Linda Schuyler Participating in Another Panel at the ATX Television Festival

Linda Schuyler: “I remain very hopeful that there will be a [Degrassi] reboot”

On August 12, 2023August 12, 2023 By Erin Comments Off

Degrassi Co-Creator Linda Schuyler has revealed some very interesting information about the Degrassi reboot. She recently did an interview with Jocelyn Claybourne AKA Degrassi Kid and Jocelyn’s Patreon supporters, and some of her comments are fascinating. You can watch the full interview at Patreon.com/degrassikid. But here are some of the highlights I found most interesting:

+Linda confirmed that the merger between WarnerMedia (which owns HBO Max) and Discovery was the main reason behind the cancellation of the HBO Max Degrassi reboot. “One of the broadcast executives [at HBO Max] had also been our broadcast executive at TeenNick, so I was so pleased about that,” she explained (side note: she’s likely referring to Tom Ascheim who oversaw The N back in the day and then because the President of Warner Bros. Kids & YA Division). However, once the merger happened, Linda says that “the first thing that the executives from Discovery did was to cancel the Children’s and Youth Department.” So this is really the main reason why the reboot didn’t move forward.

+Linda revealed that WildBrain has hired a new writer for Degrassi who is currently working on a pitch! She says that the writer is “very good” and “a name you will recognize.” WildBrain is “committed to getting the reboot happening” and they are planning to shop this pitch to networks in the near future.

+While Linda will not be producing the Degrassi reboot, she did confirm that she has been asked by WildBrain to be a Consultant! This is very exciting, because it means she will still have some involvement in the show, even if it’s in a smaller capacity.

+The Hollywood strike is also complicating things at the moment. “Even though this is a Canadian show, we need to get an American partner in on it. And there is just nothing happening in the States right now. So no broadcasters are doing deals,” said Linda.

All of this is very interesting! I’m curious who this writer is. Linda said it’s someone we will know. Does that mean the person worked on Degrassi previously? Or is it someone who has built a name for themselves in another capacity? Either way, I can’t wait to find out what he has planned!

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Review: Linda Schuyler’s Memoir is a Must Read for Degrassi Fans

On October 11, 2022October 20, 2022 By Erin Comments Off

In the opening chapter of Linda Schuyler’s book The Mother of All Degrassi, she recalls how she was bullied as a child for being a British immigrant to Canada. She says she was told to “go back to where you came from,” and taunted with the phrase “Hey Brit girl. Yes, you, shit girl” by kids at school.

Given the fact that Degrassi has long been known for standing up against bullying and celebrating all forms of diversity, it is a poignant introduction to the woman who created the franchise we all know and love. Linda is quite literally the “mother” of Degrassi, and her new memoir peels back the curtain on some of her personal experiences that shaped this 40+ year old franchise.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy, and I can say with confidence that this book is a must-read for Degrassi fans, particularly those who are interested its decades-long history. Unlike Stephen Stohn’s memoir Whatever It Takes (which focused on his career as an entertainment lawyer beyond just Degrassi), Linda’s book is almost exclusively about Degrassi. She calls Degrassi her “life’s work and passion,” and that passion is evident on every page.

Continue reading Review: Linda Schuyler’s Memoir is a Must Read for Degrassi Fans

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Linda Schuyler Launches Digital Series to Promote Memoir

On September 29, 2022September 29, 2022 By Erin Comments Off

Promotion for Linda Schuyler’s upcoming memoir The Mother of All Degrassi has officially kicked off!

Today it was announced that Linda is doing a 10-part series for social media in partnership with Degrassi superfan Jocelyn Claybourne. The series appears to be a tour of places in Toronto that have some kind of significance to Degrassi. Along the way, Linda will share her memories with Jocelyn and give us a sneak peek into some of the stories we will get to read in her book. Based on the trailer that was posted today, we know that these locations include Centennial College (where Degrassi High was filmed), the real De Grassi St., Linda and Stephen’s old house, and the building that was previously the Degrassi: The Next Generation set.

You can watch the series on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (dedicated accounts have been created to promote the book on each platform). Episodes will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday starting on October 4. The Mother of All Degrassi will then be released on November 15.

