Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015) User Reviews

An interesting take on high school experiences with a realistic feel to it.

[Imme-van-Gorp · 7/10 · 28 January 2021]

Season Two: 7/10

Season Three: 7/10

Themes: Drama, High School, Relationships, Mental Health, Coming-of-Age & Friendship.

Top five characters: 1) J. T. Yorke, 2) Gavin 'Spinner' Mason, 3) Paige Michalchuk, 4) Jimmy Brooks and 5) Marco Del Rossi.

Tackling issues

[zackboussert · 9/10 · 7 July 2020]

Degrassi is a wonderful canadian made show based in toronto, ontario. Degrassi tackles many sensetive issues with great care including race and racism, cancer, rape, the death of a parent and school shooters as well as many more.

The way these issues come about is carefully developed making the issues not seem black and white but multi faceted. Just like in real life some times there is pain and anguish but no real resolution all thats left is to try and comfort each other and move on, only taking with you a hard lesson. There is much more I could say about Degrassi but I'd rather just say give it a shot.

Degrassi truly has gone there and continues to do so.

[softball_star_08 · 8/10 · 17 July 2011]

It's been eight years since I first started watching Degrassi. At the age of eleven I stumbled upon the show. I will admit I was a little young at the time to be watching it but I was instantly hooked, I could relate to the storyline and the younger characters like Toby, Jt, Emma, and Manny at the time. Now at nineteen it is still amazing to me that the show is still able to connect to my life. It is truly a show of my childhood, characters have come and gone, some believe that has ruined the show. In my opinion that has only kept the show fresh and lively. Degrassi is the show for about teens for teens, there is no sugar coating reality story lines fit to appease parents. You probably can't name too many issues facing teens that Degrassi hasn't covered. From rape, religion, sex, drugs, eating disorders, love, bullying, cheating, coming of age, money, and this list goes on and on. Degrassi has gone there since the first episode, I consider them one of the first to showcase true teen lives. The show has been doing this for years versus new shows that just began popping up for teens.

An amazing show

[BMW-rocks · 23 August 2004]

This is an amazing teen drama that should be recommended watching for all teens. The characters are 3 dimensional and all sorts of religions and races are showcased.

Some of the episodes are more intense than others, which is just like teen life. Sometimes horrible things happen, sometimes they don't. This show covers all ranges of topics, including teen pregnancy, abusive boyfriends and homosexuality. These are all topics that teens experience in high school, and there is no sugar-coating.

My favourite character is Marco, and I feel he has really grown as a character. He started out as just another guy, but turned into a sensitive, sweet, and overall amazing guy.

I definitely recommend teens watch this, but also parents. I know my mom loves watching it with me! What I don't recommend is anyone under 12 watching this. I have met people who just don't get it, and think it's gross or stupid because they are too young to comprehend what is going on. It is a great Canadian (yeah!!!) teen show.

9 stars out of 10. (I don't believe in anything being perfect, I think everything can be improved)

High school at its best.

[departed07 · 10/10 · 12 September 2007]

I'm an American and let me say that the majority of television shows in America aimed for children and teenagers are full of CRAP!!! Once in a while there would be a comedy show that tried doing a special episode (drugs, racism, school shootings) while making the characters more retarded than the common person. Degrassi: The Next Generation on the other hand, is a show from Canada in which it deals with various teenagers coping with life while in high school. There are too many topics going on in every teenagers life ranging from Internet predators, sex scandals, school shootings, discrimination, murder, drugs, rape, pedophilia, coming out of the closet, framing people, jealously, etc., that there's not enough time to deal with all topics. Degrassi is the type of show that handles every situation very well along with making sure that the characters aren't stereotypes from Saved by The Bell or any Disney Channel show. I don't know why some people complain that this is a show taken itself way too seriously, believe it or not, they are showing what it's like in real life to be a teenager put in dangerous situations.

Can't not love this is show !!

[bzxkvjvw · 10/10 · 27 April 2023]

Man I remember being hooked when watching this show! Amazing talented cast! Amazing episodes I really liked the characters and another thing I liked is the realism in this show I mean all the stuff that happens in this show can and does really happen to teens, parents, people, all over the world. And that is something that I really liked there wasn't fake and outlandish plots to episodes. At least not what I can recall I haven't seen the show in a while but I do watch some reruns when there on! Man I kinda want rewatch this show soon! It really is in the top 10 for me on favorite shows! I'd definitely recommend anyone who hasn't seen this amazing show yet to give it a watch! Amazing cast and amazing episode that will keep you hooked and excited for the next episode !

