Why this 1980s Canadian teen drama changed television forever by casting actual teenagers
In short: Before teen dramas were dominated by twenty-somethings, Degrassi Junior High broke the mold. Created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood, the series used a repertory company of amateur, age-appropriate actors to explore raw, real-life issues. It remains a landmark in television history for its commitment to authenticity and teenage perspective.
Launched on the CBC in January 1987, Degrassi Junior High was a deliberate departure from the media norms of its time. While American television frequently cast young adults to play high schoolers, creators Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood insisted on using real teenagers. They believed that older actors brought unnecessary life experience to roles that required the raw, unpolished freshness of actual adolescence. This casting philosophy was supported by a unique repertory company system, where fifty-four to sixty-five young actors were trained in workshops and given equal status, allowing minor characters to occasionally take center stage.
The series was developed with a mandate to both entertain and educate, functioning as a conversation starter for its audience. It tackled heavy subjects—including teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, abuse, and drug use—without relying on adult intervention. In fact, adults were rarely shown in scenes without a teenager present, reinforcing the show's commitment to a strictly teenage perspective. This approach was inspired by the narrative structure of Hill Street Blues, which Schuyler admired for its complex, intertwined storylines that pitted moral dilemmas against practical outcomes. The production was filmed on-location in Toronto, using the real Daisy Avenue Public School.
Despite its modest origins and non-union cast, the show achieved significant critical acclaim and commercial success, winning eight Gemini Awards in Canada. It served as a progenitor for the modern teen drama, influencing later hits like Beverly Hills, 90210. The franchise expanded through sequels and a 2001 revival, but the original series remains highly regarded. In 2017, the Toronto International Film Festival recognized it as one of Canada's most significant cinematic contributions, proving that a show about the mundane and traumatic realities of junior high could leave a lasting mark on global culture.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Degrassi Junior High
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