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Degrassi Cast Discuss Reboot in Toronto Star Article

On August 21, 2022August 21, 2022 By Erin Comments Off

After weeks without any news, Degrassi fans got a surprise this weekend when it was revealed that The Toronto Star was doing a 3-page feature on the cast’s reaction to the Degrassi reboot.

The article, which was in yesterday’s print version of the Saturday Star, includes interviews from Ephraim Ellis (Rick), producer and writer Aaron Martin, Alicia Dea Josipovic (Bianca), Miriam McDonald (Emma), Ana Golja (Zoe), Chloe Rose (Katie), Billy Parrott (Shane), co-creator and executive producer Linda Schuyler, Stacie Mistysyn (Caitlin), Cristine Prosperi (Imogen), Sara Waisglass (Frankie), Olivia Scriven (Maya), Aislinn Paul (Clare), Annie Clark (Fiona), Eric Osborne (Miles), and Melinda Shankar (Alli).

There is no new information about the reboot in this article, but it is very interesting to read the cast’s thoughts on it and what they hope to see, since most of them haven’t said much about it up to this point. The article was written by Murtz Jaffer, an entertainment writer and Degrassi fan who has interviewed the cast numerous times previously. Murtz also confirmed in his Instagram story that Stefan Brogren, Pat Mastroianni, Nina Dobrev, and Ricardo Hoyos were asked to participate in the piece but they declined.

You can read the article on The Star’s website, or check out scans from the print version below.

Continue reading Degrassi Cast Discuss Reboot in Toronto Star Article

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Linda Schuyler’s Book Now Available for Pre-Order; Will be Released on November 15

On May 14, 2022May 14, 2022 By Erin Comments Off

We now have the release date and cover art for Linda Schuyler’s memoir! The title has also been slightly altered.

Last year we learned that Degrassi Co-Creator and Executive Producer Linda Schuyler was writing a memoir that would come out sometime this year. At the time it was titled The Degrassi Matriach. Now the title has been changed to The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir.

The book will be released on November 15, 2022, and is now available for pre-order at most major book retailers in North America including Amazon. You can also see the tentative cover art which features a photo of Linda from the ‘Classic’ Degrassi era.

The Amazon listing also reveals that the book will be 275 pages long and will be available in Hardcover format. There is also an excerpt from the Introduction of the book in which Linda speaks about some talks she gave at Wilfrid Laurier University in January 2020.

Personally I’m almost as excited for this book as I am for the HBO Max Degrassi reboot series! It will definitely be a must-read for all Degrassi fans.

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Linda Schuyler’s Book “Degrassi Matriarch” to be Released in 2022

On July 17, 2021 By Erin Comments Off

For years we’ve been hearing rumours that Degrassi co-creator Linda Schuyler is writing a book, and today we finally got the official confirmation!

As announced by Stephen Stohn on Twitter, Linda’s book is titled Degrassi Matriarch, and will be released sometime in the Fall of 2022. It’s being published by Canadian indie book publisher ECW Press. The book will chronicle Linda’s 40-year career as Creator and Executive Producer of Degrassi. It includes her own personal story as well as anecdotes about several of Degrassi’s celebrity cast/guest stars including Drake, Kevin Smith, Chaz Bono and more.

I’m expecting this book to be similar to Stephen Stohn’s book Whatever It Takes. But based on the initial information we have, it sounds like it might be more focused specifically on Degrassi as opposed to being a memoir about her life in general. Either way, this is very exciting news! As someone who is interested in the history of Degrassi, I have been hoping for a book from Linda for years. I can’t wait to learn more about her story.

ATX Festival issues linda schuyler panel

Recapping the Reproductive Health Panel (Featuring Linda Schuyler) at ATX

On June 18, 2021June 18, 2021 By Erin Comments Off

The Abortion and Reproductive Rights on TV panel at the ATX Television Festival was released online to ATX badge holders earlier today. Degrassi Co-Creator Linda Schuyler participated in the panel, and talked about the different abortion storylines on Degrassi over the years.