The Best Show for Teenagers . . . ever

[paulaninyei · 10/10 · 1 August 2015]

The first time I watched this show, I was around 12. I would occasionally watch episodes every now and then, but I never watched it in its entirety. Years later, I return as a 19 year-old college student and this show remains important, even today. It's important because its one of the few shows that portray teenagers in a realistic, funny, and gripping way. In a world where teenagers are often ignored, Degrassi the Next Generation shines the limelight on them and their stories. Whether its addressing taboo topics such as drugs, sex, peer pressure, and abuse to everyday adolescent issues like grades, crushes, parties, and romance, this amazing show touches every aspect of our lives and not only keeps me entertained, but also informed.

I binged watched the entire first season in 1 day, I'm already on the second season and I show no signs of stopping. This show is a perfect 10/10

Is love all there is?

[pro-sep735 · 6/10 · 4 December 2011]

Degrassi is one of my favorite televisions shows still airing today. It centers around a bunch of Canadian teenagers attending Degrassi Community School in Ontario, Canada. The age groups of the students seem to be from between 14-18, and it documents the real-life hardships and problems that many kids deal with in the world today (e.g., relationships, eating disorders, drugs, growing up...).

But now it seems like the show only focuses on the same subjects over and over again; the love triangle between Clare, Eli, and Jake, the complications of Drew's relationship with Bianca, Katie, and Marisol, and Ali still searching to find love. When will there be something new? All and all, Degrassi is a great show. I've seen every episode, and I hope that they continue to have more seasons. There have been eleven in all (from 2001-2011). Can't wait to see what's next.

Excellent View of Canadian Teen Life

[shiny_tings · 10/10 · 8 April 2011]

Degrassi The Next Generation is a wonderfully refreshing teen drama that centers around the lives of several teenagers and young adults. It's nice to see these kids go through the same types of issues that I myself went through as a teenager. The show debuted in 2001 (and was based on the original 80s series Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High) to critical acclaim.

Even if the show has it's moments of total dorkiness, it is responsible for launching the successful careers of Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), Drake and Shenae Grimes (90210). That's gotta count for something! The show itself is well-written, directed and acted. The plots are always engaging and the actors are actually the ages that they are portraying, which is always nice (does anybody remember Dawson's Creek? Sigh). Ultimately, I'd say the show is interesting, the stories are real, and it does not shy away from the issues (however controversial they may be). Give it a chance.

And for those who were fans of the original 80s series. Trust me, The Next Generation somehow manages to stand alone while paying homage to what made the original series so great: real issues + real teens = real life/entertainment.

Give it a chance! 9.5/10

It's Amazing! I highly recommend it.

[RippedFlowerPetals3131 · 7/10 · 17 October 2010]

If you are between the ages of 12-18, this show is for you. It deals with drama typical high schoolers go through. Seasons 1-2 are pretty boring, where they are just "introducing" the show. Seasons 3-7 are the best, to me at least. It goes through 3 pregnancy story lines (there's a fourth in S10, but most saw it coming), having a child in high school, shooting, stabbing, rape, homosexuality, cutting, exposing your body to a camera, stripping, stealing, fighting, cancer, you name it. Unfortunately, all the original "The Next Generation" characters left after season 7, and only Emma, Manny, and Liberty stayed. They ended up leaving post-S7. Anyway, without the original characters, they no longer hold the title "The Next Generation". In fact, if you own Comcast cable, on the channel menu, Degrassi: The Next Generation is only called "Degrassi". That upset me very much.

I have easily noticed something of the new season: It revolves around relationships. Yes, relationships may consume the attention of many high schoolers, that's not all they go through. Remember all the things the listed? Yeah, post season 7 will never go there. Degrassi has slacked off tremendously on the "going there" scale, but you would get a kick out of the repeats.

Even though Degrassi has some faults, it's a good show, and you should totally watch it!

Degrassi oh my have you changed

[webartist145 · 5/10 · 10 December 2011]

Degrassi has changed so much, Degrassi has gone from a comedy, romance, and thriller. To just a romance. I mean you use to be able to see Holly J and the cheer squad go out for a girls night out, and it started out fun and they have laughs and then the drama starts. Yet at the end there's something that have you on the edge of your seat. I mean even when Jane cheated on Spinner with Declan there was laughter soon around the corner.

Clare has lost Jake to her best friend and that's it. Even though it's sad and it's drama, that's all it is.

And another thing. It's like the show is now centered around the same old people. Before, it was first it's going to be about Holly J, and tomorrow it'll be about Spinner. Now they just do 2-Parters to every single situation. In one season, about only four topics are covered. I mean come on, what happened to the old Degrassi?

Yet I can't lie, even though the show has changed, I still enjoy watching it. Just not as much as I use to.

