Degrassi: The Next Generation (season 6)

Degrassi: The Next Generation
(season 6)

Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 6 DVD Digipak
Country of origin Flag of Canada.svg Canada
Network Flag of Canada CTV
Flag of the United States The N
Original run 28 November 2006 (2006-11-28) – 14 May 2007 (2007-05-14)
No. of episodes 19
DVD release date Flag of Canada Flag of the United States 27 May 2008 (Widescreen, Boxset)
Previous season 5
Next season 7

The sixth season of Degrassi: The Next Generation commenced airing in Canada on 28 November 2006, concluded on 14 May 2007 and contains nineteen episodes. Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian serial teen drama television series. Season six depicts the lives of a group of high school children and college freshmen as they deal with the some of the challenges and issues young adults face such as imprisonment, disability, stealing, sexual identity, and drug abuse. It also marked the first death of a main character in the series.[1][2] Production took place between May and September 2006.[3]

Season six also aired in the United States Fridays at 8:00 p.m. on The N, a digital cable network aimed at teenagers and young adults. The season actually premiered on The N, on 29 September 2006, two months before CTV, a Canadian terrestrial television network, began to screen it. By broadcasting two episodes every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., CTV were able to broadcast the final ten episodes of the season before The N. The season was released on DVD as a four disc boxed set on 27 May 2008 by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada, and FUNimation Entertainment in the United States. Registered users of the Canadian and U.S. iTunes Stores are also able purchase and download the season for playback on home computers and certain iPods.[4]

The season received eight award nominations, six more than it received for season five. It received mixed reviews from the media, and lacklustre ratings compared to the previous season's record high of one million viewers.

Contents

Cast

The sixth season had seventeen actors receive star billing. Continuing in their roles from the previous season, the students were portrayed by Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt, Deanna Casaluce as Alex Nuñez, Lauren Collins as Paige Michalchuk, Stacey Farber as Ellie Nash, Aubrey Graham as Jimmy Brooks, Jamie Johnston as Peter Stone, Shane Kippel as Gavin "Spinner" Mason, Mike Lobel as Jay Hogart, Miriam McDonald as Emma Nelson, Adamo Ruggiero as Marco Del Rossi, and Cassie Steele as Manuela "Manny" Santos.[5] As the adults in the series, Stefan Brogren played the part of Archie "Snake Simpson, Melissa DiMarco played Principal Daphne Hatzilakos, and Amanda Stepto played Spike Nelson. Brogren and Stepto had played the same characters in Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, two of the preceding series in the Degrassi franchise.[6] Ryan Cooley received star billing throughout the season, even after his character, James Tiberius "J.T." Yorke had been killed. Shenae Grimes was promoted from a recurring role to a main role, Daniel Clark returned to the main cast as Sean Cameron, following his departure in season four.

Returning in their recurring roles were John Bregar as Dylan Michalchuk, Dalmar Abuzeid as Danny Van Zandt, Marc Donato as Derek Haig, Linlyn Lue as Ms. Kwan, and Jennifer Podemski as Ms. Sauve.[7][8] Jake Goldsbie, portraying Toby Isaacs was demoted from a main role to a recurring role, and Melissa McIntyre returned to the series as Ashley Kerwin.[9][10] Nina Dobrev and Steve Belford were introduced as Mia Jones and Jesse Stefanovic.[11][12]

Jake Epstein, who portrayed Craig Manning in the previous seasons, returned for a guest role in a two-part episode, which also featured the band Taking Back Sunday as themselves.[13]

Crew

The season was produced by Epitome Pictures in association CTV. Funding was provided by The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit, the Canadian Television Fund and BCE-CTV Benefits, The Shaw Television Broadcast Fund, the Independent Production Fund, Mountain Cable Program, and RBC Royal Bank.[8][14]