Linda explained how her first abortion storyline was back in 1989, and in those days Degrassi was much more focused on education than later incarnations. In contrast to the other panelists who were mainly involved in abortion storylines with adult characters, Linda noted “[Degrassi High] was aimed at teenagers… our show had a double mandate. We were both entertaining and educating.” Because this was before the internet and Degrassi was one of the few places where young people could get information, the twins in Degrassi High were used to show the audience both sides of the abortion debate. In this episode, there were a lot of protesters at the clinic, and it was a very angst-filled decision for the character.

Continue reading Recapping the Reproductive Health Panel (Featuring Linda Schuyler) at ATX

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Recapping the ATX Television Festival’s Degrassi: TNG 20th Anniversary Panel

On June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 By Erin Comments Off

It finally happened! Tonight the Degrassi cast and producers reunited for a panel at the ATX Television Festival. Linda Schuyler, Stephen Stohn, Stefan Brogren, Aaron Martin, Jake Epstein, Aislinn Paul, Shane Kippel, Luke Bilyk, Lauren Collins, Munro Chambers, Daniel Clark, Andrea Lewis and Christina Schmidt were all in attendance at the pre-recorded panel. They spoke about a wide range of topics from their time on Degrassi, storylines that they loved, fan interactions over the years, and much more.

Overall I really enjoyed watching this panel. Seeing this group of people interact with each other again was so special. However, it was unfortunate that there wasn’t a lot of new information. As a super fan, I felt like I already knew most of what they talked about (I’m still waiting for the details on what happened when Next Class was cancelled!). However, there were definitely a few times when I was feeling the emotions, such as when Lauren said she wanted Degrassi to come back one day so her son would have something like it to watch.

Since this panel was behind a pay wall and also it was a one-time only event, I’ve tried to summarize the main points that they discussed below.

Continue reading Recapping the ATX Television Festival’s Degrassi: TNG 20th Anniversary Panel

ATX Festival linda schuyler panel

Linda Schuyler Participating in Another Panel at the ATX Television Festival

On June 5, 2021June 5, 2021 By Erin Comments Off

In addition to the Degrassi reunion panel on June 11, Linda Schuyler will be participating in another panel at the ATX Television Festival!

The panel is called “Abortion and Reproductive Rights on TV: Advancing the Narrative.” It will explore how abortion is represented on TV and how TV can further improve depictions of abortion by creating awareness and encouraging better representation.

The other panelists include: Carina Adly Mackenzie (Showrunner/Executive Producer, “Roswell, New Mexico”), Merritt Tierce (Writer, “Orange is the New Black”), Jacey Heldrich (Writer, “The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Janine Sherman Barrois (Showrunner/Executive Producer, “Claws”).

The panel will be pre-recorded and available in the VOD Library. This Library is only available to Festival Badgeholders, which means that if you only bought a Day Pass for the Degrassi event you won’t have access to it. Badges are still available for purchase and cost $150 USD.

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Everything we know so far about the Degrassi: TNG Reunion at the ATX Television Festival

On May 6, 2021May 24, 2021 By Erin 1 Comment

HUGE NEWS!! The producers and cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation will be participating in a panel at the Austin-based ATX Television Festival in June. Here is everything you need to know about the panel and how you can attend.

When is the panel?
The Degrassi panel will be on June 11, which is the first day of the Festival. It will be at 7:00pm CT (8:00pm EST). It is supposed to be 1 hour long. After it airs, it will be available until 2:00am CT the next day for festival goers (in case you’re not able to tune in live).

What is the Degrassi panel and who is participating?
The panel will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Degrassi: The Next Generation (TNG premiered in October 2001). It is presented by Tubi, which is one of the platforms where Degrassi: TNG is streaming.

As of now, the confirmed participants are Linda Schuyler, Stephen Stohn, Stefan Brogren, Jake Epstein, Aislinn Paul, Shane Kippel, Luke Bilyk, Lauren Collins, Munro Chambers, Daniel Clark, Andrea Lewis and Christina Schmidt.

During the panel, the panelists will discuss storylines and moments from the series, behind the scenes stories, and more.

