Degrassi: A Próxima Geração

This may not live up to the level of the original '80s Degrassi series, but I still think this is the best (new) show ever for the set age group (preteens and teens). This NOT a fluffy and unrealistic show like Dawson's Creek or Saved By The Bell; it deals with issues many kids face in real life (discrimination, drugs, rumors, and so forth), and often like in real life, things don't just get back to normal at the end of each episode.

The characters on this show range from fantastic to 'eh.' My absolute favorites are Terri and Sean. Terri is VERY sweet and goes to show you that you don't have to be underweight to be beautiful. Sean's often misunderstood. Most see him as a rebel, but he's really a sensitive and loving kid who comes from a bad family.

Tobey and J.T. are great together, though J.T. gets on my nerves sometimes. I don't care much for Liberty or Paige for the fact that they're a bit over the top. Emma's self-righteous at times, but she's still a good character (she's also the daughter of one of the original Degrassi characters, Spike). Manny, Ashley, Jimmy, Spinner, and Craig are all okay too. (I'd say more about these characters but I don't want it to get too long!)

Degrassi: TGN is a breath of fresh air from all the crummy teen shows on nowadays. For one thing, you really can relate to certain characters and plots (I can really relate to the pilot episode where Emma finds out that someone she meets from online isn't who she quite expects. I wasn't so careful about who I talked to online back when I did). But I REALLY hope that Noggin also airs the original Degrassi series someday. That would be incredible.

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

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)

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.

After Degrassi High went off the air in 1991, I thought it would be the end of a great Canadian series forever. But in October 2001 I was so happy to see Degrassi The Next Generation.

Of course I have compared it too the original show and I like it even though the new series does not take place in a real school as the original series did. It's nice to see some of the original cast members like Mr. Raditch and Snake (with less hair this time around!)