Degrassi to leave TeenNick and MTV Canada after Season 14

[KyL416]

MTV Bids Farewell to DEGRASSI Following Season 14, Beginning July 20

– Viewers can catch up on the first half of Season 14 on MTV.ca, and Season 12 and 13 on CraveTV –

TORONTO (June 4, 2015) – MTV announced today that after 14 incredible seasons, the iconic original Canadian series DEGRASSI is ending its run on MTV following the 14th season finale. Since Bell Media's partnership with Epitome Pictures began in 2001, DEGRASSI has won 19 Gemini Awards, 10 Canadian Screen Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, a Peabody Award, and has received three Emmy® Award nominations. Featuring 12, half-hour episodes, Season 14B of DEGRASSI premieres Monday, July 20 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV. Viewers can also catch up on the first half of Season 14 now on MTV.ca, and Season 12 and 13 on CraveTV.



"Thank you to Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn, and all the cast and crew at Epitome Pictures for delivering Bell Media with 14 years of creative and engaging content that truly captured the spirit of Canadian youth through truthful and provocative stories," said Phil King, President – CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. "We are immensely proud of DEGRASSI, and our longstanding partnership with Linda and Stephen. We wish the entire Epitome team the best of luck, and look forward to working with them again in the future."


DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION was green-lit by CTV in early 2001 and premiered on October 14, 2001 on CTV with a one-hour reunion episode featuring classic DEGRASSI and NEXT GENERATION cast members. The show quickly became the most-watched series among young viewers on the network. After nine successful seasons on CTV, DEGRASSI moved to its new home on Much for its 10th season premiere. Reaching an average of 1.4 million viewers every week, DEGRASSI quickly became the #1 series in the history of Much for P12 – 34 viewers. Thirteen years after the debut of the latest incarnation, the hit franchise showed no signs of slowing down. Season 13D of DEGRASSI, which aired on both MTV and Much, averaged 100,000 P12-34 viewers, achieving its most impressive audience in three seasons. DEGRASSI is licensed in over 145 markets – including the U.S. (TeenNick), U.K., Italy, France, Colombia, Venezuela, Korea, Australia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.



After a fire blazed through the halls of Degrassi Community School, the new season of DEGRASSI on MTV finds the school in the hands of a new, strict administrator, which means a whole new set of rules. In the premiere episode (Monday, July 20 at 9 p.m. ET), Becky (Sarah Fisher, Lost After Dark) has been spending a lot of time songwriting with Jonah (Ehren Kassam, CHEERLEADER DEATH SQUAD) and the pair comes up with a great idea to showcase the talents of the fellow Degrassi students in a lunchtime variety show. But when Drew (Luke Bilyk, Hellions) denies the proposal, Becky hatches a plan to change his mind. Meanwhile, Winston (Andre Kim, DEGRASSI: MINIS) performs standup in front of the school and Zoë (Ana Golja, Connor Undercover) may be facing criminal charges for the part she played in the fundraising scandal.


DEGRASSI cast regulars include Amanda Arcuri as Lola Pacini; Luke Bilyk as Drew Torres; Munro Chambers as Eli Goldsworthy; Reiya Downs as Shay Powers; Sarah Fisher as Becky; Ana Golja as Zoë Rivas; Nikki Gould as Grace Cardinal; Ricardo Hoyos as Zig Novak; Demetrius Joyette as Mike Dallas; Ehren Kassam as Jonah Haak; Andre Kim as Winston Chu; Lyle Lettau as Tristan Milligan; Spencer Macpherson as Hunter Hollingsworth; Eric Osborne as Miles Hollingsworth III; Aislinn Paul as Clare; Cristine Prosperi as Imogen; AJ Saudin as Connor; Olivia Scriven as Maya Matlin; Melinda Shankar as Alli; Jessica Tyler as Jenna; Olivia Scriven as Maya; Sara Waisglass as Frankie Hollingsworth; and Richard Walters as Deon "Tiny" Bell. Classic cast member Stefan Brogren returns as Principal Archie "Snake" Simpson.

About DEGRASSI:
DEGRASSI is produced by Epitome Pictures (OPEN HEART, THE L.A. COMPLEX, INSTANT STAR) in association with Bell Media. The series was co-created by Linda Schuyler, co-producer of the original Degrassi series and Yan Moore. Schuyler and Stephen Stohn serve as Executive Producers. Sarah Glinski executive produces. Distribution for the series is handled by DHX Media. For Bell Media, Gosia Kamela and Mike Richardson are Production Executives. Tom Hastings is Director, Drama, Independent Production. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Specialty Channels. Tracey Pearce is Senior Vice-President Specialty and Pay, Bell Media. Phil King is President, CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming.