Great show! Shows the real world

[Happykitty1998 · 10/10 · 23 July 2011]

This show is my favorite show! I started watching it b/c I was a fan of the latest buzz (another Canadian show) and I saw that a lot of people were on both shows. I personally think that America is really slacking in teen shows! I am a teen and a lot of the shows on Disney and nick just aren't really realistic! This show really shows what it's like to be in high school, and all the characters are believable. I think the show has a lot more realistic characters now, and some more interesting ones like Eli and Adam. I'm glad there is at least one show out there that isn't afraid to show the issues real teens face. I am an obsessive watcher of this show, and I think all teens should get to watch it.

If you made a list of every outdated ethnic, nationality, religious, gender, and sexuality stereotype...

[maitreg · 6/10 · 30 June 2021]

...you'd have every Degrassi episode. This show is well-done for a teen-targeted show, but the over-the-top ethnic and nationality stereotypes that the viewer is bombarded with is laughable and offensive. What ironic is that this Canadian show was clinging to the types of stereotypes that had fallen out of fashion on American TV 20 years earlier.

Other than the absurd clichés, this show isn't bad and should continue to age well. Most of the topics it touches on span generations, both before and after the 2000s, and rarely does it treat any serious subject with any type of religious, cultural, or political zealotry or righteousness. The subject matter is usually approached realistically and fairly, something that makes this show far, far superior to typical American teen dramas which ALWAYS handle subjects with a leftist self-righteousness that makes them cringe-worthy and hard to stomach for half of America.

Should've ended at Season 6.

[weirdstrike · 5/10 · 3 August 2010]

When I first watched Degrassi, I was hooked. It was real, and I related easily to the characters. The kids felt realer to me, and was easier to sympathize with. But after Season 6, it all went downhill.

I think it should've ended right after J.T. died. I'll admit I was a big fan of his, but when Degrassi merged with Lakehurst, everything went downhill. I think that they just simply ran out of issues to cover and repeated them. But when they did, they presented it like juicy drama or gossip from a tabloid magazine. The kids stopped looking like real kids, they started looking like the cookie-cutter Hollywood type in typical teen shows.

Degrassi was a great show. After it got handed to The-N or Teenick or whatever, it just fell down amongst the rank of clichéd, typical teen garbage.

If you want to enjoy Degrassi in it's prime, I suggest you watch the older episodes.

Finally, a show that portrays teens correctly.

[Tenchi64589 · 26 June 2005]

I've noticed over the years that television seems to have a liking of depicting teens as vulgar, angry, sexually-frustrated idiots... at least this show has the decency to show things as they really are.

There's a lot to like about this show: the first is that it deals with real issues that every teen goes through... from rape to learning disabilities.

Secondly, it doesn't use overused stereotypes that many people have come to expect.

I've been waiting to watch a show like this.

I may not be a teen anymore, but I can honestly say that I have the wisdom beyond my years to know what goes on in high school.

I know that this show is on DVD. If you ever come across the first season, I advise you to add it to your collection.

10/10

Excellent Show That Tackles Important Issues

[crazy_amy2201 · 10/10 · 21 June 2007]

Degrassi The Next Generation is a show I have only just started watching, that I watch online as I live in the UK, even though my profile on here says Spain. I am maybe one of the only British people in the UK that have heard of Degrassi, which makes it all the more better as its like something personal to me. I like the show because of the reality of it. The issues addressed and the way the characters deal with them are what drew me into the show in the first place. My favourite season was season 2, but I liked the way the characters evolved and developed in season 3, and the Liberty/JT story line was excellently done and very much worth watching. 10 out of 10 I give it!

Degrassi is the BOMB!

[CreamCheeze · 10/10 · 10 September 2010]

This show is such a delight to watch. Over the years, it has become one of my favorite television shows. It portrays REAL teens, and I think REAL teens should be exposed to this show. They go through the same situations and drama that a normal school would have. All kids can relate to this show, some more than others, but it is pure entertainment as well. You will become obsessesd with the show and follow all of the many characters that are featured on this show.

Degrassi: The Next Generation is simply an amazing show, and the recent Boiling Point has been the best season in a long time. The show went downhill for a short time, but now it is back, better than ever, with a brand new fresh cast. Check it out! I give Degrassi 10 stars. It deserves it!

One of my favorites

[paralove-04560 · 9/10 · 2 December 2019]

Growing up, during the time of the first season of the next generation. It really dealt with issues that I think every kid that age , and highschool age should have help with. Seeing characters they love , grow with them and learn from challenges and mistakes. I will always have a special place in my heart for this show!

Degrassi will always hold a place in my heart!

[ryanhood · 7/10 · 17 April 2022]

Amazing show. Just skip the last 3 seasons! They are a bit insulting to the series. Other than that always good for a rewatch or binge!!!! Definitely recommend! If you have not seen it, go into it imagining a teen soap opera set in Canada, and you're good!🤣 Enjoy!!!!!

