Degrassi is now in its 11th season, and if the reaction from the crowd is any indication, the show has quite a fan base here in the U.S. as well. Unlike some American franchises that stick with the same aging cast and therefore lose the chance at gaining new viewers (looking at you, either version of 90210), Degrassi has been in an evolution for the past few years. Fan favorites such as Holly J. Sinclair and Sav Bandhari have done the same thing Emma, Manny, and Spinner did before them and have cycled out, making room for new favorites like Clare Edwards, Eli Goldsworthy, and Fiona Coyne. And now, a new generation of students – including Cassie Steele’s younger sister, Alex – are coming in. This isn’t even taking into account the original, 1980’s-style Degrassi, of which the only original cast member present in recent days has been Stefan Brogren, who now is a producer and director for the show. He also plays the school’s principal, no longer a “Snake” but instead the more respectable “Mr. Simpson.”
But back to the event – fans of all varieties came to show their Degrassi love. Some even came with styles matching their Degrassi favorites – there was even a girl with a “Spike” hairstyle evoking the original series – but I could count style-alikes for KC, Alli, Zane, Emma, Manny, and others within the audience. It was a level of fandom I haven’t seen much outside of Comic-Con. At the moment, I’m formatting video from the event, so you can see for yourself.
And how was the premiere itself? It’s a good jumping-on point, as the characters are entering new grades and in one case – Fiona’s – also hoping for a fresh start. Even though I haven’t been in high school since before many of these characters were even born, I can safely say that anyone can identify with the social situations and concerns. What goes on? Beware of spoilers… Fiona sets up a party to impress Marisol and Katie, but the other girls seem to stick their nose up at Imogen’s attendance, passing her off as just a “loser.” Clare and Jake are still pretty close, and the concept of s-e-x comes up. (Did anyone really think, five years ago when we first met Darcy’s little sister she’d someday even be considering it?) 
It’s a good premiere, and it proves that the show’s evolution and loss of certain fan favorites has not killed it. In fact, if the audience was any exception, new characters like Zig are going to be huge with the teenage girl crowd… watch out, Munro Chambers!
The experience of seeing Degrassi with such a huge, dedicated audience is a unique one. Where else could you have people yelling “I don’t like you!” at Katie and Marisol, or hear “aww” when people are mean to Imogen?
Actors Jordan Todosey, Annie Clark, Alex Steele, and Munro Chambers were all on hand to answer questions from Twitter and the audience, and it was particularly impressive to me to see that they all seemed proud of the characters they were playing. There was no awkwardness over the idea that Adam is transgendered; to Todosey, it just seemed like that’s a natural part of the guy, as it should be, but it was a good example to show off for her fans. Munro Chambers, unlike Eli, tends to smile and be fun while not seeming as manic as Mr. Goldsworthy. Alex Steele is going to be a fan favorite and it was great to see her “all grown up.” And Annie Clark – like Jordan with her character, it wasn’t “Fiona is a lesbian;” it was more “Fiona is this and this.” Matter of fact. Again, very refreshing to see from four really cool people.
As mentioned up above, there will be some video added to this article as soon as it is all formatted. Additionally, KSiteTV had the opportunity to interview the visiting Degrassi actors, and you’ll have that to look forward to here in the coming days. Thanks again to the cast for making it and to TeenNick for making such an event. If they’re having one in your city, go! It’ll be fun.
1 Comment
I love degrassi. drew is so hott