TeenNick's DEGRASSI to Return With All-New Episodes, 2/20

TeenNick's award-winning and Emmy nominated drama, Degrassi opens its doors to a new crop of freshman and reunites fans with familiar faces as the network premieres 14 new half-hour episodes filled with love triangles, rivalries and scandals. Brand-new episodes roll out beginning Monday, Feb. 20, at 9:00 p.m. (ET) with the premiere of "Underneath it All" Pt. 1 followed by "Underneath it All" Pt. 2 on Friday, Feb. 24, at 9:00 p.m. (ET). New Degrassi episodes will premiere Fridays at 9:00 p.m. (ET). Leading up to the premiere, the Degrassi cast will host five "Party with Degrassi" screening events across the U.S., giving fans an exclusive sneak peek of the new season.

"Fans will rejoice as Degrassi returns with new characters and their favorite upperclassmen who continue to face relevant issues affecting teens today, including drug abuse, sexuality, bullying, parenthood and adoption," said Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Nicktoons and TeenNick. "We are excited to bring the cast from the halls of Degrassi to fans across America at these ultimate fan experiences."

During the week of Feb. 13, TeenNick invites viewers to "Party with Degrassi" as the cast hosts premiere screening parties in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Minneapolis, with the fifth city to be determined by the fans. Beginning Friday, Jan. 13, viewers will get a chance to vote on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DegrassiTV) and Twitter (@degrassinsider) to have the Degrassi cast visit their city.

The new episodes usher in four new characters: Maya (Olivia Scriven); Tori (Alex Steele); Tristan (Lyle O'Donohoe) and Zig (Ricardo Hoyos). All of them are different, but they have one thing in common - they're newbies trying to navigate their way in this new world. Many of the Degrassi student body have moved on to the next grade, but just because they've climbed the ladder, it doesn't mean that they don't struggle to find their place.

In "Underneath it All" Pt. 1, the school year begins with Fiona (Annie Clark) retuning from rehab and trying to make a fresh start. When an exclusive party at her loft leads to a late-night senior prank, someone must take the blame. After the marriage of their parents, Clare (Aislinn Paul) and Jake (Justin Kelly) are now forced to live together and their relationship is hotter than ever. Clare tests Jake to determine if they're "emotionally ready" for sex. Meanwhile, a New Group of freshmen get their first taste of Degrassi drama as school president Katie's (Chloe Rose) little sister, Maya meets a cute boy on the first day of school. However, Tori and Tristan warn her that Zig is bad news.

New Freshman Cast:

TORI SANTAMARIA- Age 14 (Alex Steele): Tori's parents have indulged her every whim with a stream of dance lessons, kid modeling jobs and beauty pageants. Having never heard "no" or a negative word, Tori enters grade nine believing she's the best at everything. But while Tori is 'spoiled', she's not really a 'brat'-- her positive attitude and winning smile rub off on nearly everyone she meets. She realizes how sheltered and unhip she is when she comes in contact with older students. Despite these setbacks, nothing's going to stop Tori. She is ready to rule Degrassi - or at least grade nine.