Degrassi: The Next Generation season 4
Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 4 is the Canadian teen drama’s fourth run, with 22 episodes. It aired in Canada from September 7, 2004 to February 14, 2005 on CTV and later aired in the United States on Noggin’s The N. Filming took place from April to November 2004, and the season opener was an hour-long special. Episodes mostly have titles named after 1980s songs, while the two‑part finale is titled “Goin’ Down the Road” after a Canadian film.
This season follows high school sophomores and juniors as they tackle tough real-life issues like bullying, troubled families, mental health, sexually transmitted diseases, disabilities, gambling, homosexuality, and complicated student–teacher dynamics. It’s known as Degrassi’s darkest and most controversial season, especially for the two‑part school shooting storyline in “Time Stands Still” and a storyline about oral sex that drew large audiences. The season was very popular in Canada and grew on The N in the U.S., with episodes reaching nearly a million viewers in Canada and high ratings in the U.S. It also earned several award nominations and a few wins.
No new main cast members were added this season, though some recurring actors would later be promoted. Notable guest appearances include Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes playing exaggerated versions of themselves in the final three episodes, as they work on a Jay and Silent Bob project filmed at Degrassi. Alanis Morissette also guest-starred as herself in one episode.
Key plot points include Paige’s rape trial and its fallout, her mother’s worsening drinking, and Ellie’s choice between staying home or moving in with Sean. Manny grows closer to Paige’s boyfriend Spinner, while Sean becomes a local hero after the shooting. The school gets a new principal, and Paige’s relationship with Matt faces strain. Emma hosts a girls’ night that turns into a prank war, and Caitlin interviews Kevin Smith about the film shoot. Craig struggles with bipolar disorder, goes missing, and Joey must step in to help. Amid the drama, Degrassi hosts Kevin Smith and the cast navigate the filming of a new movie on campus.
The fourth season was released on DVD in Canada on November 28, 2006, and in the U.S. on October 24, 2006. Australia got a DVD release in April 2011. The DVDs include bonus features such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes content. The season’s acclaimed storylines and guest appearances helped solidify Degrassi as a top teen drama, winning some awards and earning strong critical praise for its honest portrayal of teen life.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 17:23 (CET).