Degrassi ends on TV this summer after 14 seasons

The groundbreaking teendrama that helped put stars such as rapper Drake on the map is finally coming to an end on televisionthis summer.

Degrassiwill kick off a two-week finale on July 20 onMTV Canada, the channel announced along with U.S. channel TeenNickon Thursday.

The finalewillfeature 12half-hour episodes.

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"Thank you to Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn, and all the cast and crew at Epitome Pictures for delivering Bell Media with 14 years of creative and engaging content that truly captured the spirit of Canadian youth through truthful and provocative stories," Phil King, CTV president sports, and entertainment programming, saidin a press release.

"We are immensely proud of Degrassi, and our longstanding partnership with Linda and Stephen. We wish the entire Epitome team the best of luck, and look forward to working with them again in the future."

The award-winning Canadianseriesdebuted in 2001 and has been running for 14 seasons. One of theshow'sco-creators,Schuyler, is a former teacher.

Criticalacclaimfor tackling tough issues

While cable channels have announced their Degrassi runs will be over,DHX Media(which owns Epitome Pictures)left the door open forpossible developments.

"The Degrassi franchise is a perennial favourite, having been on the air for 35 years and broadcast in territories worldwide," thecompany said in anemailto CBC News. "We expect to be able to provide an update on this award-winning series in the days ahead for fans, the media and the market. Stay tuned for further developmentsregarding Degrassi."

Degrassi,a fictional drama set in Toronto, follows a group of junior high and high schoolstudents as they facereal-life challenges. The show received critical acclaim fortackling tough teen issues such as sex,date rape, homosexuality, drugs, and teen pregnancy.

Along with Drake, Degrassi has also propelled a number of other stars to fame, such as Vampire Diaries actor Nina Dobrevand 90210 actor ShanaeGrimes.

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The series has been nominated for three Emmy Awards, and has won 19 Gemini Awards, 10 Canadian Screen Awards,aTelevision Critics Association Award, the Peabody Award, and two Teen Choice Awards.