WarnerMedia’s HBO Max reboots WildBrain’s Canadian teen series Degrassi
Degrassi: The Next Generation ran from 2001 to 2015
WarnerMedia streamer HBO Max has commissioned a reimagined version of the classic Canadian teen and family series Degrassi.
Produced by Canadian studio WildBrain, the new iteration of the series will be helmed by showrunners Lara Azzopardi (Backstage, The Bold Type) and Julia Cohen (Riverdale, A Million Little Things).
HBO has ordered 10 hour-long episodes, which are expected to premiere exclusively on HBO Max in the US in 2023. No details have been announced about a rollout for territories beyond the US.
In addition to commissioning the new project, HBO Max also acquired Degrassi: The Next Generation. The long-running series, which ran for 14 seasons, will launch in its entirety on HBO Max in the US in the spring. It will also launch at a later date on Cartoon Network.
The new iteration of the series, set in Toronto, is described as being “about the high school experience and the thrilling, often painful journey of self-discovery.” It follows a group of teenagers at a school faculty living in the shadow of events that both bind them together and tear them apart. Filming is set to begin in Toronto, Canada this summer.
“Series after series, the Degrassi franchise continues to make an indelible impact on young viewers looking for trustworthy and authentic storytelling,” said Amy Friedman, head of kids and family programming at Warner Bros.
WildBrain CEO Eric Ellenbogen added: “I’m delighted that our first-ever commission from HBO Max is for Degrassi, a truly venerable franchise with a highly devoted and passionate audience. This is yet another evergreen property from our vast IP library that we are reviving with a fresh vision and creative-first approach.”
Azzopardi and Cohen also serve as executive producers. The new series and the entire Degrassi library are distributed internationally by WildBrain.
Degrassi is among the most popular franchises in the history of Canadian television. The property first launched in 1979 as The Kids of Degrassi Street, which ran from 1979 to 1986. Subsequent iterations of the franchise included Degrassi Junior High (1987-1989), Degrassi High (1989-1991), Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015) and Degrassi: Next Class (2016-2017).
