The “Degrassi” universe is back in the spotlight with “Degrassi: Whatever It Takes,” a documentary that looks at the show’s legendary legacy while giving fans a peek behind the curtain. Premiering September 13 at TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival), the trailer gives us a front-row seat to the moments, stories, and cast members that helped make “Degrassi” one of the most influential teen dramas ever, per Deadline.
It seems like the show that launched Drake and so many other actors’ careers is reminding us why it still matters decades later.
Stars Look Back (and Laugh…a Little)
Aubrey Graham (yep, Drake himself) opens the trailer reflecting on his early days on the show, including “one of his first kisses took place on camera for the show,” via Deadline. Can you imagine that? Talk about diving headfirst into stardom. Fellow alum Shenae Grimes-Beech describes her own experience as “probably a bit like ‘out of body’.”
Getty (Donald Bowers for Nickelodeon)And it’s not just the cast; superfans like filmmaker Kevin Smith also weigh in, showing that “Degrassi’s” influence stretched far beyond the actors and writers. Honestly, seeing everyone look back with a mix of nostalgia, awe, and a little embarrassment is exactly the kind of vibe we signed up for.
The Legacy That Still Hits
“Degrassi” wasn’t just another teen drama. From “The Kids of Degrassi Street” in 1982 to “Degrassi: The Next Generation” in 2001… and beyond, it tackled topics most shows wouldn’t touch (including teen pregnancy, LGBTQ identity, and abortion) while staying raw, honest, and unfiltered.
Getty (Amy Sussman for Nickelodeon)Director Lisa Rideout puts it perfectly: “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective,” per Deadline. And Peacock Alley executive producer Carrie Mudd adds, “Degrassi is more than a TV show—it’s a time capsule of growing up, full of heart, honesty and every ‘first’ experience you can think of.” Move over, cookie-cutter teen dramas, “Degrassi” made it okay to be real, messy, and brave all at once.
Why Fans (Old and New) Should Be Excited
“Degrassi: Whatever It Takes” isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a celebration. With interviews from Linda Schuyler, Stephen Stohn, and nearly every corner of the “Degrassi” universe, the documentary shows how the series shaped careers, pop culture, and even Canadian TV itself. From its memorable storylines to its spin-off novels and soundtracks, it seems like “Degrassi” is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.
Let’s be honest, whether you grew up watching the characters navigate heartbreak, awkward first kisses, and wild teen drama (or you’re discovering it for the first time) this documentary promises laughs, heart, and a serious appreciation for a show that wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was.