About Epitome Pictures:

Toronto-based Epitome Pictures has produced award-winning youth and family drama for more than 34 years. Its flagship programs, including THE KIDS OF DEGRASSI STREET, DEGRASSI JUNIOR HIGH, DEGRASSI HIGH, and the current series, DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION, now known simply as DEGRASSI, have been honoured with multiple Gemini Awards, Teen Choice Awards, the Television Critics Association Award, The Peabody Award, two International Emmy© Awards and three Primetime Emmy© nominations. Other Epitome series include OPEN HEART, THE L.A. COMPLEX, INSTANT STAR, RIVERDALE, and LIBERTY STREET. Epitome Pictures is part of DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), owner of Family Channel.



About Bell Media Independent Production:

Bell Media has commissioned some of Canada's most-watched and most-acclaimed original programming, working with the best Canadian independent producers in the country. Hit CTV series include ratings success stories SAVING HOPE, MOTIVE, the record-breaking THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, and MASTERCHEF CANADA. Among the scripted series on Bell Media pay and specialty channels are the three-time Emmy®-nominated hit DEGRASSI, the internationally acclaimed ORPHAN BLACK, the most-watched original series in Space history BITTEN, Bravo's most-watched original drama 19-2, award-winning dramedy SENSITIVE SKIN, the upcoming adventure series KILLJOYS, and upcoming cult comedy, LETTERKENNY. Bell Media specialty channels are also home to hit factual series HIGHWAY THRU HELL, COLD WATER COWBOYS, and CANADA'S WORST DRIVER, among others.

About MTV
From fashion and politics to lifestyles and trends, MTV is all about the stories of young amazing lives from a distinctly Canadian perspective. Available across multiple platforms, including online at mtv.ca and live on Bell Mobile TV, MTV pushes boundaries with innovative original programming.  MTV is available in 6.5 million households across Canada and is a Canadian-programmed and managed business. MTV is a division of Bell Media, which is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. MTV in Canada is one of 63 MTV-branded services available in 152 territories around the world.

[KyL416]

DEGRASSI CLOSES ITS LAST CHAPTER ON TEENNICK WITH TWO-WEEK FINALE EVENT IN JULY

TV Event Kicks Off with Hour-Long Premiere Monday, July 20, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT); Series Concludes with Hour-Long Special It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments and Finale Friday, July 31, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

NEW YORK – June 4, 2015 –The award-winning drama Degrassi, which has entertained and resonated with millions of teens for 14 seasons on TeenNick, comes to an unforgettable end with a two-week series finale event this summer. The final 12 episodes airing on TeenNick will kick off with an hour-long special Monday, July 20, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), with premieres airing Monday-Friday, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), for two weeks. The run culminates on Friday, July 31, with an hour-long special, It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments, where Degrassi cast members, creators and fans share the series' most iconic moments at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and the hour-long series finale at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

"For an incredible 14 seasons, Degrassi has been a groundbreaking show tackling so many important topics that real teens face in their everyday lives," said Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nicktoons, TeenNick and Nick Jr. "In the final episodes on TeenNick and through the hour-long special and social activations, we hope to say goodbye in a way that is both fitting to the show and Degrassi's passionate fan base."

"Few producers are as blessed as we have been, working with so many talented and creative individuals at TeenNick for 14 seasons of Degrassi; including 385 episodes and over 100 pieces of original short-form web content," said Stephen Stohn, Executive Producer, Degrassi. "We thank all those at TeenNick who have worked so hard over the years to help us create a television series that changes with the times and continues to authentically connect and interact with the youth audience."

In TeenNick's final episodes, the senior class prepares for prom and graduation as the school year comes to an end. The new principal, Ms. Pill, introduces a strict new regime at Degrassi in response to the oomfchat scandal, and the unhappy students take out their frustrations on Zoë. Meanwhile, Clare and Eli are on good terms and committed to raising their baby together. Frankie and Winston decide to put on the musical production, "Caption Who," penned by Winston himself. Also, Zig and Maya grow closer than ever.

Leading into the Degrassi finale, TeenNick will reveal a different themed top-ten list on-air and online every day, beginning July 20. These lists will highlight special moments, friendships, fashion, celebrity cameos, music and more, culminating in the hour-long special It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments, premiering Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The special will highlight the most iconic and memorable Degrassi moments featuring commentary from cast members, show creators and fans.

Beginning in July, fans can visit TeenNick.com to sign the official Degrassi virtual yearbook which will feature cast headshots, show photos and candid shots from all seasons. Additionally, fans can submit videos sharing their favorite Degrassi season, storyline and character, what theseries means to them and the impact the series had on them throughout the years, with #MyDegrassiMoment for the opportunity to see them posted on TeenNick.com.