Continue reading Everything we know so far about the Degrassi: TNG Reunion at the ATX Television Festival

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Degrassi Co-Creator Linda Schuyler on Degrassi’s Emmy Nomination

On August 18, 2012 By Erin Comments Off

In honour of Degrassi’s 2012 Emmy Nomination, Degrassi co-creator and executive producer Linda Schuyler recently did an interview with Gold Derby.

In the interview (which includes a 17 minute video), Linda discusses how Degrassi has been influenced by her years as a junior high school teacher. She also talks about Degrassi’s mission and what the series is known for, such as its fearlessness and issue-based storylines.

Obviously one storyline and character in particular is getting a lot of attention. Degrassi’s portrayal of a transgender teenager is definitely a television ‘first,’ and it has already won Degrassi a Peabody Award. This is obviously a source of pride for the producers of Degrassi (as it should be!). In this interview, Linda explained: “When we received that award they said to us, ‘Degrassi neither trivialized nor over-sensationalized the issue,’ and … that’s what we aim for.”

Make sure you watch the entire video interview with Linda on GoldDerby.com. It is very interesting for all past and present Degrassians!

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Linda Schuyler & Stefan Brogren Address Degrassi Controversy

On July 14, 2012July 17, 2012 By Erin Comments Off

If you are a Degrassi fan, the name Florida Family Association should probably sound familiar. This conservative organization has been criticizing Degrassi for years because of the show’s many LGBT characters. They have lead various email campaigns in an attempt to get companies to stop advertising during episodes of Degrassi.

Degrassi producers Linda Schuyler and Stefan Brogren addressed the controversy in separate interviews this past week. A major storyline in season 12 involves a split along religious lines over LGBT issues. Many fans have speculated that this storyline is in response to the FFA.

On that topic, Stefan Brogren said, “The truth is, there’s a lot of kids out there who hold very deeply onto their faith, and that can cause problems within the teen community.” Degrassi seems committed to portraying the religious characters fairly (both of them are regulars), as opposed to instantly making them the “bad guy.” Of course, Degrassi will also continue giving storylines to Adam, one of the first teenage transgender characters in TV history. “It’s something that we wanted to address for a couple of years,” Stefan told The Toronto Star, “but we really didn’t know how. We didn’t know what the stats were. But we’ve become aware of how many young people are dealing with questions about their gender.”

Ultimately, it’s clear that the producers and writers are aware of the FFA controversy, but that only seems to make them more passionate about accurately portraying LGBT characters on the show. “We’re continuing to challenge people in their tolerance and understanding of sexual identity,” Linda Schuyler said in a recent interview. “[The FFA] have that narrow mindset, and then they say they are against bullying. It’s just insane. They were quite active, writing to our broadcasters, asking them to pull ads from our show. Fortunately, neither broadcaster responded.”

Source:
Q&A: Degrassi producer Linda Schuyler on what to expect this school year
Degrassi, Then and Now

linda schuyler stephen stohn

Degrassi Celebrates 300 Episodes

On June 20, 2012 By Erin Comments Off

A big congratulations goes out to the entire cast and crew (past and present) of Degrassi, as the series is filming it’s 300th episode today. That is quite the milestone! Degrassi celebrated with this very original Degrassi-style cake, presented to executive producers Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn by Canadian TV host Ben Mulroney. Stephen clarified on Twitter that the two figures on top of the cake are him and Linda, with Mr. Simpson (Stefan) sitting on the front steps.

Stephen also pointed out on Twitter that Degrassi has now passed Beverley Hills, 90210 for most episodes of a television series. As well, Degrassi writer Matt Huether tweeted that Degrassi is 2nd only to The Simpsons for most episodes of active shows.

Way to go Degrassi! Here’s to another 300 episodes!

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Degrassi Cast at the GLAAD Awards

On June 4, 2012 By Erin Comments Off

The GLAAD Media Awards took place in San Francisco this past weekend, and a few of our Degrassians were in attendance. Degrassi cast members Annie Clark and Jordan Todosey were there, along with Degrassi co-creator and executive producer Linda Schuyler. All three of them looked stunning as they posed for photos on the red carpet. During the ceremony, Degrassi lost the Outstanding Drama Series award to Grey’s Anatomy. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the entire Degrassi community has a lot to be proud of.

