Degrassi: The Next Generation Turns 25: Where Its Cast Is Today
Degrassi: The Next Generation premiered on CTV on Oct. 14, 2001, and ran for 14 seasons. The anniversary retrospective highlights former cast members including Drake, Nina Dobrev, Miriam McDonald, Cassie Steele, and Shane Kippel. It also notes Drake's continued ties to the series through tributes and an OVO apparel collection.
The teen drama debuted on CTV on October 14, 2001, and continued for 14 seasons. Its alumni include Drake, Nina Dobrev, Miriam McDonald, Cassie Steele, Shane Kippel, Lauren Collins, Ryan Cooley, Jake Epstein, Stacey Farber, Adamo Ruggiero, and Shenae Grimes-Beech.
Drake, born Aubrey Graham, portrayed Jimmy Brooks for eight seasons. His character was a basketball player paralyzed in the "Time Stands Still" shooting storyline. Drake later reunited the cast for his 2018 "I'm Upset" video and released an OVO collection inspired by the show. He also joked about a small residual payment in 2017.
The anniversary may stir nostalgia among viewers who grew up with the series, while streaming availability could introduce it to younger audiences. Former cast members' varied careers—especially Drake's music success—may reinforce the show's cultural reach and keep fan communities active. For media outlets, such retrospectives could drive engagement around legacy television and celebrity updates. The coverage may also remind industry observers how long-running teen dramas can shape performers' public identities and sustain interest decades later.