Synopsis: A nostalgic journey through the groundbreaking Canadian teen series Degrassi, featuring interviews with cast members, devoted fans, and hip-hop icon Drake, who explore the show’s lasting cultural impact.
Director: Lisa Rideout
Stars: Dayo Ade, Sefan Brogren, Drake, Shenae Grimes-Beech
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is a feature-length documentary directed by Lisa Rideout that explores the cultural legacy of the Degrassi franchise. For over four decades, Degrassi has been a touchstone for Canadian television, tackling issues like sexuality, drugs, bullying, and mental health with an honesty rarely seen in teen programming. Rideout’s film captures that legacy through archival footage, cast reunions, and interviews with fans, producers, and even hip-hop icon Drake, who famously got his start on Degrassi: The Next Generation.
The documentary succeeds in reminding audiences why Degrassi mattered. By weaving together stories from cast members such as Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Miriam McDonald, Shenae Grimes-Beech, and Melinda Shankar, Rideout highlights the franchise’s fearless approach to storytelling. The film emphasizes how Degrassi gave young viewers permission to see their own struggles reflected on screen, whether it was grappling with identity, navigating relationships, or confronting trauma.
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its authenticity. Rideout avoids glossy nostalgia in favour of candid reflections. Cast members speak openly about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, while producers like Linda Schuyler discuss the risks of pushing boundaries in teen television. The inclusion of Drake adds star power, but more importantly, it underscores how Degrassi launched careers while shaping cultural conversations.
That said, the film’s breadth is both a strength and a weakness. With so many eras of Degrassi to cover—from Junior High to Next Generation to Next Class—the documentary sometimes feels overstuffed. Certain storylines and cast members receive only cursory attention, leaving viewers wishing for deeper dives into specific moments. Additionally, controversy surrounding cast compensation, briefly touched on in the film, could have been explored with more nuance.
Visually, the documentary blends archival clips with contemporary interviews, creating a dynamic rhythm that keeps the narrative engaging. The editing by Peter Denes and Dave McMahon ensures that the film moves briskly, though at times the transitions feel abrupt.
Ultimately, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is a loving tribute to a franchise that changed the landscape of teen television. While it doesn’t fully capture every nuance of the show’s sprawling history, it succeeds in reminding audiences of its cultural importance. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic celebration; for newcomers, it’s an eye-opening introduction to why Degrassi remains one of Canada’s most enduring exports.
Grade: B
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