Check out photos of Annie, Jordy, and Linda in our gallery!

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Linda Schuyler Named to the Order of Ontario

On January 22, 2012 By Erin Comments Off

Degrassi co-creator and executive producer Linda Schuyler has been named to the Order of Ontario!

The Order of Ontario is considered to be the province’s highest honour, and Linda is one of 27 outstanding individuals who were chosen. The Order of Ontario appointees are chosen for their contributions to history, politics, science, art, law, medicine, the environment and philanthropy. Nominations are made by members of the public, recognizing forward-thinkers, activists, and humanitarians in the province of Ontario.

Linda and the other nominees will be invested at a ceremony on January 26th.

Congratulations to Linda for this well-deserved honour!

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Linda Schuyler Wins the Bonham Centre Award

On September 28, 2011 By Erin Comments Off

Degrassi creator Linda Schuyler can add another award to her impressive list of achievements. She was recently honoured with the Bonham Centre Award from the University of Toronto’s Mark S Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies.

The award was presented to Linda yesterday along with Dustin Lance Black (screenwriter of Milk). The award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the development of sex education and sexual diversity in the public sphere. Past winners include sex educator Sue Johanson, who guest starred on Degrassi Junior High and TNG.

At the ceremony, Mark S. Bonham discussed Degrassi’s lasting influence on youth culture, stating: “Linda’s series was the first TV show with an adolescent cast and an adolescent audience .. And in a positive way, that shaped and educated this generation’s thinking and outlook on life.”

Former Degrassi star Adamo Ruggiero was also on hand to describe how Linda and Degrassi changed his life: “I remember growing up in a Catholic school and being bullied,” Adamo said. “I was struggling with my own sexual identity when Linda plucked me from the suburbs of Toronto and gave me this beautiful gift of Marco.”

Congratulations Linda!

Source.

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Degrassi Accepts Peabody Award

On May 23, 2011 By Erin Comments Off

Congratulations ad from TeenNick and Degrassi’s Peabody Award

The Peabody Awards were handed out today in New York, and several Degrassi representatives were at the event. You might remember that earlier this year it was announced that Degrassi would receive a Peabody Award for its groundbreaking transgender storyline. Today they were presented with this award. Executive producers Stephen Stohn and Linda Schuyler were there along with Jordan Todosey. Stephen has been tweeting pictures from the event, which you can view at his Twitter. Hopefully we will get to see some videos from the event soon!

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Linda Schuyler Responds to the Secret of Degrassi’s Longevity

On April 17, 2011 By Erin 2 Comments

Degrassi creator Linda Schuyler participated in The National Post’s Culture Club column this week. The topic was series longevity. With The Office entering its eighth season, the panel discusses why North American TV shows seem to last so long even after they have run their course. With Degrassi about to enter its 11th season this summer, Linda comments on the secret to its longevity:

Linda: As we head into our 11th season of Degrassi: The Next Generation, (and the 31st year of the franchise!) for me, the secret to longevity has been to have the courage to let characters grow, evolve and eventually leave the show. Our circumstances are somewhat unique, in as much as we have an environment that relies on characters growing each year, responding to each year’s hierarchy within the politics of school setting, and heading eventually to graduation. When our first group of characters graduated from Degrassi: The Next Generation, we were worried that we had audience loyalty to these characters and would need to find a way to keep them part of the show. To this end, we moved our first set of graduates into a shared house as they attended university. With our second tranche of grads we moved them into a university dorm. When our research came in, we found that these storylines were the least satisfying of all our storylines. We learnt, that for all our audience love our characters, they are tuning in for the high school experience and want stories grounded in that world. They look forward to a new crop of Grad Nines as a new school year begins and enjoy, in a bittersweet way, saying goodbye to their favourite grads. We have one added advantage that helps with longevity and that is, as we constantly repopulate the school, our audience is always renewing itself.

Linda also talks about other series she has worked on, and when it’s time to pull the plug. Check out the full discussion right here!

