Degrassi reruns often on the N, as many as 20 hours a week — the seasons themselves are short and are followed by months of repeats. Yet the trajectory of the show evolves on a marathon in a way that doesn’t quite compare to outdated reruns of other teen dramas. Perhaps it’s because you’re observing the cast grow up in front of you, both physically and as actors. Or maybe it’s those heart-crushing moments that translate so well from screen to life and back again. In Season Three, after Craig cheats on Ashley, he can’t get over the freeze she puts on to save face. “I’m sorry,” he screams at her, in front of the school. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! How many times do I have to say it?” “Until you mean it,” she replies, turning on the heels of her Converse sneakers and stalking off. Inside, you just know she’s a wreck. I can’t think of a single person who hasn’t been hurt that deeply — which makes watching it incredibly awkward. A part of me always wants to hit MUTE or change the channel when I see it, but I never do. Anyone can fake a gorgeous adolescence for prime time. Degrassi turns the volume up exactly when life gets ugly, twisting all that pain into something that begs to be savored.
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