Sexual identity, blended families, single parents (and sometimes none at all), cliques, body-
image anxiety, easy access to ever more eclectic illicit drugs – these are just some of the issues facing teens today.
“In the world of the Internet, you’re just one search away from finding out anything that you want to know about anything. There’s nothing that’s off-
limits,” said Kenny Miller, vice president for programming and production at The N (the nighttime version of Noggin).
“For a 16-year-old or a 17-year-old, they are out in the world and they know a lot more than we knew as kids, and we need to respect them, otherwise we risk talking down to them. And that is not a recipe for success.”
The N’s “DeGrassi: The Next Generation” and “South of Nowhere” speak to the experiences of modern kids, offering an authentic reflection of teen culture unheard of a generation ago. The network is adding two new series to its repertoire this summer – “Beyond the Break” and “Whistler” – and another early next year, when the Philadelphia-set and -shot “The Block” joins the lineup.
“The Block” features an openly gay character whose sexuality is self-evident. He is who he is – “coming out” is so 1999. “South of Nowhere” included a lesbian story line this season. And “DeGrassi” has explored hot-button issues for years.
“Whistler,” airing June 30, is set in a mountain resort town and begins with the mysterious death of an Olympic snowboarder – the official sport of Gen Y.
“Beyond the Break,” which premiered Friday night, resides in the decidedly warmer climes of Hawaii. The half-hour drama is a tailor-made summer confection, exploring the highly competitive world of professional surfing through the eyes of four young women. Their coach, a slowly aging former surf champion with a touch of Peter Pan syndrome, is played by David Chokachi, the well-preserved former star of “Baywatch.”
“I’m the older-brother kind of figure who has to keep an eye on them and also train them,” said Chokachi. “He’s kind of in over his head, living with four females and dealing with their issues and dealing with his own issues.”
Other networks are beginning to move in on The N’s territory.
ABC Family has launched “Falcon Beach” on Sundays, aimed at a similar audience.
“The world just moves quicker now,” said “Nowhere” creator Tommy Lynch. “Even the basic family structure has changed radically over the last 10 years. I believe all of these changes create the need for teenagers to be independent.” And grow up at warp speed.
The distinguishing trait shared by the characters in all of these shows is a shockingly mature sense of self-awareness. The youngest member of “Break’s” surf team (played by Natalie Ramsey) is a 17-year-old runaway chasing her dream of becoming a professional surfer.
In Friday’s episode, Lacey said: “I might party. I’m a bad student. And yes, I have a bad temper. But all that’s my past and I want to put it behind me.”
Her soliloquy encapsulates a familiar theme in these programs – redemption and success are achieved through recognition and acceptance. Adults may be waking up to the multiplatform world that today’s teens take for granted. But the kids are already there.
“I think we live in a transparent world,” said The N’s Miller, “and our shows need to reflect that.”
