes or sets up an on-going storyline or is used for comic relief. One rule that was always enforced except for on two occasions is that no adult can appear in a scene without a Degrassi kid present.

Degrassi: The Next Generation operates on a similar plot formula. There are two plots, Plot A and B (there can be a Plot C). Plot A is usually driven by one character dealing with one issue. Plot B is usually more comedic or is used to move season-long storylines forward. Like Degrassi Classic, the show ends and begins with Plot A.

Plot Pregnancies


The show has specifically dealt with six different pregnancies, and finds some of its most popular storylines with those particular plots. The first pregnancy happened to Spike (played by Amanda Stepto) and was fathered by Shane (who later suffered brain damage as a result of jumping off of a bridge while high on acid after a Gourmet Scum concert). Both were original Degrassi Junior High characters. The birth occurred just after the second season finale. Spike gave birth to a girl, Emma, who became a primary character in The Next Generation (in fact, Emma's story was the catalyst for the series' creation).

The second occurred in the Degrassi High episode "A New Start," when Heather must comfort her twin sister Erica as she seeks an abortion after her summer romance. This episode sparked controversy because of the topic of abortion; the American version, which originally aired on PBS, was edited to not show the protesters and no final decision on whether to get the abortion was ever made. (In October 2005 the American broadastor of the new Degrassi series, The-N, decided not to air episodes 101/102 'A New Start' because Erica chooses to get an abortion, and episode 103 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do' due to the reference to the abortion in the previous two episodes.)

The third occurred during the School's Out movie, with Joey impregnating his on-the-side girlfriend, Tessa Campanelli. This also ended in an abortion, without Joey ever knowing he could have been a father.

The fourth pregnancy was once again Spike's, who, as an adult, gives birth to Snake's son, Jack.

The next pregnancy was Manny (played by Cassie Steele) and Craig's (Jake Epstein), which also ended in an abortion. This particular episode, entitled "Accidents Will Happen," sparked a very public controversy in the States, where The N refused to air it. This brought massive attention from the American mainstream media to the show in response to The N's censorship. Also, "Accidents Will Happen" became a popular internet download, so The N's decision did little to keep the American Degrassi audience from seeing the episode. American fans who hadn't yet seen the two-part episode via internet downloads finally got their chance when it was released on the Degrassi Season 3 DVD Box Set. The N recently aired the episode for the first time in a Degrassi: The Next Generation "Every Episode Ever" Marathon. Although it is not listed as an episode on the N website, they will run it as part of the rotation, but only after 10pm Eastern and with a TV-14 rating. (A TV-PG rating was used for other episodes including Secret,which was aired with a TV-14 rating on CTV.)

The last pregnancy was that of Sarah Barrable-Tishauer's character, Liberty van Zandt, and JT (Ryan Cooley). After the attempted suicide of JT; Liberty, along with her parents and JT's grandmother, decided to put the child up for adoption after it was born. We learn later in future episodes that Liberty had a boy, and that the child and its adoptive parents move to Seattle.


Degrassi and Kevin Smith

The most notable booster of the Degrassi series is popular director Kevin Smith. His first exposure to the Degrassi series came when he worked at a Quick Stop in Leonardo, New Jersey around 1990. His friend, actor Jason Mewes, who was also his co-worker at the time, became a fan after being introduced to the series by Smith. Every Sunday morning at work, Smith and Mewes watched re-broadcasts of Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High. Drawn by the drama of the Degrassi series, Smith became an obsessed fan. The climax of his Degrassi obsession was realized when he landed guest appearances on Degrassi: The Next Generation while writing all his dialogue for the shows he appeared in. He first appeared in a 3-episode story arc to conclude season 4. In those episodes, Smith, portraying himself, visited the school to work on the (fictional) film Jay and Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh!. Smith re-appeared in a 2-episode arc in season 5 when the film premiered in theatres. Mewes also landed guest appearances with Smith in four of those episodes, three of them as their characters, Jay and Silent Bob. Smith was originally slated to play the part of Caitlin's fiance in the original pilot episode, but, due to filming commitments, the role was recast with Canadian director Don McKellar. A fan of both the original and current shows, Kevin Smith pays homage to Degrassi by making reference to it in several of his films. An example of this is when he named Caitlin Bree from the movie Clerks after his favourite Degrassi character, Caitlin Ryan. He also had Shannen Doherty's character Rene wear a Degrassi jacket throughout his Mallrats film.

