As recently reported here on Christian Today, "Degrassi: The Next Generation" is coming to an end after a 14-year run but that doesn't mean the franchise is over. Coming on the Family Channel in Canada and Netflix in the U.S., the next iteration of "Degrassi" will feature some familiar faces and new cast members and is scheduled for 2016.
According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, the new series, now subtitled "Next Class," will be the first time in years that the "Degrassi" show won't be on a Nickelodean channel and it is highly speculated that "The Next Generation" was cancelled to allow the series to transfer to a new broadcaster.
Both the Family Channel and Netflix will start with 20 episodes premiering in January 2016 to introduce the new show.
"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," explained co-creator and executive producer Linda Schuyler.
The show will focus primarily on the new cast but as pointed by a report from Cinema Blend, the cast from previous "Degrassi" series will be making an appearance as well.
Lola Pacini (Amanda Arcuri), Shay Powers (Reiya Downs), Zoe Rivas (Ana Golja), Grace Cardinal (Nikki Gould), Zig Novak (Ricardo Hoyos), Jonah Haak (Ehren Kassam), Winston Chu (Andre Kim), Tristan Milligan (Lyle Lettau), Hunter Hollingsworth (Spencer Macpherson), Miles Hollingsworth III (Eric Osborne), Maya Matlin (Olivia Scriven), Frankie Hollingsworth (Sara Waisglass), and Deon "Tiny" Bell (Richard Walters) have all been listed to return.
This is all good news for the "Degrassi" franchise which is also celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. "The Next Generation" may be ending but it will conclude with a reunion special titled "It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments." Just a few months after and fans will have "Next Class" to sink their teeth in.
