If you’re Canadian, it’s near impossible (if not blasphemous) to not to know DEGRASSI.
Over the years, the hit original series has grown from Canadian darling to worldwide pop culture phenomenon. Even if you’re not watching the series, it’s undeniable that DEGRASSI is everywhere you turn….you might see Drake’s face at your next transit stop. The show itself has become a pop culture icon and has had more guest stars than you can count, including Perez Hilton, Kevin Smith, Shay Mitchell, and Chaz Bono, to name a few.
In advance of the Season 14 premiere Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV, here are four recent examples of how DEGRASSIcontinues its word domination:
- The show has a mega-fan in Lena Dunham:
- ETALK Anchor Ben Mulroney gives Dunham a surprise gift during their recent exclusive interview.
- ‘Draking’ is everywhere you look in Toronto, and everyone is talking about it:
- DEGRASSI was recently featured in a Newsweek article about the depiction of the LGBT community on television:
“One of the objectives of DEGRASSI is to reassure young people that they are not alone and to reflect back to them realities of teenage life,” said Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer of DEGRASSI.
- Ellen Page has a serious DEGRASSI obsession:
Thirteen years since the debut of its latest incarnation, DEGRASSI consistently resonates with fans and remains relevant to its viewers, never shying away from tackling heavy-hitting issues and addressing authentic and significant stories that affect teenagers today.
And the industry has certainly taken notice. The series continues to be recognized for its impressive work, including a 2014 Primetime Emmy® nomination earlier this year for “Outstanding Children’s Program”, its third nod in the category over the last four years. In 2012,DEGRASSI was nominated for its fourth GLAAD nomination for “Outstanding Drama Series”. The series’ impact and hard-hitting storylines was also recognized with a prestigious Peabody Award in 2011, for the episode “My Body is a Cage”, the two-part episode about the transgender FTM teen character Adam. Jurors duly noted that the episode “neither trivializes nor overdramatizes its subject“.
With Season 14, premiering Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV, tackling stories of teen pregnancy, online pornography, and ‘sexting’, there is no question that DEGRASSI remains one of the most topical and relevant series’ on television today.