Degrassi Documentary Trailer Debuts Ahead of TIFF Premiere

Toronto, August 27, 2025 - WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment unveiled the official trailer today for Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, a feature‐length documentary chronicling the groundbreaking Canadian teen drama’s four‐decade legacy. Directed by Lisa Rideout and selected as a TIFF 50 Official Selection, the film will world premiere on September 13 at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The newly released trailer offers an unfiltered look behind the scenes of the Degrassi franchise, featuring reflections from creator Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, superfans such as filmmaker Kevin Smith, and cast members spanning multiple generations. Among those featured is Aubrey “Drake” Graham, who recalls his audition for Jimmy Brooks and the whirlwind of early fame: “I didn’t have a great time in high school. I just didn’t really fit in. Then one day, my mom called and told me, ‘You got the role.’ And man, what a wild journey that started”.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes promises to explore the raw truths and personal sacrifices behind one of Canada’s most iconic cultural exports. From its origin in The Kids of Degrassi Street (1979) through Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015) and Next Class (2016-2017), the franchise broke new ground by tackling teen pregnancy, mental health, LGBTQ identity, and more without sugarcoating the adolescent experience.

Trailer viewers can witness candid conversations with alumni including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto, Jordan Todosey, and others, each offering unique insights into the series’ enduring impact on television and youth culture.