Long-running high-school series Degrassi has been saved.
The latest iteration of the series, Degrassi: The Next Generation, was canceled by MTV Canada and TeenNick just last week. The show’s series finale will air this summer, and it will wrap after 14 seasons.
But Degrassi isn’t dead. It’s now a Netflix production.
Degrassi: Next Class will hit Netflix in 2016 – except in Canada, Australia, and France, where the show will hit Netflix at a later time (after airing on Canada’s Family network).
“Keeping true to the spirit of the Degrassi franchise, which generations have known and loved since 1980, Degrassi: Next Class is a pull-no-punches dramatic series that tackles the real-life issues of high school students. Telling the stories of “Generation Z,” the series focuses on 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. The series strives to entertain its post-millennial audience while always reinforcing its core principle: You are not alone,” said DHX Media in a statement.
The show will target “Generation Z”, according to its producer.
“Following an unprecedented and incredibly supportive 14-year relationship with Bell Media on Degrassi: The Next Generation, we are looking forward to reaching a fresh new audience with Degrassi: Next Class,” said Degrassi Executive Producer Linda Schuyler. “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.”
Degrassi graduates to Netflix. Meet the Next Class, coming in 2016 pic.twitter.com/FhUZJ3ZiiL
— Netflix US (@netflix) June 9, 2015
We’re all hoping for a Drake cameo.
Image via CNW