TIFF 2025 Review: Degrassi: Whatever It Takes

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes – A Nostalgic Love Letter to Canada’s Iconic Teen Drama

Degrassi has been a beloved part of Canadian culture for decades spanning generations all the way from the 1980s to 2017. Now, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where director Lisa Rideout revisits the impact the series had on countless teens across the years.

When the trailer first dropped and fans saw Aubrey “Drake” Graham whose acting career began on Degrassi: The Next Generation  , excitement instantly took over. This documentary promised nostalgia, emotion, and an honest look at the cultural phenomenon that shaped so many Canadian lives.

And it delivered. Featuring interviews with fan-favourite cast members like Miriam McDonald (Emma), Stefan Brogren (Snake), Amanda Stepto (Spike), Stacie Mistysyn (Caitlin), Melinda Shankar (Alli), and Shenae Grimes (Darcy)  plus a memorable appearance from Drake himself, the film dives into the highs and lows of working on Degrassi.

While it would’ve been great to see other globally recognized alumni like Nina Dobrev (Mia) or later-generation cast members such as Munro Chambers (Eli) and Luke Bilyk (Drew), the documentary still captures the heart of what made the show special. The cast openly discusses early challenges like being underpaid and unaware of the cultural wave they were creating.

What made Degrassi revolutionary was its willingness to tackle taboo subjects such as abortion, school shootings, abuse, and identity long before mainstream television did. Whatever It Takes reminds us just how groundbreaking the show was in pushing boundaries and giving teens an honest reflection of their world.

Rideout’s documentary ends up being more powerful than expected, both a love letter and a reality check for a show that changed teen television forever. For Canadian viewers especially, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a time before Euphoria, when Degrassi was the show that dared to tell the truth.

Watch the trailer for Degrassi : Whatever It Takes below

Degrassi : Whatever It Takes has no release date as of now