Degrassi is heading back to our TV screens. It has been announced that a revival of the series has been ordered at HBO Max and the entire 14-season library of Degrassi: The Next Generation will be available for streaming on the platform this spring.
The new Degrassi, coming from WildBrain, and helmed by showrunners Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen, will include 10 hour-long episodes and is expected to launch in the U.S. exclusively on HBO Max in 2023. Per “Deadline“, “Degrassi is a character-driven series about the high school experience and the thrilling, often painful journey of self-discovery. Set in Toronto, the new series explores a group of teenagers and school faculty living in the shadow of events that both bind them together and tear them apart. The show travels deep into the hearts and homes of diverse, complicated characters, as they struggle to find their new normal, reaching for hope, redemption, and love.” Amy Friedman, Head of Kids & Family Programming, Warner Bros, had this to say about the revival:
“Series after series, the Degrassi franchise continues to make an indelible impact on young viewers looking for trustworthy and authentic storytelling. WildBrain continues to artfully capture high school life in a compelling format that can be experienced seamlessly on HBO Max.”
Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama franchise that was created by Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler in 1979. The show began as a series of short films about kids living on or near the eponymous De Grassi Street in Toronto, Ontario, but it later focused on a group of ethnically and economically diverse teenagers attending schools of the same name as they face various issues prevalent in teenage life. The franchise spans six main series: The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi: Next Class, and now, the upcoming Degrassi revival. The franchise is known for launching performers to wider recognition and stardom since their time on the series, most notably Canadian actor turned-rapper Drake, actress Nina Dobrev, and actress Shanae Grimes. Josh Scherba, President of WildBrain, is also excited for this next edition of the popular series:
“Now in its fourth decade, Degrassi is one of those beloved evergreen properties that demands to be refreshed for each new generation. Stephanie Betts, our Chief Content Officer, along with showrunners, Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen, have envisioned an evolution for Degrassi that, while staying true to the fundamental honesty, humanity and integrity of the brand, promises fans a journey into exciting new territory, both creatively and dramatically. We’re delighted to be partnering with HBO Max to deliver this new vision to fans and extend Degrassi’s legacy.”
Are YOU happy to see Degrassi return?