Degrassi Slang

The Degrassi: The Next Generation series has had a somewhat profound effect on the language of its fans in the US, where not only has it exposed viewers to Canadian colloquialisms, but also some uniquely "Degrassi" terms. For instance, "skankify" or to refer to someone as a skank who may not otherwise be known as such (from episode The Lexicon of Love, season 5, said by character Paige Michalchuk). Another increasingly common phrase derived from the series is the use of the word "degrassi" itself as an adjective. The word may take on many meanings, but its definition is basically a product of the show's tagline "It goes there." So, something could be described as "degrassi" if it pushes the limits, defies stereotypes or unexpectedly questions the moral bounds of today's society.

On Degrassi Junior High, the students used insulting terms such as "narbo" (nerd) and "broomhead" (moron or idiot) as part of their slang.

Trivia

* Aaron Spelling once offered to buy the series, but the producers declined because they wanted to keep it a Canadian series. Instead, Spelling produced Beverly Hills

* Lemon Demon wrote a song about the Degrassi; Next Generation series, which has a http://eviltrailmix.com/Degrassi.mp3 song download and a http://media.putfile.com/redk0de1/320 video by redk0de

* Skankin' Pickle have a song about Amanda Stepto's character entitled "I'm In Love With A Girl Named Spike".

* Rachel Blanchard, of Clueless and Road Trip fame, got her start on The Kids of Degrassi Street as an eight year old.

* Gertie Fox, a Los Angeles rock band makes reference to "Degrassi Jr. High" at the end of the closing track of their album "An Imaginary Meeting in the Woods".

* It is rumoured that a Degrassi movie (which will follow the series end) is in development by http://www.thedevilsgirls.com/images/first_letter,-wb_president.gif Warner Bros. Kevin Smith is attatched to the project via View Askew productions.

* The Canadian punk rock group Propaghandi has a song entitled "Degrassi Jr. High Dropouts."

Airdates


The individual TV series and their original air dates are as follows:
* The Kids of Degrassi Street (1979-1985)
* Degrassi Junior High (1986-1988)
* Degrassi High (1989-1990)
* Degrassi Talks (1992)
* Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-present)
* Degrassi Of Silent Scope (2007)

External links

* http://www.staciemistysyn.com Caitlin Ryan aka Stacie Mistysyn's home page
* http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593009 Caitlin Ryan aka Stacie Mistysyn at www.imdb.com
* http://www.epitomepictures.com Epitome Pictures
* http://www.myspace.com/degrassithenextgeneratio Degrassi Myspace Page
* http://www.degrassi.tv Degrassi.tv
* http://www.degrassi-boards.com Degrassi-Boards.com
* http://www.degrassiforum.com Degrassi Forum
* http://www.the-n.com/ntv/shows/index.php?id=67 The-N- Degrassi: The Next Generation
* http://www.the-n.com/ntv/shows/index.php?id=551 The-N- Degrassi, Old School
* http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20030911/Degrassi-default/20051021# CTV- Degrassi: The Next Generation
* http://www.abc.net.au/degrassi/ Australian Broadcasting Corporation- Degrassi: The Next Generation
* http://www.viewaskew.com/details/nov96/ Obsession Confession (Kevin Smith blog about his Degrassi obsession)
* http://www.viewaskew.com/tv/degrassi/ The Kevin Smith/Degrassi Press Conference (Contains some foul language)
* http://www.degrassi.ca Degrassi Online (a fan website)
* http://www.cfhf.net/lyrics/degrassi.htm Theme song lyrics for Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High and Degrassi: The Next Generation
* http://debola91.tripod.com/ Degrassi Freak: latests news, detailed episode guides, air dates, lyrics and links
* http://www.degrassi-tng.com Degrassi-TNG{DOT}Com
* http://www.degrassicenter.net Degrassi Center - THE Degrassi Fansite
* http://www.fu-manchu.com/degrassi/default.asp AJ's Degrassi Universe
* http://www.issarged.ca/ The Degrassi Flashback page
* http://www.tribemagazine.com/board/showthread.php?t=98725&highlight=degrassi Degrassi Characters and Ibiza Thread



Category:Children's television series in Canada
Category:Degrassi
Category:Fictional schools
Category:Teen dramas
Category:The N channel shows

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