With the revival set to begin at some point in 2023, the popularity of teen drama Degrassi hasn't waned. The franchise has now spawned six main series, and the characters in each learned many important life lessons. Degrassi: The Next Generation, in particular, never shied away from important issues, and the popular characters faced many hardships.
However, these characters went through so much and still remained resilient. The best quotes in TNG are from a collection of main characters that know just how tough life can be sometimes.
After being accused of having way too much money, Terri reveals she's been working as a plus-sized model. Although her friends support her, another student begins to bully her about the fact that she's a plus-sized model. Terri calls him out and even points out that she made a lot of money despite her size, overcoming any shame she's supposedly meant to feel.
This was an important and interesting part of Terri's character. Ultimately, it made fans root for her even more when Degrassi tackled the deep issue of her abusive relationship storyline later on. This quote is one of the best because it's a great moment for both Terri and fans. With an audience of teens, it's also an important quote about body image, a relatable and sometimes sensitive topic.
A common theme with Adam throughout his time on Degrassi was his struggle to fit in, particularly considering that he was a transgender teen. He constantly had to defend himself, working hard to educate his peers that his gender identity isn't something that he chose. This quote is the perfect example of Adam's struggle throughout the show.
Adam was always respectful and encouraging when discussing these topics, and his resilience paid off. As the show progresses, his peers begin to better understand his identity and he is able to find his place.
Throughout TNG, Emma and Manny's friendship had many highs and lows. Their friendship goes through different phases where one needs the other more than the other. They may have tussled a few times, but they have one of the best friendships in Degrassi and this quote exemplifies that.
Overall, they know when things get rough, it's important to stand by each other and be supportive. Manny is a good friend to many people in her life and her words carry a lot of weight here because she really means it, making this declaration of friendship all the more important.
Liberty was known to be the overachiever in the early seasons of Degrassi: TNG. She drifted through many friendships but towards the end of senior year, she found herself in a compromising situation with Damien. When she realizes she was better than the whole situation, she decides to honor her history with her old friends.
In a triumphant moment, she chooses that friendship over the guy. Liberty acknowledged the fact that her graduating class had gone through a lot, and they made it through together when they needed to be together the most.
Campbell struggles a lot to fit in at Degrassi High. He tries to manage his life around both school and hockey. When he tries the wrong approach, he almost makes an enemy out of Bianca, who's older and more experienced. However, she chooses this opportunity to teach him that high school is not going to be enjoyable all the time, but it can be fun if you spend it with the right people.
This is a surprisingly wholesome moment between two surprising characters. It is one of the instances where Bianca shows her maturity, demonstrating that she has one of the best character developments in Degrassi.
Jimmy Brooks was always a dynamic character. Viewers know just how much he went through during the show, but even after the shooting, Jimmy is able to mature and grow as a person.
He forgives Spinner and turns the frustrations into many forms of art. He begins a new relationship with Ashley and suddenly he's looking forward to his future again. Jimmy gains a fresh perspective on life and teaches viewers to never give up with this important quote.
Eli was always pushing the envelope when it comes to filmmaking and theater. When Becky Baker comes along, she disagrees with the nature of Eli's play. The two characters eventually begin a drama-filled war.
This quote is one of the best moments in the series because Eli doesn't back down and stands up for what's right. Eli's quote is the best response to the ignorance and in the end, both Eli and Becky learn to compromise.
Fiona learns all about change as her time on TNG progresses. She leans into being naive and damaged before she can actually realize her worth. When she does, she is capable of being there for others.
The girl that struggled to find her place, finds it in the best way. She tells her peer at graduation that change can be for the best and it can surprise you in the best way. It's the perfect quote for people who feel like they are not ready for a big change.
A common theme in Degrassi is how the characters shift and progress. It's the reason it's one of the best Canadian teen shows, even today.
In this moment, Miles has been judged way too much and he comes to the conclusion that he is going to live his truth and be himself no matter what others think. If someone doesn't like that, there is nothing he can do but stay true to himself. It's an important reminder for viewers of the show to hear and understand.
In one of the most heartfelt Degrassi moments, Clare tells Adam that being who he is is more than enough and he doesn't need to be anything else. Clare reminds him that the ignorance Adam faces as a transgender teen is a reflection of other people, not him.
This moment is one of Clare's best because she takes Adam for who he is and treats him how he should be treated, with kindness and respect. She gives the best advice she could for someone who didn't know much about Adam at the time.