Degrassi is a fictional, dramatic television series that tackles tough teen issues in a realistic way. The internationally acclaimed series is a three-time Emmy-nominee and the winner of a Television Critics Association Award, the Peabody Award and two Teen Choice Awards in addition to many others. Heralded as the most authentic teen drama on television, Degrassi explores an interesting group of adolescents and young adults experiencing the trials and tribulations of teendom at Degrassi Community School. In its fourteenth season, the series follows Amanda Arcuri as Lola Pacini; Luke Bilyk as Drew Torres; Munro Chambers as Eli Goldsworthy; Reiya Downs as Shay Powers; Sarah Fisher as Becky Baker; Ana Golja as Zoë Rivas; Nikki Gould as Grace Cardinal; Ricardo Hoyos as Zig Novak; Demetrius Joyette as Mike Dallas; Ehren Kassam as Jonah Haak; Andre Kim as Winston Chu; Lyle Lettau as Tristan Milligan; Spencer Macpherson as Hunter Hollingsworth; Eric Osborne as Miles Hollingsworth III; Aislinn Paul as Clare Edwards; Cristine Prosperi as Imogen Moreno; AJ Saudin as Connor DeLaurier; Melinda Shankar as Alli Bhandari; Jessica Tyler as Jenna Middleton; Olivia Scriven as Maya Matlin; Sara Waisglass as Frankie Hollingsworth and Richard Walters as Deon "Tiny" Bell.

Degrassi is produced by Epitome Pictures (Open Heart, The L.A. Complex, Instant Star), a DHX Media Company. The series was co-created by Linda Schuyler who is also Executive Producer with Stephen Stohn, Sarah Glinski and Matt Huether.

TeenNick, Nickelodeon's 24-hour TV network exclusively for and about teens and tweens, is available in almost 72 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite. Featuring a roster of ever-popular Nick favorites, original programming and award-winning series, the brand presents an authentic teen experience, with all its emotional intensity, energy and humor, across multiple platforms and integrated social media. TeenNick and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

[Heckles101]

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Degrassi will live on in Canada but I guess the first press release debunks that. Wow, this is truly the end of an era. What's weird is that I saw they were casting new roles for season 15 so this obviously wasn't planned in advance meaning the finale isn't going to serve as a proper conclusion. That sucks for such a long running show.

[KyL416]

More details, the wording is really careful on that release. "Ending it's run on MTV Canada". Degrassi's new parent company DHX Media does need a lot more programming for Family Channel Canada after their licensing agreement with Disney expires this year... They can only rerun Life with Derek, The Latest Buzz, What's Up Warthogs and Wingin It so many times, lol

As for TeenNick, of course Viacom and their ego wants to make you think the show is dead if it's leaving one their networks

[KyL416]

Degrassi: Next Class coming to Netflix

Canada will still get it on TV

[KyL416]

Family Channel will have the next season in Canada

[KyL416]

It's Not Over! Degrassi: Next Class Debuts on Family Channel in January 2016

"Noooooo Degrassi don't go" – Hollywood actress @EllenPage

"[Degrassi] has been credited with redefining the way TV series tackle youth issues." – Cassandra Szklarski, Canadian Press

"Degrassi is one of the few shows out there that has the power to change how teenagers see others - and themselves." – Kaitlin Reilly, Bustle

TORONTO, June 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Whatever it takes. That's what Family Channel is willing to do for fans and the network proves it by announcing Degrassi: Next Class, the newest version of the popular global franchise, will debut on Family in January 2016. After Thursday's news sent shockwaves through the Internet, fans and media showed an outpouring of love for the highly celebrated Canadian teen series. Reassuring fans that Degrassi as they know it is alive and well, DHX Media's Epitome Pictures will create 20 x 30-minute episodes of the series for Family.

"Both Family Channel and Degrassi have a longstanding place in the Canadian media landscape catering to youth and we look forward to welcoming Degrassi's dedicated, loyal and vocal fan base as viewers," said Joe Tedesco, Senior Vice President & General Manager, DHX Television. "By adding this series to our schedule we've been able to redefine what constitutes 'family programming' while maintaining our mandate to program series that are both relatable and relevant for the entire family. Degrassi explores sensitive issues in a responsible manner and allows us to continue identifying new ways to connect with families."

"Following an unprecedented and incredibly supportive 14-year relationship with Bell Media on Degrassi: The Next Generation, we are looking forward to reaching a fresh new audience with Degrassi: Next Class," said Degrassi Executive Producer Linda Schuyler. "We are energized and excited to work with Family Channel as we tell stories for the new post-millennial teen cohort known as Generation Z, most of whom weren't even born when Degrassi returned in 2001."

