Degrassi: The Next Generation Seasons 1-3

Degrassi has been my latest obsession. Seasons 2-3 are available to watch instantly and having always been curious about the show I decided to check it out. I finished 2 and 3 in a week. The show isn't great, the acting is stilted, the scripts are Lifetime movie quality and the clothes are particularly painful (exhibit A Emma's linen pants painted with dolphins--puke). However Degrassi has some magical Boy Meets World quality that makes me feel like everything is going to be OK when I watch it. I know that at the end of the 22 min episodes everything is going to be OK. There's no problem to big to be wrapped up in a bow by Degrassi (although teen pregnancy, child abuse and rape did require 44 min double episodes). And I have no problem with this being trite, or unrealistic (for the record IT IS), but it's so ridiculously comforting that I'm totally OK with it. Sign me up for Degrassi High, Class of 2006.

The characters are (kind of) realistic in the sitcom High School stereotype way, there's Craig, sensitive heart-throb never seen without his acoustic guitar and camera. Paige, popular blonde cheerleader, complete with bedazzled "hottie" tank top. Manny, the younger girl attempting to make the transition from cute to sexy, and Mr. Simpson the sweet, awkwardly cute computer teacher going through chemotherapy. Degrassi's biggest strength is its ensemble cast. Each episode focuses on a different character and you really get a full view of the high school as a whole.

Check out Degrassi if you've got the stomach for it. I can't wait to start Season 4.