The Dark Secrets And Triumphs: 5 Reasons The 'Degrassi: Whatever It Takes' Documentary Is Unmissable

The *Degrassi* franchise, a cornerstone of teen television for over four decades, is finally getting the definitive, unfiltered documentary treatment fans have craved. Released at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 13, 2025, *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* is more than just a nostalgic look back; it's a raw, candid examination of the show's groundbreaking legacy, the controversies it faced, and the lives it shaped, featuring exclusive interviews with stars like Drake and Miriam McDonald.

This comprehensive film, directed by Lisa Rideout, explores how the Canadian series fearlessly tackled taboo topics and changed the landscape of teen drama forever, all while uncovering the complex, sometimes painful, reality of growing up on one of the world's most iconic sets.

The Core Cast: Where Are the Documentary's Key Voices Now?

The strength of *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* lies in the candid reflections from a "who's who" of actors and collaborators from different generations of the franchise. Here is a profile of some of the most prominent stars who offer their insights in the documentary:

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• Aubrey "Drake" Graham (Jimmy Brooks): The Grammy-winning rapper’s first major role was as Jimmy Brooks on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* (2001-2009), a character who became wheelchair-bound after a school shooting. The documentary highlights his journey and how the role shaped his career, giving fans a rare look at his early acting days.
• Miriam McDonald (Emma Nelson): McDonald played the protagonist of *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, Emma Nelson, whose character was the daughter of original *Degrassi* character Spike. In the documentary, she gets candid about the pressures of growing up on the show and recalls filming her character’s eating disorder storyline while experiencing body image issues herself.
• Shenae Grimes-Beech (Darcy Edwards): Grimes-Beech is best known for her role as Darcy Edwards, a popular cheerleader on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* who dealt with a storyline involving sexual assault. She was 13 when she was cast and has spoken about how the job shaped her into a strong actor.
• Amanda Stepto (Christine "Spike" Nelson): A veteran of the franchise, Stepto played Christine "Spike" Nelson from *Degrassi Junior High* through *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. Her character was pivotal, notably becoming a teen mother on the original series, a landmark moment in television history.
• Linda Schuyler (Co-Creator): Schuyler is the co-creator of the entire *Degrassi* franchise. The documentary faced a brief, short-lived legal dispute with her over its making, which has since been settled, adding an unexpected layer of behind-the-scenes drama to the film's own history.

The Unfiltered Truth: 5 Major Takeaways from the Documentary

Reviews from the 2025 TIFF premiere confirm that *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* is a necessary, raw look behind the curtain, offering both a nostalgic hug and a serious reality check. The film, directed by Lisa Rideout and produced by WildBrain and Peacock Alley, is a powerful examination of the show’s cultural impact.

1. Drake’s Candid Reflection on Jimmy Brooks’ Storyline: One of the film's most anticipated moments is Aubrey "Drake" Graham's interview. He revisits his breakout role as Jimmy Brooks and discusses the impact of his character being paralyzed after a school shooting, a storyline that changed his role forever. His participation underscores the documentary’s focus on the show's legacy.
2. The Emotional Cost of Tackling Taboo Topics: The documentary delves deep into the mental and emotional toll on young actors tasked with portraying heavy, complex issues. Miriam McDonald, for example, shares a heartbreaking story about filming her character Emma's eating disorder storyline while struggling with her own body image issues at the time. This highlights the film's commitment to a "raw look" at the teen drama.
3. The Settled Legal Controversy: The film's production itself was not without drama. A short-lived legal dispute between *Degrassi* co-creator Linda Schuyler and the documentary makers made headlines. The fact that this controversy was settled allows the documentary to be viewed as a more complete and accepted history of the franchise, featuring all perspectives.
4. A Deep Dive into the Franchise’s Evolution: *Whatever It Takes* chronicles the entire, decades-long journey of the *Degrassi* franchise, from *Degrassi Junior High* to *Degrassi: The Next Generation* and beyond. It celebrates the show's groundbreaking nature as an entertainment export from Canada that fearlessly tackled topics like teen pregnancy, school violence, and sexual identity.
5. The Unwavering Fan and Cultural Impact: The film features interviews not only with creators and actors but also with superfans, cementing its status as a tribute to a pop culture institution. It paints a complete picture of why *Degrassi* was such a mainstay and an "overdue tribute" to its role in changing teen television forever.

Where to Watch 'Degrassi: Whatever It Takes' and What Comes Next

The documentary *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 13, 2025. Its festival run has generated significant buzz, but the question on every fan's mind in late 2025 is: When and where can I stream it?

The Current Streaming Status

As of today, December 12, 2025, the documentary is not yet widely available on a major streaming platform for general viewing. The film's producers, WildBrain and Peacock Alley, are actively working on distribution. Like many high-profile festival documentaries, it is expected to be acquired by a major service—such as Netflix, Hulu, or Max—in the near future, given the massive, built-in audience and the star power of contributors like Drake and Kevin Smith.

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Why the Wait is Worth It

The delay in a wide release is common for films that debut at festivals like TIFF. However, the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest the wait will be worth it. Critics have praised the film for being an affectionate, yet clear-eyed, look at the show’s ups, downs, and flaws, serving as both a love letter and a necessary reality check. It is a deep, three-part docuseries that covers decades of history, promising an engaging and thorough retrospective.

Keep an eye on official announcements from WildBrain and the major streaming services for the confirmed release date of *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes*. For now, the documentary has successfully reignited the conversation around the show's complex and enduring cultural impact, reminding us all that sometimes, whatever it takes is exactly what's required to tell a story that truly matters.