Degrassi is destined for a reboot at HBO Max with the reprise of the iconic Canadian teen drama to be set in Toronto, but launch to a U.S. audience exclusively next year.
Owned by Canadian-headquartered WildBrain, the new version of the award-winning franchise will be helmed by showrunners Lara Azzopardi (Backstage, The Bold Type, Mary Kills People) and Julia Cohen (Riverdale, A Million Little Things, The Royals) – both Canadians now living in L.A. – with an initial order for 10 serialized, hour-long episodes. HBO Max has also picked up the U.S. rights for the entire 14-season library of the franchise’s most popular spin-off, Degrassi: The Next Generation, which will become available on the platform this spring. Degrassi will also become available at a later date on Cartoon Network.
“Now in its fourth decade, Degrassi is one of those beloved evergreen properties that demands to be refreshed for each new generation,” said Josh Scherba, President of WildBrain, in a release. “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.”
Degrassi will be produced by WildBrain Studios and developed by Azzopardi and Cohen who also serve as executive producers. Filming will take place in Toronto this summer.
Owned by WildBrain, Degrassi was originally created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. The Canadian institution spanning six series, over 500 episodes and four TV movies, has been recognized with two International Emmy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards and a Peabody, among other accolades, in part for its ability to tackle groundbreaking subjects like teen pregnancy, AIDS, eating disorders, gender identity, and other issues resonant with its young audience.
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