Watch Degrassi High

Degrassi High was a popular Canadian television drama series that ran from 1987 to 1991. It was co-produced by PBS and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The series followed the lives of a group of high school students living in Toronto as they struggled with the challenges and complexities of adolescent life. The show tackled some of the most difficult and sensitive issues of the time, ranging from teenage pregnancy to drug addiction, sexual identity, and HIV/AIDS.

The cast of the show included many talented actors and actresses such as Stacie Mistysyn, Siluck Saysanasy, Anais Granofsky, Pat Mastroianni, Stefan Brogren, Amanda Stepto, Kirsten Bourne, Nicole Stoffman, Neil Hope, Cathy Keenan, Dan Woods, Darrin Brown, Duncan Waugh, Dayo Ade, Amanda Cook, Rebecca Haines, Maureen McKay, Angela Deiseach, John Ioannou, Maureen Deiseach, David Armin-Parcells, Christian Campbell, and Irene Courakos.

The lead role of Caitlin Ryan was played by Stacie Mistysyn, who was one of the most popular and well-loved characters in the series. Her character was known for her intelligence, independence, and strong-willed personality. Other notable characters in the show included Joey Jeremiah (Pat Mastroianni), who was the class clown and a perpetual troublemaker, but also had a heart of gold. Snake (Stefan Brogren) was Joey's best friend and a loyal companion, while Wheels (Neil Hope) was the quiet and introspective member of the group.

The show explored a wide range of social issues faced by teenagers at the time, such as bullying, drug abuse, alcoholism, adolescent sexuality, sexism, and homophobia. It was known for its frank and realistic portrayal of these issues, and for giving a voice to the struggles of young people in a way that was both empathetic and approachable.

One of the most significant storylines in the series was the character of Spike, played by Amanda Stepto, who became pregnant as a teenager and had to navigate the challenges of motherhood while continuing her education. This storyline was groundbreaking at the time, as it dealt with one of the most taboo and controversial issues in society in a way that was respectful and insightful, without resorting to judgment or stereotypes.

The show also tackled the issue of HIV/AIDS, which was an emerging epidemic during the time the show was written. The character of Clode, played by Christian Campbell, was one of the first openly gay characters on Canadian television, and his storyline explored the devastating impact of the virus on the LGBTQ+ community.

Degrassi High was renowned for its progressive and inclusive approach to storytelling, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes while still remaining entertaining and captivating. The show won numerous accolades for its bold and daring approach, with many critics praising its nuanced and complex portrayal of teenage life.

Overall, Degrassi High was a groundbreaking television series that explored the challenges of adolescence in a way that was honest, realistic, and compassionate. Its legacy lives on, with many fans remembering it fondly as a formative part of their teenage years, and it remains a cultural touchstone for many people to this day.

Degrassi High is a series that ran for 2 seasons (28 episodes) between November 6, 1989 and on PBS