Linda Schuyler, co-creator of the Degrassi franchise and CEO of Epitome Pictures, was the co-executive producer of season six with her husband and Epitome Pictures' president, Stephen Stohn. James Hurst also served as an executive producer. David Lowe served as the producer, and Shelley Scarrow was the executive creative consultant. Brendon Yorke and Nicole Demerse were co-executive story editors, with Duana Taha as the junior story editor. The editors were Stephen Withrow and Jason B. Irvine, Stephen Stanley was the production designer, and the cinematographers were Gavin Smith and John Berrie.[8] The writers for the season were Tassie Cameron, Nicole Demerse, James Hurst, Aaron Martin, Will Pascoe, Shelley Scarrow, Duana Taha, and Brendon Yorke. Phil Earnshaw, Eleanore Lindo, Stefan Scaini, Gavin Smith, and Sudz Sutherland directed the episodes.[8]

Reception

Season six was watched by fewer Canadian viewers than season five, which achieved an average of 767,000 viewers, and had one episode watched by a million viewers.[15][16] The first twelve episodes of season six only averaged 500,000 viewers;[15] episode thirteen, broadcast on March 28, 2007 was watched by a season high of 645,000 viewers.[17] The season finale was watched by 520,000 viewers, and the season eventually averaged 522,000 viewers.[15]

The sixth season received mixed reviews from the media. Laura Betker of the Winnipeg Sun said, "Wrapping up plot lines so quickly creates a bit of disappointment for audiences. Typically, season finales end with exciting cliffhangers to entice fan interest. Degrassi’s finale really had no loose ends. There is no pending excitement for fans and the two-part finale became a disappointment. The episodes felt more like a series finale rather than just a season ending."[18] In his end of year review, Joel Rubnoff of the Waterloo Region Record said Degrassi: The Next Generation was one of the best shows of 2007, adding, "The greatest teen show on the planet rediscovers its mojo with a same sex romance between control freak Paige and teen rebel Alexa. The year's most compelling—and bittersweet—love story."[19] AfterEllen.com, a website which focuses on the portrayal of lesbian and bisexual women in the media, and owned by MTV Networks' Logo cable television network reported on the portrayal of two Degrassi: The Next Generation lesbian characters. "Paige and Alex's relationship, developed over three seasons, has become one of the best portrayals of a lesbian teen relationship we've seen on American television," said Sarah Warn, the website's Editor in Chief, before giving the series an "A" Grade for the portrayal of class issues, character development, sexual orientation, dialogue, the relationship and lesbian sex.[20]

The season received nominations for eight different awards, and won two. At the Directors Guild of Canada Awards, the episode "Can't Hardly Wait" was nominated in the category for "Outstanding Achievement in a Television Series - Family", and Stephen Stanley was nominated in the "Outstanding Achievement in Production Design - Television Series" category for "What's it Feel Like Tto Be a Ghost? Part Two".[21] At the Gemini Awards, Shenae Grimes won the category for "Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series" for her portrayal of Darcy Edwards in the episode "Eyes Without a Face Part Two". Degrassi: The Next Generation received three other Gemini Award nominations, for "Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series", "Best Original Music Score for a Dramatic Series", and "Best Sound in a Dramatic Series".[22] In the U.S., the series won its second Teen Choice Award for "Choice Summer TV Show",[23] and Marc Donato was nominated for "Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series Recurring Young Actor" at the Young Artist Awards.[24]

Episodes

Season six premiered on The N two months before its CTV debut,[25][26] and it was not until the ninth episode that Canadian viewers were able to watch an episode before U.S. viewers. The N aired the season in three separate blocks, airing the first third of the season between 29 September 2006 and 17 November 2006, then the second block of episodes between 5 January 2007 and 16 February 2007. The final episodes of the season were broadcast between 29 June 2007 and 3 August 2007. Every episode aired on Fridays at 8:00 p.m.[27]

In Canada, CTV aired the season in two separate blocks of episodes. The first twelve episodes aired between 28 November 2006 and 9 January 2007, on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.[28][26] The second block of episodes aired between 28 March 2007 and 14 May 2007.[29] The first two episodes in this block aired on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., immediately after CTV's simulcast of American Idol; from 9 April 2007, the remaining episodes aired on Mondays at 9:30 p.m., immediately following CTV's simulcast of Dancing With the Stars.[15][30] CTV also broadcast episodes fourteen and fifteen before episode thirteen.

