Technically, a series called The Kids of Degrassi Street is the first in the whole Degrassi series.
The Kids of Degrassi Street aired from 1983 to 1986.
The series grew out of four short films that originally aired as after-school specials that were made each year from 1979 to 1982.
The after-school specials were;
-Ida Makes a Movie
-Cookie Goes to the Hospital
-Irene Moves In
-Noel Buys a Suit
The second series in the Degrassi series is Degrassi Junior High.
It aired from 1987 to 1989.
The third series in the Degrassi series is Degrassi High.
It aired from 1989 to 1991.
After Degrassi High ended, there was a TV movie made called School's Out.
It aired in 1992.
The movie was intended to wrap up the whole Degrassi saga, but as we all know, there was more to come from Degrassi.
The fourth series in the Degrassi series [that we all know] is Degrassi the next Generation.
It first aired in 2001 and it is still airing today.
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Now, I don't know if you would really like the old series or not, but I would suggest that you watch them.
I've watched Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High.
I loved seeing how those series were.
I actually think I prefer the old school Degrassi better.
Those series were just so raw.
They seemed so real because most of the cast never acted before.
Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High also dealt with more issues, as well.
I feel they did, anyway.
I just loved the 80s vibe..
Waching those two series is so different then watching Degrassi: TNG..
I just love it.
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You also have to remember that since Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High were made in the 80s, its about the adults from Degrassi: TNG [Spike, Snake, Joey, Caitlin, etc..] and characters that aren't on Degrassi: TNG.
Also, we wouldn't even have Degrassi: TNG if Emma was never born at the end of Degrassi Junior High.
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Also, the characters of The Kids of Degrassi Street are completely different from Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, so don't freak out and wonder what are you watching.
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The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High are all available on DVD Boxsets if you want to buy them.
The School's Out movie is on the Degrassi High DVD Boxset, as well.
Also, there was a 6 episode documentary series called Degrassi Talks that aired in 1992, that is on the Degrassi Junior High DVD Boxset, as well.
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Hope I Helped!
-Tiffany