Remember the halls of Degrassi? Drake just spilled a major secret from his time there, including details about one of his very first kisses on set! Get ready to revisit your favorite teen drama as a new documentary promises to reveal all. What wild stories do you think the cast will share?
A highly anticipated documentary is set to pull back the curtain on the iconic Canadian teen drama, Degrassi, with superstar rapper Drake among its many returning cast members sharing candid reflections. The upcoming three-part docuseries, titled “Whatever It Takes,” promises an intimate look into the show’s history and its profound impact on popular culture, unveiling never-before-heard stories and behind-the-scenes footage.
In a recent trailer for the documentary, Drake, born Aubrey Graham, opened up about his personal journey leading up to his pivotal role as Jimmy Brooks. He candidly shared his struggles with fitting in during his own high school years, describing them as an unhappy period. It was a life-changing phone call from his mother, informing him of his casting on Degrassi, that marked a significant turning point, offering him an unexpected escape and a new beginning.
Drake portrayed the beloved character Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008, a role that saw him evolve from the school’s star basketball player to navigating life after a paralyzing school shooting. While fans recall Jimmy’s prominent on-again, off-again romance with Ashley Kerwin, the documentary trailer reveals a surprising personal anecdote from Drake: “She had to be one of my first kisses for sure,” he remarked about a costar, adding a layer of personal history to the show’s fictional relationships.
The “Whatever It Takes” documentary, announced by WildBrain Degrassi, is poised to be a comprehensive exploration of the entire Degrassi franchise, which remarkably began in 1976. Through a rich tapestry of archival footage and heartfelt interviews, the series aims to delve into the intricate “Degrassi lore” and the universal teenage experience as interpreted by its creators, cast, crew, and dedicated fanbase, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and fresh insights into the groundbreaking teen drama.
Drake is far from the only familiar face returning for this reflective journey. The documentary boasts an impressive lineup of interviews with numerous Degrassi alumni, including Nina Dobrev, Shenae Grimes, Stacey Farber, Aislinn Paul, Lauren Collins, Jake Epstein, Daniel Clark, Adamo Ruggiero, Andrea Lewis, Melissa McIntyre, and Pat Mastroianni. This collective reflection underscores the lasting bond forged among the cast and the show’s widespread influence.
The official Degrassi social media accounts have amplified the excitement, urging fans to “discover the story behind it” and highlighting the documentary’s mission to uncover the “behind-the-scenes truth” of the franchise. It aims to celebrate Degrassi’s fearless legacy as a Canadian teen drama that not only broke boundaries in storytelling but also significantly reshaped the landscape of television for young adult audiences, tackling sensitive topics with unprecedented honesty.
For fans who grew up with the students of Degrassi Community School, “Whatever It Takes” represents more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s an opportunity to gain deeper understanding into the show’s cultural impact, the challenges and triumphs of its cast and crew, and the enduring relevance of its narratives. This documentary is poised to reignite conversations around the show’s pivotal moments and the real-life experiences that shaped its unforgettable characters and launched the careers of many beloved stars.
