The N Hits the Open Road with Two Degrassi Premieres - The Documentary Special Degrassi in Kenya and the Degrassi Spring Break Movie

The N Hits the Open Road with Two Degrassi Premieres - The Documentary Special Degrassi in Kenya and the Degrassi Spring Break Movie

Half-Hour Documentary Premieres Friday, Mar. 14, At 8:00 P.M. (ET) and Upcoming One-Hour Degrassi Movie Premieres Friday, April 4, At 8:00 P.M. (ET)

Hit Teen Drama Recently Nominated for Its Second GLAAD Award In Category of Outstanding Drama Series

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Did anyone say road trip? The N's hit teen series Degrassi packs its backpacks and passports and hits the open road in the upcoming documentary Degrassi in Kenya, premiering Friday, Mar. 14, at 8:00 p.m. (ET), and the new hour-long Degrassi Spring Break Movie on Friday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on The N. The half-hour documentary chronicles seven Degrassi cast members who team up with "Free the Children," a non-profit educational organization, as they take a personal journey to Kenya to build a children's school house for a local impoverished community. The actors speak candidly about the issues children in Africa face and what everyday people can do to make a difference.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYW048 )

"We are so proud of our Degrassi talent who shed light on the importance and lack of education in Africa while bringing sensitive subject matter, tolerance and laughter to thousands of fans around the country," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, The N.

In the Degrassi Spring Break Movie, the Degrassi students are back and behind the wheel for more break ups, make ups and mayhem as the teens take the ultimate road trip to Smithdale University and embark on a weekend they'll never forget. Manny gets the keys to the family car, but Jay isn't too pleased about riding shot-gun, Craig's back in town and ready to play a gig with Ashley by his side and Spinner and Jimmy just want to find a ride to the weekend's festivities.

Degrassi: The Next Generation was recently nominated for its second GLAAD Award in the category of Outstanding Drama Series. The series is currently premiering its seventh season on The N with new originals rolling out every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Degrassi in Kenya chronicles the personal and powerful journey of Degrassi cast members: Dalmar Abuzeid (Danny Van Zandt); Charlotte Arnold (Holly J. Sinclair); Nina Dobrev (Mia Jones); Marc Donato (Derek Haig); Jake Epstein (Craig Manning); Jamie Johnston (Peter Stone); and Raymond Ablack (Sav Bhandari) who along with "Free The Children" raise awareness and funding to build a school house for a local African community in Kenya. The school house, aptly named "Degrassi" was built over a two-week period by the cast members who worked diligently with the locals to purchase building materials and begin construction on the school. The documentary also follows each cast member on a journey of self-discovery as they learn about the country's need for food, water and education and what everyday people around the world can do to offer a helping hand.

In the Degrassi Spring Break Movie, Manny and Jay's faux-engagement goes from brilliant to disastrous. When Manny breaks Jay's heart and ends their fake relationship, will Jay take matters into his own hands and try to sabotage her chances of getting into Smithdale? Spinner and Jimmy just want to hitch a ride to Smithdale and join the party with Emma, Liberty, Manny and Ashley but getting there turns out to be more challenging than they thought. Lastly, Ashley has a chance to perform with the rock group, The Purple Dragon...she just forgot to tell everyone that Craig is back and he's fronting the band now.

Degrassi: The Next Generation, winner of both a Television Critics Association Award and two Teen Choice Summer Series Awards, is a fictional, dramatic series that tackles tough issues in a realistic way. Degrassi introduces a new generation of kids going through the trials and tribulations of adolescence in the 21st century at the newly refurbished Degrassi Community School. The series follows Emma (Miriam McDonald), Manny (Cassie Steele), Jimmy (Aubrey Graham), Liberty (Sarah Barrable-Tishauer), Spinner (Shane Kippel), Toby (Jake Goldsbie), Darcy (Shenae Grimes) and Peter (Jamie Johnston) as they journey through high school, as well as alumni Paige (Lauren Collins), Ellie (Stacey Farber), Marco (Adamo Ruggiero), Craig (Jake Epstein) and Jay (Mike Lobel) as they experience life post Degrassi.

Degrassi: The Next Generation is produced by Epitome Pictures in association with 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. Season Seven Executive Producer is Brendon Yorke.

Epitome Pictures and its affiliate companies have been producing quality Canadian programming since 1976, including the multi-award winning, internationally recognized Degrassi franchise, The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, which still air throughout the world. Epitome Pictures has also produced the series Liberty Street and Riverdale as well as several MOWs. For more information, please visit www.epitomepictures.com.

About The N

The N, the 24-hour TV network exclusively for and about teens, is currently available in 64 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite, as well on mobile, VOD and broadband. The N's distinct perspective connects its audience to the electricity and possibilities of teendom, anytime and anywhere, with original series and ever-popular favorites. The N's Emmy Award-winning website, The-N.com, paired with sister site Quizilla.com, makes The N the #1 online destination for teens. The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

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Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYW048
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The N

CONTACT: Mirian Arias, +1-212-846-7653, or Mirian.arias@The-N.com, or
Jodi Davis, +1-212-846-5981, or Jodi.davis@nick.com, both for The N

Web site:

http://www.nick.com/
http://www.epitomepictures.com/
http://www.the-n.com/
http://www.quizilla.com/

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