Degrassi History

For more information, consult The Epitome Pictures Web Site or Timeless Pictures Web Site

The three Degrassi series were produced by a small production company called Playing With Time. Linda Schuyler, a former grade 8 schoolteacher, and Kit Hood, a former video editor and child actor established Playing With Time in 1976. The couple worked together in the late 1970’s making educational videos for children in junior high school. Their production name was actually inspired by their first educational documentary called Jimmy-Playing With Time (Chatelaine, June 1988:132). Their first documentary was ninety minutes and about a 72-year-old marathon pianist. After making the documentary, Linda and Kit wanted to make films about childhood and adolescence. They found the opportunity with a children’s book called "Ida Makes a Movie", by Kay Chorao. Both Schuyler and Hood thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to make a film about an inner city girl who wanted to make a film about cleaning up her neighbourhood. For less than $20,000 Schuyler co-wrote the film and produced it. Hood directed the film, and after that project The Kids of Degrassi Street series was born.

The Playing With Time Offices were born in 1977, in a two bedroom apartment in Toronto’s East End district called "Leslieville". In 1978, the concept for more "Kids" episodes was accepted by CBC, and partially funded by them and Magic Lantern. In 1979, CBC agreed to give partial funding to make a mini-series of 6 episodes continuing from Ida Makes a Movie. The mini-series was to be called "The Kids of Degrassi Street". CBC could not fund the show totally (it cost $70,000 to make one episode), but Playing With Time was able to get additional funding from private investors. By the end of 1979, Playing With Time established a storefront and the couple lived above the store on Queen’s street, in the same neighbourhood where they were originally located. By 1985, Playing With Time were able to afford 6 episodes per year, and by 1986, they had produced 26 episodes of Kids of Degrassi Street.

They got a small group of 52 young actors who had little or no acting experience and started filming around the area where their company was located. The neighbourhood where De Grassi street is located is called Queen-Broadview Village and The Playing With Time Offices were located in the neighbourhood of Leslieville, in the east end of Toronto.

They filmed around the streets of Degrassi and in a school building one block away from Degrassi. This was the building where the show was mainly filmed, as well as in the homes of the residents who lived on the street.

As the kids got older, more kids were hired to play their younger siblings in the show. When the group entered grade 6, it was assumed that the series was going to be finished, because the older group were not filmed as much, like Noel, and Sophie. The show continued the next year as many of the actors started to work on a sequel-like series by the name of Degrassi Junior High.

In 1987, Degrassi Junior High was born out of many of the characters from the Kids of Degrassi Street. The show was not a sequel, but merely related by its geographic location. The company hired a larger cast, and seven of the original cast members remained on the next series. As Degrassi Junior High was not a sequel to Kids of Degrassi Street, there were many familiar faces, but their characters names were different. Degrassi Junior High delivered an average of 15 episodes per season for three seasons. The first season of episodes cost Playing With Time $2.6 million dollars (Chatelaine, June 1988: 134)

When Degrassi Junior High first had its auditions, there were 300 young actors and non- actors who applied. Fifty were selected to join the cast, as well as some people who were in the previous series. They still had to audition, but they were experienced as they worked on a kids show before.

Degrassi Junior high started its filming in the summer of 1986. The setting of the show is filmed in Etobicoke, Ontario, and in East End Toronto. Most of the show was taped in Etobicoke, where the school building actually was located. Part of the filming was taken in an area of Toronto called "Queen-Broadview Village". The actual Degrassi street was in the neighbourhood, and the series tried to pretend that both the school and street were closeby, when in reality, they were not. The school building which housed Degrassi Junior High is Vincent Massey Junior School at 68 Daisy Street, in the Mimico District of Etobicoke, Ontario.

After three seasons of Degrassi Junior High, the decision to have them go onto high school was obvious. Playing With Time decided to expand their cast, and find a larger building to portray Degrassi High School. They found an empty building that was under renovation, that was part of the Centennial College campus in Scarborough, a district in Toronto.