Degrassi: Next Class is a pull-no-punches dramatic series that tackles the real-life issues of high school students. Telling the stories of "Generation Z," the series focuses on a group of teens as they begin their journey into adulthood. Pushing their own limits and testing the bonds of family and friends, the students each find their own way to deal with a range of issues: from homophobia, racism, substance abuse and violence to burgeoning sexuality, body issues, heartbreak and the complications of dating in the social media age. The series strives to entertain its post-millennial audience while always reinforcing its core principle: You are not alone.

Keeping true to the spirit of Degrassi that generations have known and loved since 1980, Degrassi: Next Class takes the 485 episode franchise into its next iteration and remains the longest running dramatic television series in Canadian history. The new installment will see popular cast members reprise their roles including: Amanda Arcuri as Lola Pacini; Reiya Downs as Shay Powers; Ana Golja as Zoe Rivas; Nikki Gould as Grace Cardinal; Ricardo Hoyos as Zig Novak; Ehren Kassam as Jonah Haak; Andre Kim as Winston Chu; Lyle Lettau as Tristan Milligan; Spencer Macpherson as Hunter Hollingsworth; Eric Osborne as Miles Hollingsworth III; Olivia Scriven as Maya Matlin; Sara Waisglass as Frankie Hollingsworth; and Richard Walters as Deon "Tiny" Bell.

The Degrassi franchise is currently celebrating the 35th anniversary. Degrassi: Next Class is produced by DHX Media's Epitome Pictures, in association with Family Channel and Netflix. The series was co-created by Linda Schuyler who is also Executive Producer with Stephen Stohn, Sarah Glinski and Matt Huether.

About Family Channel
Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and Disney series, movies and specials. Family Channel subscribers also have access to Family OnDemand and Family OnLine at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca. Family Channel is a part of DHX Television, a subsidiary of DHX Media.

About DHX Media
DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com), a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, is recognized globally for such brands as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, Slugterra and the multi-award winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media Ltd. is the owner of Family Channel, the most-viewed children's television channel in Canada, as well as the channels Disney Junior (English & French) and Disney XD in Canada. The Company markets and distributes its library of more than 11,000 half-hours of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated consumer products business. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media Ltd. has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DHX.A and DHX.B.

[KyL416]

Degrassi Graduates to Netflix - The Next Class Coming in 2016

HALIFAX, June 9, 2015 /CNW/ - DHX Media Ltd. ("DHX" or the "Company") (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, today announced Degrassi: Next Class, a new series in the critically acclaimed Degrassi franchise, will premiere on Netflix in early 2016. The deal will see Netflix become the worldwide home for Degrassi: Next Class, excluding Canada, Australia and France, where the series will appear on Netflix at later dates. The series will be shot at DHX Media's studio in Toronto, Canada.

Keeping true to the spirit of the Degrassi franchise, which generations have known and loved since 1980, Degrassi: Next Class is a pull-no-punches dramatic series that tackles the real-life issues of high school students. Telling the stories of "Generation Z," the series focuses on a group of teens as they begin their journey into adulthood. Pushing their own limits and testing the bonds of family and friends, the students each find their own way to deal with a range of issues: from homophobia, racism, substance abuse and violence to burgeoning sexuality, body issues, heartbreak and the complications of dating in the social media age. The series strives to entertain its post-millennial audience while always reinforcing its core principle: You are not alone.

About DHX Media Ltd.
DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com), a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, is recognized globally for such brands as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, Slugterra and the multi-award winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media Ltd. is the owner of Family Channel, the most-viewed children's television channel in Canada, as well as the channels Disney Junior (English & French) and Disney XD in Canada. The Company markets and distributes its library of more than 11,000 half-hours of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated consumer products business. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media Ltd. has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DHX.A and DHX.B.

[KyL416]

The "Early 2016" for Netflix compared to "January 2016" for Family Channel seems to indicate Family Channel will air it first

[KyL416]

Unfortunately I can't give any prediction on how Family will roll it out or when they will air it. The thing is up until the end of this year, Family Channel was basically the Canadian outlet for most Disney Channel shows. Outside of DCOMs, which they air day and date with USA, most of the shows are weeks behind the USA with a different premiere each weekday at 6:30pm. All of the Disney programming is moving to a new Corus owned Disney Channel Canada at the end of the year, so Family will be revamping their entire lineup.

[KyL416]

Fusion's Come Here and Say That's tribute to Degrassi:
https://youtu.be/pqHmqBEtL_Q

[KyL416]

MTV Canada's airing White Wedding right now, which reminded me, shouldn't Jack be entering Degrassi soon? Although the timeline is kind of screwey with them taking 3 seasons for a year, but it would be a nice way to bring it all back for "Next Class"