A docuseries focused on the teen drama Degrassi is in the works from WildBrain, promising to look at the legacy that Degrassi has left for several decades.
Consisting of three parts, according to Variety, the docuseries will offer behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. It will also dive deep into the show’s lore with its creators, cast, crew, and fans, in addition to “generations of filmmakers influenced by the franchise’s 40-year legacy.”
The series was first created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979 and is notable for its heavy storylines dealing with as racism, AIDS, and child abuse, along with the more expected elements of a teen drama. Degrassi has included future stars such as Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries), Stephen Amell (Arrow), and artist Drake. It’s also been revived as different series and spinoffs.
Who is directing the Degrassi documentary?
Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue) is directing the docuseries. Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, and Angela Boudreault executive produce for WildBrain, and Carrie Mudd (Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song) executive produces for Peacock Alley. Erin Sharp (Hip-Hop Evolution) produces.
“Degrassi continues to be enormously popular, resonating with fans across generations, from adults who grew up watching the show to today’s teens who are discovering it for the first time,” shared WildBrain CEO Josh Scherba.
“In fact, more people today watch Degrassi around the world than ever before. Its enduring popularity is driven by its unflinching honesty and authenticity, tackling topics and issues that teenagers everywhere face. Peacock Alley brings award-winning talent and credentials to this project, and we look forward to working with them to share this exclusive inside view of Degrassi with fans everywhere.”
Rideout noted, in part: “Adolescence is a period of firsts. First time wearing a bra, first time shaving, first dance with a crush, first awkward kiss at a party. Teens fumble their way through these experiences, trying their best to come out on the other side unscathed. Degrassi has brought these awkward, embarrassing, and unspoken truths of youth to the screen for over four decades.”
