It is the end of an era. TeenNick has just announced that 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' will not be renewed for a fifteenth season.
SVP and TeenNick general manager Keith Dawkins made the announcement in a statement.
"For an incredible 14 seasons, 'Degrassi' has been a groundbreaking show tackling so many important topics that real teens face in their everyday lives," Dawkins said. "In the final episodes on TeenNick and through the hour-long special and social activations, we hope to say goodbye in a way that is both fitting to the show and 'Degrassi's' passionate fan base."
The show's executive producer Steven Stohn expressed gratitude to the cast and crew. "Few producers are as blessed as we have been, working with so many talented and creative individuals at TeenNick for 14 seasons of 'Degrassi;' including 385 episodes and over 100 pieces of original short-form web content," Stohn said.
"We thank all those at TeenNick who have worked so hard over the years to help us create a television series that changes with the times and continues to authentically connect and interact with the youth audience."
Fans of the show did not take the news easily. Twitter user @lisa_hiser was dismayed, posting, "#Degrassi is finally coming to an end. Now how will I keep up with what Canadian teenagers do?"
Several Twitter users were also devastated.
The emotional roller coaster I've been on today #Degrassi pic.twitter.com/UiUt5nSeqn
— Degrassi Experience (@DG_Experience) June 4, 2015
Today we just lost a part of Canadian TV history. RIP #Degrassi #jimmyforever — Arti Patel (@artipatel) June 4, 2015
Accurate representation of how I felt when I first read that #Degrassi was being cancelled pic.twitter.com/viXX66Lo4E
— amanda talarico (@amaandddda) June 5, 2015
The Canadian show debuted in 2001 and started the careers of stars like Nina Dobrev from 'The Vampire Diaries' and '90210's' Shanae Grimes. Rapper Drake has appeared on the teen drama as disabled basketball star Jimmy Brooks.
'Degrassi: The Next Generation' will air the final episode on July 31. The finale will be followed by an hour-long special called "It Goes There: Degrassi's Most Talked About Moments," where cast members and fans will discuss the show's best moments.
