How Degrassi stays fresh for Gen Z

Whether you grew up with the new class, the next generation or a version that's a little more old school, Degrassi junior high was meant to seem as real as your own.

As the classic Canadian drama approaches its 500th episode, guest host Rachel Giese checks in with actresses Ana Golja and Soma Bhatia. 

The two reflect on the struggles they face that previous generations didn't, why the show's young actors have real influence over the writers, and why it's important that real teens play TV teens. 

"A lot of our fans are the same age as us... when they're going through things I'm going through it with them and my character on [Degrassi] is going through it too," says Bhatia. 

Degrassi: Next Class continues this month with a new series on Family Channel and Netflix, streaming internationally for the first time. 

WEB EXTRA | Watch the extended trailer for Degrassi, Next Class below. And, just for fun, compare it to the trailer for Next Generation and an episode from the original series.