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Drake's Degrassi Past: A Star's Humble Beginnings
14 Oct
Summary
- Degrassi: The Next Generation premiered on CTV in October 2001.
- Drake, formerly Aubrey Graham, starred as Jimmy Brooks for eight seasons.
- The show celebrates its 25th anniversary with an HBO Max acquisition.

The beloved teen drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation" is set to stream on HBO Max, bringing its 14 seasons to a new platform. The show, which first aired on October 14, 2001, has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It chronicled the experiences of students at Degrassi Community School and boasts an impressive list of alumni who achieved significant fame.
Notable stars who emerged from the series include Drake, Nina Dobrev, and Shenae Grimes-Beech. Rapper Drake, born Aubrey Graham, began his acting career on the show, portraying Jimmy Brooks. He spoke about the show's importance, stating it was his "stepping stone" and that he was proud of his time on it.
Drake recalled balancing acting with his burgeoning music career, often working late into the night before early morning shoots. He eventually had to choose between his two passions and opted to pursue music, leading to his global success. The acquisition by HBO Max offers a chance to revisit the series that helped shape these prominent figures.