Season # Series # Title Canadian airdate U.S. airdate Production code
1/2 101/102 "Here Comes Your Man"[31]  28 November 2006 29 September 2006 601 & 602
When Peter is given a new car for his birthday he starts to compete in street races with Sean, who has returned to Degrassi. Marco and Dylan find an apartment, but Marco is overwhelmed when he has to juggle keeping his relationship with Dylan a secret from his father, finding roommates, choosing university courses with Ellie, and throwing Paige a going away party all at the same time. Sean is suspended from school when Ms. Hatzilakos finds weed in his locker after a tip-off. Emma finds herself torn between her feelings for current boyfriend Peter and her ex-boyfriend Sean. When Sean and Peter compete in a late night street race, Sean loses control of his car and hits a pedestrian. Ellie moves into her dorm room at university, and discovers the roommate from hell. 
3 103 "True Colours"  5 December 2006 6 October 2006 603
Peter receives 500 hours of community service and house arrest for his part in the street race, while Sean faces prison. Ellie is devastated to discover that her first newspaper article she has written has been rejected. Emma finds out Peter put the drugs in Sean's locker, and ends their relationship. 
4 104 "Can't Hardly Wait"  5 December 2006 13 October 2006 604
Jimmy starts coaching the girls' basketball team, and wants to take his relationship with Ashley to the next level. Since his paralysis, however he has not been able to get an erection. Darcy, the new Spirit Squad captain, clashes with choreographer Manny over new girl Mia. 
5 105 "Eyes Without a Face" Part One  12 December 2006 20 October 2006 605
Peter, Danny and Derek decide to join the Spirit Squad, and Darcy's My Room web page becomes popular when Peter takes racy photographs of her and Manny to raise money for new outfits. J.T. tries to move on from Liberty by going on a date with Mia. 
6 106 "Eyes Without a Face" Part Two  12 December 2006 3 November 2006 606
Darcy's relationship with Spinner comes to an end when he objects to the risqué photographs on her My Room page. Ellie starts dating her newspaper editor Jesse, but is worried about still being a virgin. Darcy's double life is exposed when a deranged pervert accosts her in the street and reveals himself to be her biggest web page fan. 
7 107 "Working for the Weekend"  19 December 2006 10 November 2006 607
The results for Spinner's career aptitude test upset him when it suggests he should become a clown, police officer, or lumberjack. When Jimmy decides to design and sell T-shirts, he and Spinner decide to go into business together and open a store. After making a success of their business, Jimmy and Spinner's store is burglarized, and they lose their profits. Meanwhile, Alex returns to school to increase her grades to become a physical therapist, but her bullying past comes back to haunt her. 
8 108 "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"  19 December 2006 17 November 2006 608
When Sean is released from jail, Spike and Snake take him in. He begins working with Jay as an auto mechanic, and discovers what Jay and Emma did in the ravine two years ago. Derek and Danny have problems when a teacher begins bullying them, and report him to Mr. Simpson. 
9 109 "What's It Feel Like To Be a Ghost?" Part One  2 January 2007 5 January 2007 609
Craig returns to Degrassi to play a music festival, but Manny finds out he is addicted to drugs. His other friends are pleased Craig has made something of himself, and invite him to a dinner party. When Manny realizes she cannot keep up with the level of conversation, she and Craig leave the table and take some cocaine. Ellie finds Craig's stash, but he tells her it belongs to Manny. Liberty is out to ruin J.T.'s relationship with Mia, and reveals a secret of his, and Mia realizes she might not know J.T. as well as she thought she did. 
