Discover the fascinating journey of Degrassi through the lens of its iconic cast, including Drake, in the upcoming documentary Degrassi: Whatever It Takes.
Exclusive Look at ‘Degrassi: Whatever It Takes’
Aubrey Drake Graham – widely known as Drake – reflects on his early career in the trailer for Degrassi: Whatever It Takes.
Documentary Premiere
Today, WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment unveiled the first look at the documentary, set to premiere on September 13 at the Toronto International Film Festival. Check out the trailer above.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue, This is Pop), Degrassi: Whatever It Takes features interviews and insights from creator Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, and devoted fans, including filmmaker Kevin Smith. The documentary also showcases cast members from the Degrassi universe, such as Dayo Ade, Shenae Grimes-Beech, and Jake Epstein.
Memorable Moments
In the trailer, Drake reminisces about his first on-screen kiss, stating, “Damn, I never thought about it like that.” Former cast member Shenae Grimes-Beech describes her experience as “a whirlwind,” adding that it felt “probably a bit like ‘out of body.’”
Legacy of Degrassi
The original series, The Kids of Degrassi Street, debuted on the CBC in 1982. The Degrassi franchise has since expanded to multiple series, novels, graphic novels, and soundtracks. Alongside The Beachcombers and Schitt’s Creek, Degrassi remains one of the most successful Canadian television productions, gaining a loyal fanbase in the U.S. The show is known for tackling serious issues like teen pregnancy and LGBTQ identity.
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Impact on Television
Director Lisa Rideout stated, “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling from a teenage perspective. This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise and its impact on audiences.”
Honoring a Cultural Icon
Executive producer Carrie Mudd emphasized that Degrassi is more than just a TV show; it’s a time capsule of growing up, capturing every teenage experience authentically. “Telling its story feels like honoring a piece of Canadian identity,” she remarked.
Production Details
Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, and Angela Boudreault for WildBrain, and Carrie Mudd for Peacock Alley. The documentary is co-produced by Erin Sharp and written by Rideout and Celine Wong.
Watch the trailer for Degrassi: Whatever It Takes above.