Degrassi High was on CBC for two years until the spring of 1991. The show officially ended in the spring, and in the fall, the Degrassi made for-tv film, called School’s Out was produced. The 90-minute drama summed up the whole series. After the film, there was a six part documentary series called Degrassi Talks. It hosted 6 of the Degrassi actors, and it dealt with a different adolescent issue each week. Each episode was 30 minutes in length and the actors traveled across Canada interviewing adolescents about such issues as depression, drugs, alcohol, sex, sexuality, and abuse. The documentary mini-series was funded by Heath and Welfare Canada and by other private companies.

Linda Schuyler has since separated from partner Kit Hood, and has started her own production company called Epitome Pictures. She has produced another CBC production that was loosely a continuation of Degrassi, called Liberty Street. This drama was about people in their twenties, living in the same apartment complex. It is also very similar to Spelling’s spinoff of Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place. Schuyler and her husband/lawyer Stephen Stohn just ended their three year venture into the world of Riverdale, the first english language soap opera on CBC. The series has been cancelled as CBC did not renew the contract. As mentioned on the Epitome Pictures Web site, Schuyler and Stohn are venturing into new developments regarding a new teenage television show for next year. Linda Schuyler was a founding member of the Association for Media Literacy and is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Film and Television Producers’ Association. In 1994, she was honoured for her work with the Order of Canada. (http://www.riverdale.ca :March 1998)

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

1.01/1.02-Mother and Child Reuion

The 10 year Reuion of Degrassi High is here everyone rolls into town Joey and catlin Lock Eyes Again and Catlin is Engaded. and Emma Finds This as the Perfect oppurtinity to Meet her 8-Month interent Boyfriend.

1.03-Family Poltics

Its the Begging of The School Year and Ashely has her Eye Set on Being School President. and No One Else Wants to be President so the year starts off well Except her Annoying Little Step-Borther Toby is There. and Toby Wont Let Her Be Happy.

1.04-Eye of The Beholder

Terri has Got her Eye set on Spinner and so Does pagie and The Night Dance is coming up so shes Embarrsed of going Because she thinks shes "Fat" but Ashely Convnces her to go and pagie Convinces her too Drink.... The New Kid Sean is here and Emma has her eye on him too.

1.05-Parents Day

Parents Day is Here and Toby is dreading it because his parents Are coming they cant be around each other Without Arguing so Toby even makes a Fake Letter for them not to come....Ashely wants an agent and so does pagie So they Both Attack toby's Mom.

1.06-The Mating Game

Ashley and Jimmy's eight-month anniversary is coming up - and so is the question of whether or not to have sex. Paige is playing Juliet opposite Jimmy's English-class Romeo and she's planting doubts in Ashley's mind. If Ash doesn't "put out" soon, will Jimmy move on?

1.07-Basketball Diaries

Jimmy desperately wants to make the basketball team. But, surprisingly, it looks like Sean is surpassing him as a possible star player. Adding to Jimmy's pressure is his academic status - he's been given a few warnings since he can't seem to balance school and sports. When he convinces hyperactive Spinner to skip a Ritalin pill and give it to him instead, he plays a great game - but not as a team player, and at the cost of injuring Sean. Spinner, meanwhile, wired without his meds, moons the audience and receives a stiff sentence from Principal Raditch. Although Jimmy's nailed his assignment and played a strong game, the coach sees him as an uncontrollable rebel and he doesn't make the team.

1.08-Secrets & Lies

After a long absence overseas, Ashley's dad is back in town. She's enjoying his company and attention, but something tells her there's a piece of his life that's being kept from her. Under pressure, her mother reveals a long-kept secret - Ashley's dad left them because he was gay. Ashley is furious that she's been kept in the dark for so long. Although she accepts his choice eventually, she can't deal with learning that he left to be with his lover. Terri, who lost her mother just a year ago, urges Ashley to reconsider.

1.09-Coming of School

Lacking real family time at home, Jimmy has been spending more and more time at Ashley's house. He and Toby are like brothers and Kate's begun referring to him as her "third kid". When Ashley asks him to stay away for a night and he turns up anyway with Toby, she's had it and decides to break up with him. After the birthday celebration his parents are throwing the next evening. But the next night, his parents are away again and there's just a message on the machine. He breaks down - Ashley's family is all he's got. She decides she has to stay with him.

