Music

Drake Looks Back at His 'Degrassi' Years In New Doc Premiering at TIFF

Drizzy revisits his TV roots in a new documentary exploring the iconic teen show's impact and legacy.

Drake at the Toronto International Film Festival, wearing a brown leather jacket, posing against a backdrop with TIFF logos.
(Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

Drake is returning to his roots by revisiting Degrassi, the show that launched his career, in a new documentary.

The global rap superstar will appear in a new film titled Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, which is set to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this fall. Announced last week as part of TIFF's documentary section, the film offers a deep dive into the legacy of Degrassi, the groundbreaking Canadian teen drama that kickstarted the careers of many, including the 6 God.

Directed by Lisa Rideout, the documentary features exclusive interviews with Drake, franchise creators, former cast members, and devoted superfans. The official tagline for the documentary reads: "Superstar rapper Drake looks back on his Degrassi era alongside the franchise's creators, stars, and superfans in this engaging history of the Canadian show that changed teen TV."

Drake starred on Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2009, playing the role of Jimmy Brooks, a popular high school basketball player whose life was drastically changed after a school shooting left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. His performance on the show served as his entry point into the entertainment industry, paving the way for his meteoric rise in music.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is one of the standout titles in this year's TIFF lineup, coinciding with the festival's milestone 50th anniversary. Films starring Angelina Jolie, Saoirse Ronan, Keanu Reeves, and many more are set to premiere at the festival. TIFF 2025 runs from September 4 to September 14 and marks a pivotal moment in the film calendar. It is often seen as the launchpad for awards season.

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