TV Review: Degrassi
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series makes a habit of
tackling big issues without sugar-coating them. From the start,
the show has never shied away from depicting real-life teen
issues like sex, drugs, school violence, and even mental
disorders in a frank, realistic way. Some parents might be wary
of this, particularly the episodes depicting teen sex, so they
might want to preview the episodes before letting their kids
watch them. Some episodes have a far heavier tone than others
do, and the amount of controversial material varies widely from
episode to episode. However, this series has a moral -- though
not preachy -- heart and can ultimately be used as a teaching
tool. Overall, it's among the best, most responsible series out
there for teens. The content is edgy but both relevant and
appropriate for the target audience, which is why we're giving
it an "on" rating.
- Families can talk about what sets this show apart from other teen shows. Does that fact that the teens look like regular teens make it more realistic?
- Manny's ongoing quest to become an actor might offer a good opportunity to discuss the pressures on young women to lose weight and get plastic surgery.
- Parents , talk to your teens about the dangers of losing your inhibitions due to alcohol consumption -- and its potential repercussions.
Like its 1980s predecessors, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION follows a group of students in grades 8-12 at a Canadian community school. Over the course of its broadcast life, the show has tackled some tough issues as its core characters have matured from childish 7th and 8th graders to almost-adult 11th and 12th graders. Despite its focus on "issues," though, the show is consistently entertaining and thought- provoking rather than preachy and condescending.
Excellently written and boasting a cast that both looks and acts like real kids, Degrassi: The Next Generation provides provocative, engaging, and socially conscious programming that will appeal to teens and their parents; the show even has a sizeable adult fan base as well. Fans of the first Degrassi series will be delighted to see classic characters like Spike, Snake, Caitlin, and Joey in the roles of parents and teachers in this latest incarnation.
Previous seasons of the series have dealt with such serious issues as a school shooting, which resulted in the shooter's death and serious injury to another student, and teenage pregnancy. Despite its focus on "issues," though, the show is consistently entertaining and thought- provoking rather than preachy and condescending.
Degrassi Junior HighDegrassi High
Freaks and Geeks
My So-Called Life
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