110. Rumours & Reputation
Recently diagnosed with a learning disorder, an embarrassed Liberty is ashamed to tell her friends about her tutoring sessions. Emma sees one of Liberty's private sessions and, putting two-and-two together with Liberty's suspicious behaviour, asks J.T. if he thinks something could be going on with Liberty and Mr. Armstrong the math teacher. Terri overhears and it takes no time for the rumour to spread throughout the school, and Liberty is incredibly upset. When she tries to get to the root of the rumour, Emma is horrified to discover that it was actually her. When the principal begins to investigate the rumour, Emma has to confess.

111. Friday Night
When Sean asks Emma what she's doing tonight, Emma's thrilled - that's a date, right? But nervous Sean is unable to muster the courage to arrange the details and Emma misunderstands his hesitancy as rejection. When they finally do cut through their misunderstanding and go out, the date is fundamentally a disaster with catastrophe after catastrophe. Emma's sure she's blown it, but when Monday comes she finds that Sean asks her out again - and much more directly, thank goodness.

112. Wannabe
When Paige decides to start a Spirit Squad at Degrassi, Emma can't believe that the "sexist" sport of cheerleading is being revived. But Manny, who's had years of gymnastics training and is desperate for something to help make her "cool", wants to try out. The disagreement which ensues leaves Manny vulnerable to Paige's in-crowd manipulations. After Paige convinces Manny to destroy the anti-cheerleading article Emma wrote for the school newspaper, Manny comes to her senses. Apologizes to Emma. And realizes who her real friends are.

113. Cabaret
Ashley's convinced that she and Terri are going to be the stars of the school talent show, singing her new (and incredibly earnest) ballad. Terri would rather add Paige -- and some fun sparkle -- to the act, but she's not sure how to tell Ashley that. Terri's new project on Tarot cards provides her with a convenient excuse. When she predicts Manny's fall, Ashley begins to believe in Terri's mystical power and Terri finds a way to get what she wants without having to confront Ashley. But this "problem-solving" becomes an issue when Terri lies about an interpretation and Ashley finds out. Terri and Paige have to go on alone, but Terri finds the courage to face up to Ash and gains her respect.

114. Under Pressure
Faced with the pressure of passing Grade 7 on his second time around and his mother's newest threat to take him back to his unhappy life up north, Sean is beginning to slip into old, angry patterns. Although Emma's helped him study for Mr. Simpson's exam, he runs out of time to finish and is positive he's failed. As an outlet, he picks a fight with Jimmy. When Emma tries to stop him, he pushes her to the ground, shocking everyone. Although he's passed the exam, he's lost her.

115. Jagged Little Pill
"Perfect" Ashley is beginning to bore even herself. With their parents away for the weekend, Ashley decides to join Toby in breaking the "one-guest-each" rule and invites Paige and Hazel to join her and Terri. Sean comes to her when he confiscates Toby and J.T.'s Ecstasy, expecting her to do the responsible thing. Instead, Ashley takes it. When Jimmy arrives, he's furious with her. A strung-out Ashley becomes convinced that Sean is the only one who understands her. After some private time in her room with him, Ashley publicly dumps Jimmy, humiliates Paige and alienates most of her other friends. A messy house and broken vase when their parents get back the next morning are the least of Ash's worries.

Season 2

201/202. When Doves Cry
Summer's over and the kids are back. Degrassi alumni Joey Jeremiah and his small daughter Angela are the objects of someone's attention…it turns out to be Joey's charming and mysterious stepson, Craig. Although Craig's father has forbidden him to make contact with Joey and Angela, Craig can't seem to stop himself. Even when his father's unpredictable rages leave him black and blue. Although Craig is good at covering up both his physical and his emotional bruises, his new friends, Sean and Emma, suspect something's up.

203. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
When Spike reveals the identity of the mystery man she's been dating, Emma is shocked. Mr. Simpson - her teacher! Emma claims she's okay with it, but if that's true, why is she suddenly being so rude to Mr. Simpson? When her mother cancels out on girls' night to go out with Mr. Simpson, Emma decides it's time to rebel.

204. Karma Chameleon
Ashley feels like an outcast. Nobody's willing to forget how she treated them at her party last year. When she swallows her pride and apologizes to everyone it's like last year never happened. But then Ash finds out what it really feels like to be an outcast when rumours make her the victim of an orchestrated, school-wide shunning.