The most honest representation of a Canadian Highschool

[ash-x12 · 8/10 · 26 June 2015]

Honestly, i can't think of many things wrong with this show. It deals with mature subject matter on a very personal level. It encourages their audience to deal with their issues head on as well as keeping it relatively entertaining in regards to the drama in the show. The one thing i love about the show, is while the acting is lacking from the very beginning (as they as young), you get to see the characters and the actors grow into one another. The story lines ares fabulous as they always deal with interesting narratives and personal developments very well. The fact that they dedicate episodes to each specific characters troubles/scenarios/life is very original and interesting to see. It helps the audience focus on one main thing at a time as opposed to cramming in a whole lot of filler information on the entire cast. Another aspect of the show that i always found great, is that they use real Canadian actors true to the age that they play. It's refreshing (regardless of the show being 10+ years old) to see a 12/15/18 year old being played by someone of the same age, dealing with things of that era and of that maturity. This show is not rated as highly as it should be, as it is certainly one of a kind in its talents. It's relate- able, memorable and entertaining. It provide excellent information of various themes (eating disorders, suicide, gay/lesbian relationships, alcohol addiction, drug addict, teen pregnancy, etc..) as well as providing good character development, narrative and overall growth for the show. Definitely two thumbs up.

However, my only problem with this show is that it isn't long enough. I could literally watch it for hours on end, and if i didn't have to change the episode every 22 minutes, i'd be a lot happier.

My guilty pleasure

[friedhippie · 6/10 · 19 February 2009]

The acting can be fantastic and awful at times. The characters change more frequently than I wash my bedsheets. As much as I hate to admit it....I am addicted to Degrassi....Of course I'm not going to tell you the real reason why I can't go out on a Friday night....Or why I was listening in on those teeny boppers conversation about a dreamy boy named Craig.....This show sucks you in and has more drama than a detention cell in juvenile hall. Although I must say when Kevin Smith came to town I wanted him to leave...His insatiable dirty humor does not belong with my beloved Degrassians....If you want to re-live the same high school problems over and over but with a little Canadian flair....turn on Degrassi.

One of those shows that make me hate Television

[zyagyaos · 2/10 · 27 June 2010]

When I first started using the internet I met a good friend online at a Pokémon chat. He told me his dad got him a acting role in a television series and I was extremely happy for him. He then asked me to watch it...

It was Degrassi. Jake Goldsbie was once a good nerd friend of mine and even our friendship couldn't keep me watching this show. Super realistic teen show in which no one curses. These kind of shows represent everything that is bad with television. Stereotypical 'Hollywood' interpretation of youth and the adults that surround them. All around boring weekly soap opera staring annoying 'children'. Only really appealing to young teen girls and people who grew up watching it. Saved By the Bell without the quirky clothes.

welcome to emma, i'm degrassi

[siennacolucci · 9/10 · 19 October 2022]

Now now NOW... i could cry typing this, knowing my friends and i just went on the 5 month journey that it took to binge the entirety of this show. Going through multiple generations of middle/ high school students at degrassi, this show hit on SO. MANY. Social issues like it was insane. Almost every single character was so complex and got a redemption arc if they weren't aready likeable to begin with. The bipolar representation was especially just so well done.

While it is true that the show did go downhill eventually, this never stopped being a total comfort show for me every night and was so easy to discuss with my friends. I also literally met my girlfriend because of degrassi and i just idk, this show is so dear to me and i will cherish it forever.

The first season's version and the peter stone version of the theme song was truly the best ones and they will be playing at my wedding. It was also insane to see how many actors got their start on this show, from nina dobrev to the girls who played darcy edwards and ali bhandari to drake. Stunning show and so much more than i thought it would be. On to next class!!

Yay for Degrassi Nay for The-N

[short_dancer3 · 7/10 · 13 October 2008]

Degrassi is a show I have a love/hate relationship with. I think it does a good job of showing the problems of today's teens but I also think it's a little over the top. Sometimes, there are just a few too many problems going on. Everyone can relate to at least one of the characters and everyone has their favorites. I don't like the channel The-N because I just don't like the whole image of teens they present but I do like Degrassi. Every time I try to stop watching, I just can't. Having seen the old episodes made in the 80's, I think the 80's episodes are better and seemed more relate-able. Degrassi takes a turn for the weird sometimes but overall it's addicting and okay if there's nothing else to watch on a Friday night.

All right

[whitneml · 3/10 · 23 January 2016]

Not a bad show, the contents are based on what the creators believe is real in the lives of young people. With that said, first of all, it's hard to take this show for real when all the so called "kids" are portrayed by actors in their 20's. Second, as with all American shows, it pushes the drama a bit too far without really getting down and dirty! It would be a great show if the characters were of a believable age and they didn't try to over exaggerate the real message they were trying to get across. I would have given it a higher rating if I could believe that the actors were actually the age that they were portraying...