10 110 "What's It Feel Like To Be a Ghost?" Part Two  2 January 2007 12 January 2007 610
Ellie blames Manny for Craig's drug abuse, but even Jesse can see that is not the truth. Taking Back Sunday play at the university, and Ellie gets the chance to interview the band. When Craig blows off Manny to take more drugs, she ends their relationship. Meanwhile the Degrassi/Lakehurst school rivalry is heating up, and the Lakehurst gang are out to get J.T. for dating Mia, who has a child with one of them. Craig performs his song on stage, but when his nose starts to bleed, Ellie realizes he really does have a problem. 
11 111 "Rock This Town"  9 January 2007 26 January 2007 611
Manny throws a party at the Nelsons' house while Spike and Snake are out of town. J.T. finally decides he really wants to be with Liberty, rather than Mia, his current girlfriend, and goes to find Liberty to tell her his feelings. Outside, he finds the Lakehurst gang urinating on his car and confronts them, which results in him being fatally stabbed. 
12 112 "The Bitterest Pill"  9 January 2007 2 February 2007 612
In the aftermath of J.T.'s murder, all of Degrassi is in mourning. Liberty and Toby plan a memorial that reflects J.T.'s enthusiasm for life. Toby also has to consider letting Liberty know J.T.'s true feelings for her. Ellie tells Jesse about her kiss with Craig. 
13 113 "If You Leave"  9 April 2007 16 February 2007 613
A riot breaks out between Lakehurst and Degrassi after Degrassi students protest Lakehurst's participation in the Spirit Squad Regionals. Marco worries Dylan is cheating on him again, but when he follows Dylan to confront him, Dylan reveals he is moving to Switzerland to play hockey. 
14 114 "Free Fallin'" Part One  28 March 2007 29 June 2007 614
Stressed at Banting University, Paige has a panic attack during an exam. Her professor gives her another chance to catch up on her work, but she has a huge family dinner to prepare. Peter wants forgiveness from Darcy, but he has his work cut out before she gives it to him. 
15 115 "Free Fallin'" Part Two  4 April 2007 6 July 2007 615
After setting fire to her dorm room and her poor grades jeopardizing her degree, Paige returns home. Darcy gives in to Peter's advances, and the pair start dating. 
16 116 "Love My Way"  16 April 2007 13 July 2007 616
Alex is upset when Paige begins having casual relations with both Ellie's ex-boyfriend Jesse, and Spinner. Snake catches Emma and Sean buying condoms, and he is far from happy. 
17 117 "Sunglasses at Night"  23 April 2007 20 July 2007 617
Peter and Darcy's secret relationship is heating up. Marco is having a hard time dealing with Dylan's departure, and becomes addicted to online gambling. In order to pay off his debts, he steals from his father. 
18 118 "Don't You Want Me?" Part One  7 May 2007 27 July 2007 618
Alex and her mother facing eviction. When Jay's girlfriend lines her up with a job as a waitress in a strip club, she discovers there is more money to be made on stage. Emma thinks she might be pregnant, but is disappointed to find out Sean's future plans do not include her. 
19 119 "Don't You Want Me?" Part Two  14 May 2007 3 August 2007 619
With Sean about to leave to join the Army, Emma realizes she may be about to become a single teen mother. Paige is distraught when she sees Alex stripping, and fails to understand why she continues to do it. When Alex finds out her mother used the money she earned to bail her boyfriend out of jail instead of paying the rent, Alex moves out and makes amends with Paige. 

