About Degrassi: The Next Generation

Released in 2001, Degrassi: The Next Generation (DTNG) is a Canadian teen drama television series. This series portrays a group of high school students, dealing with a broad range of contemporary social issues such as teen pregnancy, bullying, date rape, drug abuse, self image, homosexuality, self-injury, suicide, abortion, domestic violence, death, racism and more.

Making / Production

Degrassi: The Next Generation is made by Epitome Pictures, in association with CTV. The storyline is set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Director, Stefan Scaini and producer, Stephen Stohn have created an authentic portrayal of adolescence.

Actors

• Miriam McDonald played the role of 'Emma Nelson', the main character who is socially conscious and politically active.
• Drake (Aubrey Graham) played 'Jimmy Brooks', a basketball star who became physically disabled after he was shot by a classmate.
• Shane Kippel portrayed 'Spinner Mason', the school bully who overcomes his ignorant ways and becomes more compassionate.
• Aislinn Paul as 'Clare Edwards', a strict conformist who struggles to adapt to change.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show featured a number of future stars including singer Drake and Nina Dobrev, who went on to star in The Vampire Diaries.
• The show was set in Toronto, Canada and was filmed there.
• In 2004, it was the highest-rated Canadian scripted series.

Awards

Degrassi: The Next Generation has won numerous awards, including 19 Gemini Awards, 2 Teen Choice Awards and the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming in 2005.

Quotes

• "Don't buy the big salad, buy the salad ingredients!" - Spinner
• "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Emma
• "It's a battle scar. Chicks dig battle scars." - Jimmy

Music, Soundtrack

• The theme song "Whatever It Takes" was performed by Jakalope.
• Degrassi: The Next Generation released an official soundtrack in 2005 called "Music from Degrassi: The Next Generation." It featured music from notable Canadian indie artists
• Songs played in the show were occasionally incorporated into the storytelling, notably featuring performances by some of the cast.