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Entertainment • TV Series

Degrassi

Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama television franchise centred on students at the fictional Degrassi secondary school in Toronto.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama television franchise centred on students at the fictional Degrassi secondary school in Toronto. Created by Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler, it began in 1979 and has remained in the same continuity across its series. The franchise is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most successful television exports.

Overview

Degrassi is a long-running Canadian teen drama franchise built around the lives of students at a Toronto-area school. Its stories typically focus on adolescence, relationships, and social issues affecting young people.

History

The franchise began in 1979 with The Kids of Degrassi Street and continued through multiple series, including Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High. It was revived in 2001 with Degrassi: The Next Generation, which ran until 2015.

Themes and subject matter

Degrassi is known for addressing serious teen issues in a realistic style. Coverage of the franchise highlights topics such as bullying, teen pregnancy, AIDS, suicide, mental health, drug use, and domestic violence.

Cultural impact

The franchise has been widely recognised as an important Canadian television export and a major influence on teen drama. Sources describe it as one of the most iconic and successful Canadian TV franchises.

Key facts

  • Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama franchise set at a fictional Toronto school.
  • It began in 1979 with The Kids of Degrassi Street and has maintained shared continuity since 1987.
  • The franchise includes multiple series such as Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: Next Class.
  • It is known for realistic portrayals of teen issues like bullying, pregnancy, mental health, and drug use.
  • Degrassi is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most successful and influential television exports.
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Canadian context

Degrassi is a distinctly Canadian franchise set in Toronto and widely recognised as one of Canada’s best-known television exports.[1][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is Degrassi?
Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama television franchise about students at a fictional school in Toronto.
Who created Degrassi?
The franchise was created by Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler.
When did Degrassi begin?
The franchise began in 1979 with The Kids of Degrassi Street.
What are the main Degrassi series?
Major entries include The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: Next Class.
What kinds of topics does Degrassi cover?
It is known for teen-focused storylines involving issues such as bullying, mental health, substance use, pregnancy, and violence.
Why is Degrassi notable?
It is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most successful and influential television exports.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrassi
    Supports: Franchise overview, creators, setting, continuity, and media expansion.
  2. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrassi:_The_Next_Generation
    Supports: Series continuation, title change, premiere and end dates for the revival era.
  3. TV Tropes — https://www.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Franchise/Degrassi
    Supports: Franchise history, setting, and classic/revival-era distinction.
  4. AmongMen — https://www.amongmen.com/entertainment/20-things-you-probably-never-knew-about-the-degrassi-franchise/
    Supports: Broad franchise history, international reach, and Canadian television significance.
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/degrassi
    Supports: Teen-drama premise and subject matter addressed in the series.
  6. Education Week — https://www.edweek.org/education/growing-up-on-the-award-winning-degrassi-series/1989/12
    Supports: Early recognition of Degrassi Junior High and continuation into Degrassi High.