205. Weird Science
Emma's a serious contender for first prize at the Science Fair-until the results of her experiment don't fall in line with her hypothesis. Mr. Simpson, one of the judges, provides Emma with advice but the fact that he's dating her mom makes her feel uncomfortable with his attention. At least nobody at school knows Mr. Simpson and her mom are dating…until Manny accidentally spills the beans in an email to the entire Media Immersion class.

206. Drive
Joey is going away for the weekend with his latest girlfriend, and Craig is surprised when Joey tells him he can stay on his own - and even have the guys over! After a lame afternoon they're raring to let loose, and what better way than by taking a drive in one of the cars from Joey's lot?

207. Shout
After Degrassi trounces Bardell on the soccer field, it's a smitten Paige who celebrates when the losing team's defensive back, the gorgeous Dean, invites her to a house party. Paige belated remembers she had plans with Spinner and cancels at the last minute. At the party, things are going great with Dean - until Spinner shows up. Paige takes off upstairs with Dean and when things start to go farther than Paige is ready for, Dean won't take no for an answer…

208. Shout 2
Haunted by memories of her recent sexual assault, Paige is desperately trying to appear normal. A girl band contest sounds like a great distraction. But it doesn't last for long when Ash shows up with a new song - inspired by rape. Paige can't bear listening to it and walks out during rehearsal. When Ashley confronts her, Paige reveals her secret.

209. Mirror in the Bathroom
Toby is tired of being an invisible computer geek, so he decides to join the wrestling team. Toby starts sneaking laxatives and running endless training sessions. He's feeling terrible, but it's all worth it when he drops a weight class. Now, he'll be wrestling a scrawny Grade 7-- no contest! Too bad he hasn't noticed that his friends don't seem to like the new Toby. It's not until he takes to the mat for his big match that Toby sees the harm he's done to himself.

210. Take My Breath Away
Manny's crush on Craig has reached huge proportions and everyone's urging her to ask him out already! She's ecstatic when he accepts. The next day, Manny gives her friends all the details of her incredible night. She and Craig are a couple! But Craig has an entirely different version of the date. Now he faces the impossible mission of letting an overly enthusiastic Manny down easy.

211. Don't Believe the Hype
It's International Day and Hazel's display on Jamaica is a hit, but she isn't acting like herself. She's moody, mean and openly antagonistic to Fareeza, a Muslim girl. Even still, everyone's shocked when Hazel is called to Raditich's office after Fareeza's display on Iraq is destroyed and anti-Muslim slogans are scrawled on it. When the real culprits are caught, Hazel tries to make amends for her behaviour by helping Fareeza remount her display. In the process, Hazel confesses to Fareeza that she's not Jamaican but Somali and Muslim. After hiding it for so long, can Hazel reveal her true identity to everyone else?

212/213. White Wedding
Spike and Mr. Simpson's wedding is only days away and Emma is wedding planner extraordinaire- it's going to be perfect! But when Spike discovers she's pregnant, it changes everything. Spike can't figure out how or even if she'll tell Snake. And Emma's beside herself when she finds out her mom is thinking about abortion. Emma takes matters into her own hands, going to Snake's stag party to tell him what's going on. When Snake doesn't take the news as well as she hoped, Emma's convinced she's ruined everything.

JT and Toby catch wind that Mr. Simpson is having a stag party at Joey Jeremiah's. And what stag is complete without a stripper? When Joey miraculously agrees, they think they've got it made-until Joey bars them from the party. So the boys come up with a more creative way to watch the show...

214. Careless Whisper
Marco and Ellie are the best of friends and Ellie is starting to want more. But Marco can't seem to respond in kind. He's more and more confused about his feelings for Ellie -or any girl for that matter. When rumours start to circulate about him and the teasing and questions won't stop, Marco freaks. He's not gay and he'll prove it - by asking Ellie to be his girlfriend. But when Marco and Ellie find themselves alone in Ashley's bedroom, he realizes that while he wishes he liked Ellie in that way, he doesn't.

Toby thinks his girlfriend Kendra is the greatest. He wants them to spend all their time together. But it seems like Kendra might not feel the same way about all this togetherness.