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LGBT Characters on Degrassi & Other Teen Shows

On January 3, 2011 By Erin Comments Off

A new article in the LA Times draws attention to the increasing number of teenage LGBT characters on television today, and it uses Degrassi as a primary example. Along with shows like Glee, 90210, Pretty Little Liars, and Skins, Degrassi continues to write coming out stories for many of its characters. The article features quotes from the executive producers of these shows, including our own Linda Schuyler. Currently, Degrassi is veering away from stereotypes with LGBT jocks like Riley & Zane. “That whole jock mentality in the locker room — the male bonding — that’s a really tough environment for a gay guy,” says Linda Schuyler.

The number of gay characters on teen dramas has increased dramatically over the past decade. Sometimes we forget how groundbreaking it was for Degrassi to introduce Marco back in 2002. For many fans, Marco is the main reason why they started watching Degrassi. It’s really interesting to see what kind of impact Marco had on a generation. Subsequent gay characters on Degrassi such as Alex, Riley, Zane, etc. were not just brought in for one episode. They are main characters like any other.

The LA Times article is really interesting, and I recommend you all read it. Click here for more.

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Degrassi Execs on Abortion, Season 11, & More

On December 10, 2010 By Erin Comments Off

An amazing new interview with Degrassi executive producers Linda Schuyer & Stephen Stohn has surfaced tonight from Toronto Star columnist Corey Mintz. Linda & Stephen discuss tough topics like abortion & suicide, plans for season 11, the telanovela format, consequences to the issues, and much more. I love interviews with Linda & Stephen, because they provide so much creative insight into the making of Degrassi. In particular, this conversation seems so honest. It’s fascinating to read about the behind the scenes aspect of this show & their careers.

The interview starts with Linda & Stephen discussing the most difficult topics to deal with on Degrassi. They both agree that suicide is always a challenge. Abortion is another topic that can be “untouchable.” Linda Schuyler explains why The N [now TeenNick] was reluctant to air the abortion episode:

SCHUYLER: The final shot is her walking through the door, going to get the abortion … And it’s very interesting. Because in the states they said, we could have shown that show, IF, at the very last shot, she showed remorse. She can’t be resolute. She has to be remorseful. If she was remorseful, we could show the shot.
MINTZ: So, if you cut to her crying …
SCHUYLER: Exactly. And we wouldn’t do that.
MINTZ: Really?
SCHUYLER: Absolutely not. What kind of message is that for young girls?

On bringing in the new generation of characters:

STOHN: And our ratings started to go down a little bit. And the network came to us and said, we still love you. You’re still our number one show. But you know what, we’ve got to prepare for a soft landing. All our research shows, seven years is it. So let’s start developing some other things. And finally, Linda and I, and I’ll actually in this case give credit to both of us on this, because the writers loved writing for those characters. So the thought of bringing in new characters, they would say yes, but they wouldn’t do it. And we finally just said, no, these characters are gone. We are not writing about them again. There’s a whole bunch of new characters. You’ve got to bring in six new characters. And then all the sudden the ratings started to go back up like that. You realize, that the way, Linda, you put it, is, first of all, there are different metaphorical ways you can say it, that the school is the main character. And so we were losing that by going beyond the school.
SCHUYLER: Much as they love the characters, they weren’t that intrigued with them after they left high school.

Season 11 is on everybody’s minds these days, as we’ve heard about early brainstorming sessions with the writers. And now we’re hearing about a new generation of grade 9’s that are to be introduced! Of course the question everybody wants to know…

MINTZ: What happens in season eleven?
SCHUYLER: Most people don’t believe us but we don’t know until we get in that room. We don’t have a plan. All we know is that halfway through season eleven, the current gang that are in twelfth grade are gonna graduate at the end of our twenty-four part telenovella. At that point we’ll bring in a whole bunch of ninth graders who will be new to the school.

This is just a brief snippet of all sorts of interesting topics brought up in this interview. Read the entire conversation (it is worth your while) by visiting Corey Mintz’s blog.
Edit: You can also read the full article on The Toronto Star’s website.