School is Back in Session As MuchMusic's Most-Watched Series DEGRASSI Returns With All-New Episodes Feb. 24

- Canadian original series returns with two, back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. ET -

- Fans can watch and live tweet the episodes with MuchMusic VJ @laurentoyota and DEGRASSI cast members live in studio -

- First half of Season 11 is recharged with premiere of DEGRASSI TMI, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET -

To Tweet This Release: http://bit.ly/ApMSud

TORONTO, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Hot on the heels of Valentine's Day, fans can get set to celebrate their love for DEGRASSI as the Emmy^®-nominated original Canadian series returns to MuchMusic with a one-hour special TV event, February 24 at 9 p.m. ET. Kicking off the second half of Season 11 with two, back-to-back episodes, the kids of DEGRASSI are sure to heat things up this winter with 14, all-new, half-hour episodes. Following the premiere event, new episodes of DEGRASSI will air weekly, Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET. Each week during the broadcast, MuchMusic VJ Lauren Toyota is joined by DEGRASSI cast members for live hits and interaction with fans via Twitter. Full episodes of DEGRASSI are also available on muchmusic.com after their broadcast premiere.  

The first half of DEGRASSI Season 11 was the #1 series on MuchMusic among adults 18-34, and the #1 Canadian series among total viewers, Teens 12-17 and Viewers 12-34 in the 2010-11 broadcast year. DEGRASSI powered Much to rank as the #1 specialty network in Canada during its timeblock (Monday-Thursday, 9-9:30p.m.) among A18-34, P12-34, F18-34, and F12-34.

** Media Note **- Download photos for DEGRASSI at bellmediapr.ca/muchmusic

In the premiere episode, determined this will be the best year ever, Fiona (Annie Clark) has two goals - make new friends and carve out a new reputation. Unfortunately the popular girls' clique she so badly wants to be a part of does not include her quirky friend Imogen (Cristine Prosperi). When a game of truth or dare turns into a senior prank, how far will Fiona go to secure her place among the popular girls? Jake's (Justin Kelly) hopes to take his relationship with Clare (Aislinn Paul) to the next level are realized when Clare decides she's ready to have sex but when she begins talking about marriage, Jake is freaked-out!

Fans who can't get enough of DEGRASSI can tune into DEGRASSI TMI, Monday-Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, beginning Jan. 16. The "TMI" stands for "too much information" and that is exactly what is delivered. A motley team of DEGRASSI insiders and ace banterers give viewers a fresh take at the award-winning show. There is trivia, insider info and random commentary, all delivered via drop-in windows during each episode. It's kind of like watching DEGRASSI with your know-it-all BFF, who just won't keep quiet.

About DEGRASSI
DEGRASSI is produced by Epitome Pictures (THE L.A. COMPLEX, INSTANT STAR) in association with MuchMusic/CTV. The series was co-created by Linda Schuyler, co-producer of the original Degrassi series and Yan Moore. Schuyler and Stephen Stohn serve as Executive Producers. Brendon Yorke executive produces. Distribution company for the series is Echo Bridge Entertainment. For Bell Media, Mike Richardson and Ben Rotterman are Production Executives. Trish Williams is Director, Drama, Independent Production. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production. Neil Staite is Vice-President and General Manager, Music and Entertainment. Catherine MacLeod is Vice-President, Specialty Channels. Rick Brace is President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production, and Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.

About Bell Media Independent Production
Bell Media has produced some of Canada's most-watched and most-acclaimed original programming in partnership with Canadian independent producers, including, most recently, ratings success stories FLASHPOINT and THE LISTENER, Emmy Award-winning period drama THE BORGIAS, international hit DEGRASSI, Gemini Award-winning comedy TODD & THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL, sci-fi fan favourite SANCTUARY, critically acclaimed sketch comedy series PICNICFACE, upcoming theatre docu-series WAY OFF BROADWAY, sexy drama THE L.A. COMPLEX, upcoming hospital drama SAVING HOPE, and mythological action/adventure series PRIMEVIL: NEW WORLD. The company has also ordered two-hour drama pilot, BOREALIS, and the television feature THE HORSES OF McBRIDE.

About MuchMusic
As the No. 1 Canadian brand for young adults, Much is an integral part of today's pop-culture landscape. Live performances and interviews with the best Canadian and international artists, and celebrity guests put fans in the centre of the action making Much's acclaimed street-level Toronto headquarters Canada's epicentre of celebrity. A multiplatform Canadian icon, MuchMusic.com is a favourite destination for youth delivering music videos, user-generated content and more. Much spotlights homegrown talent through original productions and nurtures the Canadian music video production industry through its annual, multi-million dollar contribution to MuchFACT. It is available in 8.6 million households across Canada via cable, satellite, and mobile. Much is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company.

*Source: BBM Canada

Alison Salinas, Much MTV Group, 416.384.2865, [email protected]
Mary Costa, Much MTV Group, 416.384.7702, [email protected]