215. Hot For Teacher
When class clown JT acts up in Science class, his teacher Ms. Hatzilakos gives him a serious detention - assisting her with the guinea pigs all week. Alone time with Ms. Hot Sauce-if only all punishment was this good! JT quickly discovers he enjoys hanging out with Ms. H but he still can't resist a joke and gets caught making her the brunt of one in front of the class. Bu when a guinea pig goes missing, JT and Ms. H have the chance to clear the air.

Honesty's the best policy. Or so Jimmy and Spinner believe. Soon their pact to be honest with each other gets out of hand, and it has them at each other's throats.

216. Message In A Bottle
Things are finally looking up for Sean, but when his brother quits his job, Sean becomes very aware of the insecurity of his home life. And now he has to face a dinner with Emma and her parents. Sean sneaks some wine in a misguided attempt to "relax." And as the pressure mounts, he over-reacts to something Emma's mom says and storms out. Sean continues his destructive behaviour at Jimmy's house, stealing alcohol from Jimmy's parents. When Emma comes looking for him, Sean causes a scene. Afterwards, he's convinced he's lost everything yet again.

It looks like sparks are being rekindled between Ashley and Jimmy, but with everything that's happened, will one of them be brave enough to make the first move?

217. Relax
Liberty can't believe it when she doesn't make the Girls Floor Hockey team - she's never failed at anything. So when Coach Hatzilakos asks her to be the Team Manager, Liberty throws all her energy into it. She ends up challenging the boys' to a floor hockey game with the winner getting new uniforms from Jeremiah Motors. During the big game, Liberty's thirst for victory becomes too much and the team quits. It's up to Liberty to act like a real coach and get the girls back into the game.

After reading Paige's palm, Terri is spooked. Paige has no life-line. Her days are numbered! But when Paige and Hazel discover that Terri's made a mistake, they decide to have a little fun at her expense.

218. Dressed In Black
Ashley and Jimmy are back together! Ash may not look the same as last year, but Jimmy's sure she's still the same golden girl inside. For her part, Ash is convinced that this time around, Jimmy and she have a more meaningful relationship - their souls connect. Don't they? So why does Craig, her drama partner for a scene from "Taming of the Shrew", seems to understand her better?

After Mr. Armstrong's lecture on sexual responsibility and birth control in health class, JT convinces Toby that they should to buy condoms. But when Spinner discovers the condoms in JT and Toby's locker, JT learns more about condoms than he wants to.

219. Fight For Your Right
Emma's latest crusade involves "Food for Thought," a student group that wants to ban genetically modified (GM) foods from the cafeteria. But Raditch turns down their requests due to budget constraints and besides, the jury's still out on GM foods. Emma is determined to fight his decision. When a food fight erupts as she tries to convince students to boycott the cafeteria, Emma gets suspended. An angry Emma pickets the school. Raditch demands that she apologize for her actions or face an even longer suspension. Emma faces the school and stands by her beliefs - accepting the consequences.

Spinner has his heart set on a brand new designer shirt - but it's way out of his price range. It doesn't help that his best friend, Jimmy, doesn't have to worry about money. So when Jimmy teases him about his old clothes, Spinner takes action.

220. How Soon Is Now?
After counseling, Paige is positive she's recovered from her date rape-- her life is back to normal. But when she finds out that Dean, her rapist, is coming to Degrassi for a basketball tournament, Paige goes into a tailspin. When she confronts Dean, she finds out he's been spreading rumours about her and Paige feels helpless. And when both JT and Spinner find out that Dean raped her, they rush to defend Paige with violence. However, it's up to Paige to find the courage to take control and make sure Dean knows he'll have to pay-- he better watch out - because she's pressing charges.

Ellie and Marco decide to co-direct a commercial for Mr. Simpson's class. But their collaboration devolves with hilarious results as they each fight to get their own way - and in the end learn a lesson about cooperation.

221. Tears Are Not Enough (Part 1)
It's exam time and everyone's stressed - especially Craig. In a surprise visit from his father, Craig learns that his dad is very eager to have him back in his life. Despite some concerns, Craig decides to go to his dad for help with his science exam. He doesn't tell his guardian Joey what's going on. He can't - especially when Albert decides that Craig should move back home. But old patterns re-emerge and Albert strikes Craig. This time, Craig's had enough and vows to get Albert out of his life for good.

