The popular series “Degrassi” is about to make a big comeback on HBO Max. The streaming platform says it has greenlit a “new version” of the high school drama set in Toronto.
According to HBO, the series reboot will stream on HBO Max in 2023. Meanwhile, the platform says the full series will be available to watch starting in spring 2022.
Showrunners Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen promise that the story will stay true to the original, but “promises fans a journey into new and exciting territory, both creatively and dramatically.” The showrunners have hinted that the show will have a darker tone.
“Perhaps what excites us most about reviving this beloved franchise is turning it into a true one-hour serialized drama. We are honored to have the opportunity to lead this evolution and bring this iconic series back into people’s homes,” said Azzopardi and Cohen.
The exciting entrance Azzopardi and Cohen mark a bittersweet exit for executive producers Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stone, who say now is the perfect time to “pass the baton.” Schuyler is also the co-creator who began her journey with “Kids of Degrassi Street” in 1979.
The 10-episode season will film in Toronto this summer and will be produced in association with the Canadian division of WildBrain Ltd, which bought the rights to the franchise from the show’s co-creator Linda Schuyler in 2014.
Both showrunners have strong roots in the Degrassi franchise, having been writers on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Azzopardi participated in the critically acclaimed show The Bold Type for Freeform, 911, Mary Kills People and The Los Angeles complex, among other projects.
Julia Cohen is also a successful television writer and producer whose credits include such acclaimed series as a million little things, Riverdale, Legion, quantum Y Dallas.
Set in Toronto, the new series explores a group of teenagers and school teachers living in the shadow of events that bring them together and tear them apart.
“The show travels deep into the hearts and homes of diverse and complicated characters as they struggle to find their new normal, searching for hope, redemption and love,” said Wilbrain Inc.
It’s currently unclear how the show will be distributed in Canada, though HBO Max has an exclusive deal with Bell’s Crave.
Reference-ygknews.ca