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Parents' Guide to

Degrassi: Next Class

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

TV Netflix Drama 2016
Degrassi: Next Class Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 12 parent reviews

age 13+
While I will say that it was a fairly good show it did have some things that weren't mentioned. One girl attempts suicide by overdose, another girl self harms and posts about it on social media. A girl whose mother died of suicide is a bully and supplies one boy with drugs. There is also a girl that has an abortion. It was a hard show for me to watch personally because I relate to some of the scenarios shown. It does have useful information about topics not usually talked about, but take precaution so you do know what you will be watching.
age 16+

An honest Degrassi review from a young adult.

I am on my second time watching this show, the first time I watched it I was a senior in high school. This show touches on a lot of subjects a lot of other shows would not. While this can be a good thing, sometimes it can be a bit too much. Overall, this show has many great messages, but it also has some that I would consider a bit intense for a younger teen. Some of the topics Degrassi covers are mental illness, abortion, drug abuse, sex, sexuality, relationships (romantic and friendship), racism, religion (discrimination), body image, and more.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (42 ):

This stylized teen soap offers all the traditional drama one comes to expect from the Degrassi gang, but it does so with a more contemporary flair. Most notable is the way each narrative incorporates the use of digital technology, social media, and episode hashtag titles. Though it's still committed to featuring an array of traditional topics teens may relate to, including sexuality, body-image issues, and dysfunctional family dynamics, it also incorporates topics that have become more culturally relevant, such as depression and catfishing.

This version is trendier than its predecessors (it's hard to keep up with Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl), and while some students are more wealthy than others, the majority come from a privileged background. But beyond this, the cast is extremely diverse, and the show still features lots of positive lessons to be learned. Fans of the early versions of the series may be interested in checking out Degrassi: Next Class to see how things have changed (or not) with this new class. But no doubt: This installment will garner a whole new generation of followers.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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