Degrassi: The Next Generation has always been known for discussing issues that many people are afraid to discuss. Oral sex, school shootings, drugs, sexuality... you name it, they have done it. In 2004, season three of the show, the show shot an episode about abortion. Accidents will Happen premiered, as scheduled, in January in 2004, in Canada on CTV. The N, however, put its foot down about showing an abortion on TV.
In the political world, Republicans and Democrats fight over abortion all the time. Many churches, obviously, took a strong stance against it. And now, Degrassi has brought it into the entertainment world.
Manny (played by Cassie Steele) has always been a good girl. But at the end of season two, Craig, her crush played by Jake Esptein, rejected her, claiming she reminded him of his little sister (who is, ironically, played by Cassie's little sister). She goes to the most popular girl who advises her to "change her image." She starts wearing more... um... revealing clothes. Manny not only gains the attention of Craig, but every other guy in the school. At the most vulerable point, when Craig is on the rocks with his girlfriend, Manny moves in... and he ends up getting her pregnant.
Most of the show's fans in the US know about the hidden episode and why it didn't air. I was personally angry. I am against abortion. I am against Manny's decision. But that doesn't give The N a right to not air it because that's what they think. I signed petitons, but eventually realized it was probably never going to air. Luckily, the internet is around and the people in Canada are really nice. Lots of Canadian teens put up a very detailed summary of the episode. I believe there were also places to download it but I have not done so. "Accidents Will Happen" is also on the Degrassi Season three DVD, available from Amazon, but I didn't want to spend the money.
Now, nearly, three years later, The N has finally agreed to show the episode. But why? From what I've heard, CTV threatened to not let the-N air anymore Degrassi episodes. Degrassi is The N's signature show. It is clearly the biggest hit on The N and if it was gone, The N would have a lot of problems.
The show airs as part as The N's "Every Degrassi Episode Ever" marathon. Each weekend, The N shows one season. This goes on for five weekends. Tomorrow, Friday, August 18th, "Accidents Will Happen" will premiere at 10ET, 7PT. Should be one not to miss.
Article comments
1 - Brent
Not the first time a DeGrassi show has tackled abortion, or the first time such an episode was censored. In DeGrassi High episode New Start Erica gets pregnant and decided to have an abortion a decision that her twin sister doesn't agree with (Canadian law states that an underaged woman doesn't need her parent's permission) but is there for support. In the Canadian version the sisters pass through ranks of protesters including one waving an "aborted baby" doll. When PBS aired the show they cut the scene of the protesters, and The N refuses to show it.
2 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Great write-up, CallingyouMaddy!
3 - Paige
I do not see to where it is fair for the n to notl air all episodes. Some people like myself have always followed that show and never missed an episode. I think that teens watching that show obviously have the descretion of their parents, and if they don't agree with obortion they shouldn't watch it.