Degrassi top U.S. teen show

CP 2004-05-18 01:54:09

TORONTO — As production gets underway on 22 episodes of its fourth season, Degrassi: The Next Generation has been named best family television series at the Young Artist Awards in Los Angeles. The home-grown series beat out such U.S. competitors as American Dreams, Joan of Arcadia and even The Simpsons at the event Sunday.

Degrassi was also named a finalist in the race for best children’s television program at the upcoming 2004 Prix Jeunesse TV Festival. The family tributes come despite the fact the series has dealt boldly with controversial issues, including young gay relationships.