Desperate to pass his exams, JT asks Liberty to be his tutor. Liberty agrees on one condition - JT will have to be her date for the year-end dance!

222. Tears Are Not Enough (Part 2)
After his father's death, Craig wants to get on with life as usual. He insists on going back to school immediately, but he doesn't know how to respond when friends keep asking him how he is - because, he's not feeling much of anything. Ashley's surprised when Craig insists on going to the year-end dance despite his loss, and even more surprised when he enters them in the King and Queen competition. But circumstances at the dance force Craig to confront what he's really feeling. Finally able to grieve, Craig heads in for one last dance...

Paige and Spinner are determined to win the Luau King and Queen titles. But Spinner's ex-best friend Jimmy doesn't want to see that happen...

Season 3

301/302. Father Figure
The pending birth of her new sibling sends Emma on a search for her birth father. Spinner hunts for the perfect anniversary present for Paige.

303. U Got the Look
Manny’s riding high on her newfound popularity, causing friction with best friend, Emma. Joey’s thrilled when Craig and the guys form a band.

304. Pride (Part 1)
Meeting Paige’s brother is an eye-opener for Marco and Spinner. Snake crashes with Joey when he comes down with a cold.

305. Pride (Part 2)
Spinner shuns Marco because he’s gay. Snake goes to unusual lengths to raise money for the school.

306. Gangsta Gangsta
Sean falls in with a gang. Toby spills an embarrassing secret about JT.

307. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Craig and Ashley have a big fight. Wheels stops by to cheer up Snake.

308. Whisper to a Scream
Ellie discovers a new outlet for her pain. Terri’s secret admirer strikes again.

309. Against All Odds
Manny inspires Emma to hook up with Chris. Spinner thinks Marco has a crush on him.

310. Never Gonna Give You Up
Hazel doesn’t like Terri’s new boyfriend. Spinner and JT start a prank war.

311/312. Holiday
Joey and Sydney’s holiday cheer leaves Caitlin feeling like Scrooge. Manny wants Craig to break up with Ashley.

313. This Charming Man
Emma’s sets out to get Sean in trouble. Spinner and Paige hit some bumps during their driving lessons.

314. Accidents Will Happen (part 1)
Manny fears she’s pregnant. Toby sets out to prove he’s cool enough to hang with Jimmy.

315. Accidents Will Happen (part 2)
Manny faces some tough choices about her pregnancy. Liberty develops a crush on someone new.

316. Take On Me
Ellie and Sean become close during Saturday detention.

317. Don’t Dream It’s Over
Paige and Terri fight about Rick. Marco comes between Ellie and Sean.

318. Rock & Roll High School
It’s all out war when Craig and Ashley compete in a battle of the bands. Caitlin spoils Angela.

319. It’s Raining Men
Spinner helps Marco prepare for his date with Dylan. JT’s teased for being in a lame commercial.

320. I Want Candy
Paige, Spinner and Ashley to skip school. Emma discovers Mr. Simpson’s will and fears the worst.

321. Our House
Sean moves out on his own. JT tries to ask Manny to a dance.

322. The Power of Love
It’s an evening full of mishaps as students celebrate at the year-end dance.

Season 4

4.01/4.02-The Ghost in The Machine
The School Year Starts With Pagie's Rape Trial Starting and This Situation Will Start her Face To Face With her Rapist and Not to Mention will she win Court?...Craig Recives a Gift From his Late Father.

4.03-Dont You Want Me? (King of Pain)

4.04-Mercy Street
.A Hotub is Used in This Epsoide.

4.05-As I Lie My Head
.there is a carwash in this epsoide for the spirt squad and Pagie is Sick.

4.06-Islands In The Stream

4.07/4.08-Time Stands Still
.It Has Been Confirmed That this Epsoide is The Most Shocking Epsoide of All Time.

4.09-Back in Black
.Alot of Talk About (4.07/4.08)

4.10-Neutron Dance

4.11/4.12-Voices Carry

4.13-Bark At The Moon

4.14/4.15-The Secert

4.16-Eye of The Tiger

Adults

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