How Degrassi paved the way for Euphoria

Vulture

HBO's boundary-pushing teen drama and the Canadian teen series share more than Drake. "Years before Euphoria, Degrassi was the boundary-pushing teen drama of its era. The Canadian franchise, which has aired in various iterations for the past 30 years, became famous for its realistic, and often scandalous, plotlines featuring sexuality, drugs, abortion, abuse, and school shootings," says Ilana Kaplan. "Euphoria, which features provocative narratives ranging from a trans girl being raped by her classmate’s dad to a character finding confidence by being a cam girl, owes its ability to tackle such taboo teen story arcs to Degrassi. Manny’s thong, alongside countless other Degrassi moments, paved the way for teen dramas to get bolder, racier, and more complex."

ALSO:

• How Euphoria casting directors found so many blazing breakout talents
• A Texas school district will drug test students: Is Euphoria impacting public education?
• Euphoria proves Generation Z craves finance more than romance
• Creator Sam Levinson hopes Euphoria inspires parents to have a conversation with their kids