One of Canada’s most popular TV shows subject of new documentary

One of Canada’s most popular television shows is the subject of a new documentary, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Degrassi franchise is known as one of Canada’s most successful media exports. On and off the air for more than 40 years, with over 500 episodes, the show has been licensed in over 140 countries.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, a new documentary from director Lisa Rideout, takes a close look at the series with perspectives of its creators, writers, superfans, and cast members, including its most famous star, Drake, then known as Aubrey Drake Graham.

Known for its authentic take on adolescence, the show broke boundaries, delving into tough topics such as school shootings, abortion, eating disorders and LGBTQ rights.

Ridout said she approached the documentary by focusing on Degrassi’s “big episodes” that “really pushed boundaries.”

“I grew up being a fan of the show,” Ridout said at the premiere on Sept. 13.

The documentary looked at some of those “big episodes” and talked to the cast members involved. Some reflected on how difficult it was to do a show on an issue that had impacted them in real life.

At the premiere, Amanda Stepto, who played Christine “Spike” Nelson in Degrassi Junior High, said she got emotional watching the doc.

“For myself, particularly watching it, it’s quite emotional,” Stepto said. “Not only just watching what happened within our own generation, but seeing that those same feelings, that we’re all human, no matter what generation the show was on. So it’s kind of a roller coaster of a ride.”

Angela and Maureen Deiseach played twins Erica and Heather Farrell on Degrassi Junior High.

The documentary looked at the impact the show had on fans dealing with the same problems in their own lives.

“It’s really amazing that, you know, we’ve touched a lot of people, and that us, being able to tell these stories, we were able to help a lot of other people figure out things that they were going through at the time,” said Dayo Ade who played Bryant Lester Thomas on Degrassi Junior High.

The documentary takes an unflinching look at the history of the show, starting with its roots as founders Kit Hood and teacher-turned-filmmaker Linda Schuyler, made the first series on a bare-bones budget. Actors wore their own clothing and pitched in on set.

Degrassi co-creator Linda Schuyler

In the documentary, Schuyler said she wanted authentic kids in the roles, and the first casting calls said the kids didn’t need acting experience. Unlike Hollywood shows, the youth played characters their own age. The show also focused on topics students were talking about on school yards, malls and later, on social media.

The documentary looked at lows, such as when Neil Hope, the actor who played Wheels died in 2007. It also looked at the success of the show and how it possibly inspired U.S. high school dramas like 90210.

Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi the Next Generation and Degrassi: Next Class live on now through streaming platforms for whole new generations to discover.

Lead photo of Drake: Degrassi: Whatever it Takes