Degrassi: The Next Generation debuted in 2001, as a continuation of the franchise. For the first time, a Degrassi series aired on CTV as opposed to CBC, and became a huge success. While the preceding series had some popularity outside Canada, Degrassi: The Next Generation became a huge hit in the US and around the world. The show was successful enough to run until 2015. It was then retooled into Degrassi: The Next Class, but continued with the same stories and characters. This version continued to run until 2017. The show made an effort to cast actual teenagers, unlike a lot of other shows. It helped launch the careers of the likes of Shenae Grimes, Stacy Farber, and of course Drake.
Unlike the first few series that filmed at real schools, Degrassi: The Next Generation was filmed almost entirely on a studio lot. The show’s production company, Epitome Pictures, had a large soundstage that was used to hold the various sets. The outside of the building was used as the facade of Degrassi Community School.
My First Visit – 2011
Back in 2011, I was able to track down the location of Epitome Pictures, and wanted to see if any of the set could be seen from the street. I pulled up to the studio and was able to see a bit of the school facade, but the large metal gate obstructed most of the view. A couple security guards came out and chatted with me for a while. They said they couldn’t let me in to see the sets up close, as the show was still in production at this time. However they were kind enough to open the gate and let me take some photos from the parking lot. At the time, you could see a Degrassi banner on the side of the building. There was also a number of vehicles parked outside, including as school buses and a Toronto Police car.
My Second Visit – 2023
After filming wrapped in 2017, the facility sat empty for a couple years, with the franchise in limbo. Eventually in 2019, the series was officially canceled, and they had no use for the set any more. They put the property up for sale, and it was bought by a local car dealership to use as a storage facility. The property is still private property and gated off, but I was granted special access to visit the site in June 2023.
Earlier in the month, I was in Los Angeles attending LocationCon 2023, which was a gathering of people who visit filming locations. I had a chat with my friend and well known Youtuber Scott On Tape about Degrassi, and invited him to join me.
A few weeks later, I was in Toronto attending some AEW wrestling shows with friends, so I made plans with Scott to visit the set on the Monday. I spent the morning visiting some other filming locations in Toronto, like Hairspray, Kim’s Convenience, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I then took the Subway up to where Scott lives. He picked me up and we headed over to the lot.
Arriving at the Set
When we first arrived, we parked in front and a staff member opened the gate and let us in. We started inside the studio building, and a couple staff members spoke to us about the property and how it’s used now. The interiors no longer hold any sets, but we were able to see the inside of the school’s front doors. The school’s foyer once stood in that location.
The School Facade
When we headed outside, the first thing you see is the iconic exterior of Degrassi Community School. The facade was designed to look like Centennial College, which was the school used in Degrassi High. Many memorable scenes took place on the steps leading up to the school doors. Unfortunately you’ll notice that the facade is in poor condition now, and the ground is starting to be overgrown. After the show ended, the “Degrassi Community School” sign was auctioned off, and is no longer on the building.
Of course, since I was there with Scott On Tape, he needed to get in on the fun!
To the left of the building is a separate entrance that could be dressed to look like various businesses when needed. There was actually still a sign indicating it was a bank at some point. Despite being part of the same facade as the school, the use of camera angles would have you believe it’s an entirely different location.
The Picnic Tables and Bus Stop
Just across the street from the school facade is a grassy area where a number of picnic tables were. These were where JT and Toby frequently had lunch during the first few seasons.
Just around the corner from there is the bus stop that was seen numerous times throughout the series. A full size TTC bus would navigate the small street and pull up to this stop.
The Woods
Right behind the bus stop and the picnic tables is a wooded area that leads down to a small ravine. This area was used frequently on Degrassi: The Next Generation to film scenes that took place in the woods. This includes everything from camping trips to parties.
The Backlot
We headed outside and over to the far side of the building. This area was a backlot and held the facades of houses for various characters. Generally any time you saw a small townhouse with a small lawn, it was part of this backlot. This area also held the convenience store in the first couple seasons. Later on, this location became The Dot, a cafe and hangout for the characters. All of the houses and building facades have been completely removed, leaving only the chainlink fence around the lot.
The side of the studio was designed to look like a generic building. It could appear as a factory, an apartment, or even just an alleyway.
CQJH
Caitlin is a TV host, working at local CQJH station in Toronto. The exteriors of the station are actually the exteriors of the the studio, including the front offices of the production company.
The Interiors
As mentioned above, the interiors used to hold the various sets used on the show, but they’ve all been dismantled and cleared out. However we did get to explore inside and found a few remnants of the Degrassi set. A painted wall with the Degrassi logo still exists, along with several walls covered in fake brick. There was also a small row of lockers against one wall.
There is another large room used to store tires. Here we found what appeared to be part of the gymnasium floor, which wasn’t real wood but was just painted on the concrete. There is also a painted checkerboard floor that I believe was from one of the classrooms.
Also in the tire room, the staff brought us to the back wall. They showed us a couple floorplans still on the wall near the electrical boxes.
Other Locations
While most of Degrassi: The Next Generation’s filming occurred at the studio, they did on occasion venture out to real locations around the city.
Dundas Square
Dundas Square appeared more than once throughout the series. A vibrant gathering place in downtown Toronto, it evokes the feelings of Times Square.
The Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre, directly across from Dundas Square, also appeared in the series a couple times.
Union Station
In the first episode of the third season, we see Toronto’s Union Station, as Craig and Emma take a train to Stouffville. We mostly see the station from the outside, but briefly see it’s main foyer as well.
Zanzibar
During the show’s 6th season, Alex ends up working at a strip club, until she’s propositioned by a patron. These scenes were filmed at Zanzibar, a real strip club located on Yonge Street in the downtown core.
TVM
In the movie Degrassi Takes Manhattan, the characters visit the TVM Studios, which is mean to be similar to MTV. While it’s set in New York City, these scenes were filmed at the well-known CTV Studios in Toronto. This building was originally the location of MuchMusic, Canada’s main music video TV station.
De Grassi Street
While I don’t believe it ever appeared on Degrassi: The Next Generation, the real De Grassi Street is still an important location for fans of the Degrassi franchise. The street was the original The Kids of Degrassi Street was filmed, and where the show’s title comes from.
Scott will soon be uploading his video of our visit to the set of Degrassi: The Next Generation. I’ll be sure to embed it here once it’s available. Subscribe to Scott On Tape for all his great videos.
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