VANCOUVER – CTV series Degrassi: The Next Generation will soon be available in even more American broadcast markets than it has been thus far.
Canadian distributor Thunderbird Films and its U.S. distribution cohort, Program Partners, today announced several U.S. market and station group clearances for the hit series. These deals take the half-hour series past the 60% mark including all five of the top five markets; eight of the top 10; 15 of the top 20; and 18 of the top 25 for its launch as a syndication strip for Fall 2007.
The Degrassi launch is anchored by a Tribune Broadcasting group-wide commitment, with additional clearances from stations in the Belo, Clear Channel, Granite, Gray, Hubbard, and Pegasus groups and The CW PLUS stations.
Degrassi is already the flagship series for cable channel The N, Nickelodeon’s night time network for teens. It’s also licensed in over 150 countries, including France, Switzerland, and Australia.
“We are thrilled to have such an honored Canadian series receive such enthusiastic support from U.S. broadcasters,” said Michael Shepard, president, Thunderbird Films, in the press release. “It confirms the production quality and universal appeal of Canadian product in the world market."
“Degrassi is clearly striking a chord with U.S. broadcasters,” said Josh Raphaelson of Program Partners. “The series is widely admired and has a proven track record. It is exactly what these stations need for 2007.”
"Degrassi in the major U.S. markets; it’s another great Canadian success story,” said Susanne Boyce, President of Programming for CTV and Chair of the CTV Media Group. “We’re extremely proud of the series and the creative team that continues to push new boundaries."
Produced by Epitome Pictures in Toronto, the series is based on a 25 year legacy that began with Executive Producer and Co-Creator Linda Schuyler. Launched to critical acclaim in Fall 2001 by CTV, Degrassi: The Next Generation scored high marks with Canadian viewers, and quickly emerged as Canada’s top-ranked homegrown drama.
In Canada, the sixth and most current season of Degrassi, which won an International Emmy in 2005, is currently airing on CTV. The show also won at the Television Critics Association Awards for “Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming” and took home the coveted surf board for its Teen Choice Award win for “Choice Summer Series.”
