It’s Heating Up People!
This summer, the creators of Degrassi embarked on a huge undertaking. For the entire month of August they decided to air a new Degrassi episode from Monday through Thursday each week. This is hard work for crew, writers, actors, you name it. This little Canadian series really stuck its neck out and it’s paid off big time.
Originally an obscure PBS series that began twenty years ago, Degrassi has found a new life on the Teen Nick Channel. How is a 42 year old mom watching Degrassi? Well, two reasons. First of all, I have two teenagers in my house. Second, I watch repeats of That 70’s Show every night on Teen Nick. I see the compelling commercials, and I simply must tune in.
Oh, I forgot about the Shark in the Water video! This awesome song by VV Brown, which I highlighted in my Song of the Week, had a companion video of things to come on Degrassi. If you watched Teen Nick for one hour, you were guaranteed to see this at least once. They did a stellar job with this promo, because since the song was so cool, you’d watch it over and over. How could I not get roped into finding out what “The Girl Who Doesn’t Know Her Own Secret” means?
I would love to write Degrassi off as over-the-top teen melodrama that is merely fluff entertainment. However, there are times when they are able to tap into something so emotional you feel it to the core. I was impressed with how the writers handled the storyline of transgendered teen Adam/Grace. I could really feel Adam’s anguish with his peers and family trying to accept that he could no longer be Grace. This was handled with class and I think viewers will walk away with a deeper appreciation of how difficult life and choices are for transgendered individuals and their families.
Basically, if you watch Degrassi with your teen for a couple of months, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss every subject under the sun with them. From pregnancy, to cancer, domestic violence, homophobia, online predators, and even how much work it can be to own a teacup pig! Degrassi, will leave no stone unturned!
I have to say, I’m pretty pumped for this last week of The Boiling Point. All the plot points in the video have been presented except the final one on the wheel…LOCKDOWN!
Bring it on Degrassi!
3 comments:
I have heard alot about Degrassi...but never really took the time out to watch it!!! Studies don't give me all tht mch time....n i really can't afford to get addicted to another show!!
However I am a huge fan of VV Brown...she's an amazing artist and one of my favorite new comers!! I love these new R&B artist that are adding more soul to their music than hip-hop and pop!!!
If ur a fan of VV Brown, I'd recommend you check out Jazmine Sullivan as well!!
I caught a mini marathon last week but I haven't watched since last year when it was that triangle with Declan the girl and the guy who works at the coffe shop (can't remember the names past Declan :-)!) Such a good show though and I hope to catch up! I also used to watch it my ....ahem....younger days when it was on PBS
I've been following the show my whole teenage and young adult life. Always a bit cheesy but like you said, there are times when it hits you at the core! As corny or unbelievable as it can be at times, its serious enough to make an impact - and that's why I love it!
I'm a writer and would love to work on scripts for their shows as well. I've been toying with the idea a lot lately and I think I might actually go for it!
"Whatever it takes!" :)
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