School may be out for summer. But things are about to heat up for the kids of “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”

The award-winning Canadian teen drama returns for its 12th season on Monday, airing at 10 p.m. on MuchMusic. As expected, more drama, fights and teenage angst are on this season’s lineup.

As Season 12 begins, the relationship status between bipolar hoarder Eli (Munro Chambers) and Clare (Aislinn Paul) is still in question. Their first stab at sexual intimacy occurred at the end of Season 11.

The “Degrassi” cast is also expanding this season, as several characters from a junior hockey team are introduced to spice things up.

As Season 12 unfolds, the students chronicled in the East-End school will continue to experience all the joys and heartaches of growing up.

“Degrassi’s” scriptwriters are also staying true to the show’s successful formula, which conveys life as it is for real teenagers today across North America.   

From transgendered teens to drug addiction, school shooting, teen pregnancies and more, “Degrassi” has boldly dealt with issues that mirror the real lives of teens struggling to find themselves in a changing world.

Actress Jordan Todosey, known as the transgendered character Adam Torres on the series, praises the show’s producers for being so daring.

“With every character there are difficult challenges and obstacles,” Todosey said on Monday on CTV’s Canada AM.

Todosey cut her hair to portray one fo first transgendered teen characters scripted for television.

“I miss my long hair,” Todosey said wistfully.

However, that price was little to pay for the chance to portray a character many teens can relate to, according to the 18-year-old actress.

“Every character on ‘Degrassi’ can be relatable to another person,” said Todosey.

That connection, coupled with the show’s compelling scripts, helped “Degrassi” win a prestigious Peabody Award in 2011.

Indeed, since 2002, “Degrassi” The Next Generation” has won more than 50 awards, including 17 Gemini Awards.

“To be part of a show that is so iconic is great,” said actor Munro Chambers, who plays the role of Eli.

 “This show deals with things that kids go through everyday, but it doesn’t mock what they go through,” said Munro, 21.

“That’s why kids relate to it,” he said.