Degrassi: The Next Generation (also known as Degrassi for seasons 10 to 14) is a Canadian teen drama television series and the fourth series in the Degrassi franchise, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. As a direct follow-up to Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, the series centred around a new ensemble cast of students at the fictional Degrassi Community School who faced challenges such as sex, teen pregnancy, bullying, date rape, drug abuse, body image, homosexuality, domestic violence, gang violence, self-injury, suicide, abortion, and mental disorders. Various characters from the previous two series also returned as adults in recurring or guest roles.