Degrassi: Next Class is the newest configuration of the long-running Degrassi franchise, the revival of which has been in first run since 2001 as Degrassi: The Next Generation (later Degrassi). Although Degrassi: Next Class is the return to a naming scheme that might date itself after a few years, given the high school show’s inevitable cast turnover, Degrassi: Next Class is the first season of a series reboot…sort of. Thirteen castmembers from Degrassi’s fourteenth season carry over to Degrassi: Next Class.

In the United States, this is the first time Degrassi: Next Class appears on streaming service Netflix, the twenty-episode season debuting there January 15, 2016. In Canada, this is the first time Degrassi: Next Class appears on Family Channel, though DHX Media mentions no concrete airdate. DHX Media owns both Degrassi (through Epitome Pictures) and Family Channel.

The Degrassi franchise never functioned as an in-house draw for a channel until 2016, making its homes at CBC (1979-82 as specials; 1982-93 under various names), The N/TeenNick (2002-15) and Bell Media (CTV from 2001-09; MuchMusic from 2010-13; MTV Canada from 2013-15). Will Degrassi meet the needs of a streaming service, as well as bolster Family Channel’s roster as Family weathers the loss of Disney programming? Gloryosky thinks it will – Degrassi: The Next Generation pulled off the telenovela format fairly well in its tenth season. Frankly, Bell Media and TeenNick dragged their feet on Degrassi’s fourteenth-season renewal. Degrassi: Next Class needs services better dedicated to the show’s target audience. The Degrassi franchise is the knuckleball pitcher of Canadian television.