Source: CTV Media Centre
Release Date: May 24, 2005
Document Type: Network Press Release
PDF: Download original press release (PDF)
CTV and Epitome Pictures Inc. announced the start of production on Season Five of Degrassi: The Next Generation, marking a major milestone for the franchise as it entered its 25th anniversary year. The upcoming season would consist of 19 new half-hour episodes and culminate in the series’ landmark 100th episode.
Principal photography was scheduled to run through November 2005, with Season Five debuting during CTV’s 2005–2006 broadcast season. The announcement followed the show’s most successful season to date, with Season Four ranking as Canada’s most-watched homegrown drama among teens and adults.
CTV highlighted the series’ growing cultural impact, citing the school shooting storyline as the highest-rated episode in the show’s history, drawing 930,000 viewers. The network also noted increased international media attention fueled by high-profile guest appearances from Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and Alanis Morissette.
Linda Schuyler, President of Epitome Pictures, emphasized the show’s continued commitment to authentic storytelling:
“For 25 years, Degrassi has been focusing on issues that speak directly to fans, both young and old… Even though life’s lessons are tougher than ever, we haven’t forgotten how to laugh.”
— Linda Schuyler, Epitome Pictures
The press release confirmed the return of core cast members including Cassie Steele, Miriam McDonald, Lauren Collins, Stacey Farber, Jake Epstein, Aubrey Graham, Shane Kippel, Adamo Ruggiero, Andrea Lewis, and Sarah Barrable-Tishauer. Jamie Johnston was announced as a new addition to the cast, portraying Peter.
Season Five would also mark a turning point in the series timeline, depicting the graduation of the first class of Degrassi: The Next Generation. Early storylines teased Manny Santos pursuing an acting career, Craig dealing with emotional fallout from Ashley, and continued exploration of themes such as sexuality, religion, drugs, and self-esteem.
CTV additionally promoted the award-winning Degrassi website, highlighting its interactive storytelling elements, online guidance resources, and rapidly growing fan community.
Degrassi: The Next Generation was produced by Epitome Pictures in association with CTV, co-created by Linda Schuyler and Yan Moore, with Schuyler and Stephen Stohn serving as Executive Producers.