HALIFAX and TORONTO – Canadian teen series Degrassi is alive and well, with a new series set to premiere on Family Channel in Canada early next year, and on Netflix in other markets.
While MTV Canada said recently that it would no longer air the show, DHX Media's Epitome Pictures confirmed Tuesday that it will create a new series in the franchise that will be known as Degrassi: Next Class. The 20 x 30-minute episodes will tell the stories of ‘Generation Z’, a group of teens as they begin their journey into adulthood. “Pushing their own limits and testing the bonds of family and friends, the students each find their own way to deal with a range of issues: from homophobia, racism, substance abuse and violence to burgeoning sexuality, body issues, heartbreak and the complications of dating in the social media age”, reads the press release.
"Both Family Channel and Degrassi have a longstanding place in the Canadian media landscape catering to youth and we look forward to welcoming Degrassi's dedicated, loyal and vocal fan base as viewers," said Joe Tedesco, SVP and GM at DHX Television, which owns Family Channel, in the release. "By adding this series to our schedule we've been able to redefine what constitutes 'family programming' while maintaining our mandate to program series that are both relatable and relevant for the entire family.”
“We are energized and excited to work with Family Channel as we tell stories for the new post-millennial teen cohort known as Generation Z, most of whom weren’t even born when Degrassi returned in 2001,” added Degrassi executive producer Linda Schuyler.
Netflix becomes the worldwide home for Degrassi: Next Class, excluding Canada, Australia and France, where the series will appear on Netflix at later dates. The series will be shot at DHX Media's studio in Toronto.
The 485 episode franchise, which began in 1980, remains the longest running dramatic television series in Canadian history.
