Degrassi. Full of drama, angst, and heartbreak. I've been watching Degrassi since it premiered in the United States. I haven't once regretted it. It's been one of my guilty pleasures. I met two of the stars — Lauren Collins (Paige) and Cassie Steele (Manny) — in Long Beach, California and got to interview one of the stars, Sarah Barrable-Tishaeuer (Liberty) exclusively for Blogcritics. It's a Canadian show, and has been descibed as an international phenomenon. It's distributed in Britain, France, the U.S., and Australia by AAC Kids, an Alliance Atlantis Division.

Degrassi is Canada's gem. It's made for older audiences, as it deals with issues such as rape, abortions, and STDs. The show was responsible for the first homosexual kiss in children's television. I grew up with Degrassi. It follows the lives of high school students as they try to survive school shootings and rival school violence.

This year, Degrassi was nominated for "Choice Summer Series" at the ninth annual Teen Choice Awards. It is true that Degrassi has won a Teen Choice Award (and many Canadian awards) before. Against Degrassi was America’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, The Singing Bee, and Don’t Forget The Lyrics. I found this odd considering the other four are reality TV shows and on basic TV channels, but whatever. I would expect it to go up aganist something on MTV or something, but okay.

Hosting the Teen Choice Awards were Hilary Duff and Nick Cannon. There were apperances by Jessica Alba, Steve Carell, Shia LaBeouf, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Megan Fox, Anna Paquin, Emmy Rossum, and Ryan Seacrest, with a live musical performance by Fergie. Some of the other hottest celebrities attended.

Accepting the trophy (a surfboard) was Stacey Farber (Ellie Nash), Aubrey Graham (Jimmy Brooks), Adamo Ruggiero (Marco Del Rossi), Shane Kippel (Gaven “Spinner” Mason), and Stefan Brogren (Archie “Snake” Simpson ). Stefan Brogen, interestingly enough, was in the original Degrassi. He returns as a teacher in this series.

Created by the people of Degrassi, the-N has a new show out called The Best Years. Since Degrassi is in its seventh season, it is clear it may end soon. The Best Years is the perfect replacement series. This one hour show follows the lives of six teenagers trying to survive college. It's not to be missed. I believe, in a couple years, they, too, will get a surfboard.

The surfboard is proof Degrassi is great. Hearing that the seventh season is on its way is great news. If the show continues on its current path, I won't be surprised if the seventh season gets a surfboard.