DVD release

The DVD release of season six was released by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada, and by FUNimation Entertainment in the U.S. on 27 May 2008 after it had completed broadcast on television. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including deleted scenes, bloopers and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

The Complete Sixth Season
Set details[32] Special features[32]
  • To be confirmed
Release dates[32]
Flag of Canada.svg Canada Flag of the United States.svg United States
27 May 2008 27 May 2008

Notes

  1. ↑ "Exclusive Interview: Degrassi’s Ryan Cooley Talks About the Death of J.T.". TheTVAddict.com (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  2. ↑ CTV Television Network (27-01-09). "Degrassi character's murder to be a series first". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  3. ↑ City of Toronto Film and Television Office (2006-12-29). "2006 Production List" p. 18. City of Toronto. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  4. ↑ Epitome Pictures. "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (Note: Requires iTunes software). The N. iTunes Store. Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
  5. ↑ Ellis 2005, pp. 52–53, 56–57, 64–65, 68–71, 74–75, 78–81, 84–85
  6. ↑ Ellis 2005, pp. 42–49, 90
  7. ↑ Ellis 2005, pp. 86–87, 89–90
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Linda Schuyler (co-creator, co-executive producer); Yan Moore (co-creator); Stephen Stohn (co-executive producer). (November 28, 2006 – May 14, 2007). Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season 6. Epitome Pictures.
  9. ↑ Ellis 2005, pp. 66–67, 76–77
  10. ↑ "Here Comes Your Man Part One". James Hurst (writer); Phil Earnshaw (director). Degrassi: The Next Generation. The N. 2006-09-26. No. 1, season 6.
  11. ↑ Jancelewicz, Chris (2008-01-07). "Q&A: 'Degrassi:TNG's' Nina Dobrev Talks Mia". AOL Canada. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  12. ↑ "Here Comes Your Man Part Two". Brendon Yorke (writer); Phil Earnshaw (director). Degrassi: The Next Generation. The N. 2006-09-26. No. 2, season 6.
  13. ↑ "What's It Feel Like To Be a Ghost? Parts One and Two". Aaron Martin (story); Tassie Cameron (story); James Hurst (story, teleplay); Duana Taha (story, teleplay); Eleanore Lindo (director). Degrassi: The Next Generation. CTV Television Network. 2007-02-02. No. 9 & 10, season 6.
  14. ↑ "rocket Fuelled Projects 2006". Shaw Rocket Fund (2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Bailey, Patricia (2007-03-27). "CTV ups its order for Degrassi", Playback (Toronto, Ontario), Brunico Communications. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
  16. ↑ CTV Television Network (2006-03-16). "Degrassi: The Next Generation 100th episode". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-03-29.
  17. ↑ Strauss, Marise (2007-04-03). "Juno ratings plunge, but by how much?", Playback (Toronto, Ontario), Brunico Communications. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
  18. ↑ Betker, Laura (2007-05-17). "Monumental season ends" (note: fee required), Winnipeg Sun, Sun Media Corporation. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
  19. ↑ Rubinoff, Joel (2007-12-29). "TV's Year of Living Dangerously", Waterloo Region Record (Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario), Metroland Media Group. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
  20. ↑ Warn, Sarah (2007-08-08). ""Degrassi" Portrays Lesbian Relationship with Class". AfterEllen.com p. 7. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  21. ↑ "2007 DGC Awards". Directors Guild of Canada (2007). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  22. ↑ "ACCT - Canadian Awards Database History Search for "Degrassi, 2007"". Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (2007). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  23. ↑ "The N's Degrassi: The Next Generation Wins Its Second Teen Choice Award as Series Gears Up for Season Seven Premiering Fall 2007". PR Newswire (2007-08-27). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  24. ↑ "28th Annual Young Artist Awards". Young Artist Awards (2007). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  25. ↑ PR Newswire (2006-09-06). "The N's Degrassi: The Next Generation Premieres Friday, September 29". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 CTV Television Network (2006-11-06). "Drag racing, drug abuse, exotic dancing, prison and - for the first time in the series' history - a major character is murdered.". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  27. ↑ "Degrassi: The Next Generation episodes". TV Guide. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  28. ↑ CTV Television Network (2006-11-27). "International hit 'Degrassi' returns for sixth season". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  29. ↑ "Degrassi Returns to CTV in its new night, wednesdays at 9:30pm". Channel Canada (2007-03-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
  30. ↑ Strauss, Marise (2007-05-15). "Degrassi holds its own", Playback (Toronto, Ontario), Brunico Communications. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
  31. ↑ Aired as separate half-hour episodes in broadcast syndication
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 "Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season 6". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.

References

External links

Degrassi
History
Awards and nominations
Locations
Toronto · De Grassi Street · Other locations
Music
Bands · Songs from Degrassi: The Next Generation · The N Soundtrack
The Kids of Degrassi Street
Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High
General
Characters · Episodes · Degrassi Talks · School's Out
Characters
Stephanie · Joey · Snake · Wheels · Mr. Raditch · Lucy · Shane · Caitlin · Kathleen · Melanie · Erica · Heather · Spike · Nancy
General
Episodes · Season 1 · Season 2 · Season 3 · Season 4 · Season 5 · Season 6 · Season 7 · Season 8 · Books · Quotes
Characters
Emma · Jimmy · Terri · Ashley · Liberty · Manny · Mr. Simpson · Toby · Spinner · J.T. · Paige · Sean · Mr. Raditch · Joey · Craig · Ellie · Marco · Hazel · Spike · Caitlin · Jay · Alex · Danny · Darcy · Chante · Peter · Ms. Hatzilakos · Derek · Mia · Damian · Johnny · Clare · Holly J · Jane · Anya · Sav