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The stars of Degrassi, the iconic Canadian high school series that revolutionized teen television, gathered for a heartfelt reunion on Saturday night at the Toronto Film Festival. This momentous occasion almost didn’t happen, but the excitement in the air was palpable.

“We are thrilled to be here at TIFF and to celebrate this iconic series,” said Carrie Mudd, producer of Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, addressing the audience at the Scotiabank Theatre during the documentary’s world premiere. She expressed gratitude to the lawyers, journalists, publicists, and the incredible cast and crew, as well as the devoted Degrassi fans. “Without you, this film may not have screened,” Mudd added.

Earlier this week, series co-creator Linda Schuyler withdrew a potential legal threat against Lisa Rideout’s documentary, paving the way for the film’s debut. However, Schuyler and Drake, along with other former co-stars, were absent from the premiere, which celebrated the show’s enduring legacy.

Over the past four decades, Schuyler and Kit Hood have transformed the Degrassi franchise into a bold and inclusive portrayal of teenage life. The documentary features interviews with beloved cast members including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda Deiseach, Maureen Deiseach, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto, and Jordan Todosey.

“I grew up being a fan of the show, and it’s pretty amazing to have directed it,” said Rideout as she introduced her film to the TIFF audience. During a post-screening Q&A, Stepto, who portrayed Christine “Spike” Nelson, shared her emotional response to seeing her character and those of her fellow cast members on screen. “It’s quite emotional, not only just watching what happened with our own generation, but seeing those same feelings, that we’re all human, no matter what generation we were on,” she reflected.

The beloved franchise began with Kids of Degrassi Street, which aired from 1979-1986. This was followed by Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, before Degrassi: The Next Generation premiered in 2001. The series, which featured stars like Drake, Grimes-Beech, and Nina Dobrev before they became household names, concluded in 2015. However, the franchise continued with Degrassi: Next Class, which aired on Netflix from 2016-2017.

Ade, who played Bryant Lester Thomas (BLT), reminisced about the groundbreaking series that tackled significant teenage issues, from abortion to anorexia and even a school shooting. “We touched a lot of people, and by telling these stories, we were able to help many others navigate their own challenges,” he emphasized.

Feeling emotional, Miriam McDonald, who portrayed Emma Nelson, shared with the TIFF audience, “I’m finding myself overwhelmed. This documentary brought me back to some tough childhood moments, and I have found so many friends in our fan base. Some of the messages you guys have sent really uplifted me.” In the film, McDonald reflected on a storyline where Emma struggled with an eating disorder, a personal battle she faced in real life, compounded by the loss of her sister to the same condition.

The Toronto Film Festival concludes on Sunday with the presentation of awards in Toronto.

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