Program Partners Clears Teen Drama in More U.S. Markets

LOS ANGELES, March 7: Program Partners has cleared the award-winning teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation in over 70 percent of the U.S. for a fall syndication launch.

The drama has recently been added to affiliates in Tampa, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Albuquerque, Dayton, Knoxville, Green Bay, Champaign, and Madison. With these clearances, the show is now cleared in 18 of the top 20, and 25 of the top 30 markets.

Currently airing in the U.S. on The N, MTV Networks nighttime network for teens, Degrassi: The Next Generation is a fictional drama series that follow the trials and tribulations of high school students at the newly refurbished Degrassi Community School. The N has been the official home for the series since 1999, and is the networks highest-rated program. Program Partners is marketing Degrassi: The Next Generation, following an agreement with Thunderbird Films.

Degrassi has emerged as this years best new early fringe option, said Ritch Colbert of Program Partners. The series has high production values, a built-in fan base and a proven track record.