From Todd Spangler of Variety:
Why Teen Drama Is Leaving TV After 35 Years
In coming to Netflix’s ad-free streaming service, the show — which from the beginning has aimed to address adolescent problems in a realistic way — has more breathing room to develop storylines, said Stephen Stohn, president of DHX Media’s Epitome Pictures and executive producer of “Degrassi.â€
“With ad-supported TV, ratings are at the top of the list and in some cases dictate creative decisions,†Stohn said, adding that when viewership declines there can be a tendency among network executives to shy away from controversial subject matter. “We have more creative freedom with Netflix… With Netflix we’re just encouraged to tell the stories we want to tell.†Continue reading.