Degrassi Forever: The Cast Reunites for a Powerful, Generational Conversation at Rhode Island Comic Con

By Klep Napier| Wearecritix.com

There are television shows that entertain, and then there are shows that raise people. At this year’s Rhode Island Comic Con, that distinction was felt loud and clear as the cast of Degrassi reunited for an emotional, hilarious, and deeply reflective panel that reminded fans why the series continues to matter decades later. Hosted by CritiX Media Editor-in-Chief Klep Napier as part of an Altered Reality Entertainment event, the panel became less about nostalgia and more about legacy, growth, and shared experience.

The conversation brought together original series cast memeber, Pat Mastroianni accompanied by The Next Generation cast, Mike Lobel, Shane Kippel, Sarah Barrable-Tishauer, and Melissa McIntyre, representing multiple eras of the franchise. From Degrassi Junior High to Degrassi: The Next Generation, the panel felt like a family reunion, complete with inside jokes, gentle roasting, and heartfelt honesty.

One of the most powerful themes to emerge was camaraderie. Mastroianni spoke openly about how the original cast’s bond helped ground the series in authenticity, even when budgets were low and expectations were uncertain. That same spirit carried forward into The Next Generation, where cast members leaned on one another through intense storylines involving loss, addiction, pregnancy, and identity. The panel made it clear that the chemistry audiences felt on screen was not manufactured. It was lived.

[WATCH THE COMPLETE RHODE ISLAND COMIC CON PANEL HERE]

As the discussion moved deeper, the cast reflected on how emotionally demanding the show could be, especially when real-life friendships were impacted by on-screen tragedies. Sarah Barrable-Tishauer spoke candidly about Liberty’s pregnancy storyline and how important it was to portray the experience with humanity and realism. Melissa McIntyre shared how Ashley’s evolving relationships mirrored personal growth, even when it meant portraying uncomfortable or unpopular choices. These were not easy stories, but they were necessary ones.

The panel also struck a perfect balance between depth and levity. Shane Kippel and Mike Lobel revisited Spinner and Jay’s wild arcs, infamous hairstyles, and moments fans still debate today. Stories about shaved heads, awkward dances, and uncomfortable scenes drew big laughs from the audience, while also highlighting how committed the cast was to pushing themselves as young actors. The willingness to go there is part of what made Degrassi feel fearless.

Naturally, the conversation turned to the future. While no reboot is officially confirmed, the cast made it clear that the desire is there. More importantly, they emphasized that every generation deserves a show like Degrassi. A series willing to meet young people where they are, speak honestly about difficult topics, and remind them they are not alone. That sentiment landed hard in a room filled with fans who grew up alongside these characters.

By the end of the panel, one thing was undeniable. Degrassi is not just a show people watched. It is a show people lived with. And decades later, that connection remains unbreakable.

Before the curtain fully closes on this reunion, fans can expect more to come. CritiX Media had another sit down with members of the Degrassi cast which will premiere in February for a special follow-up interview centered on the fandom experience at Rhode Island Comic Con. The conversation will be part of CONversations, our original collaboration series between CritiX and Altered Reality, designed to spotlight how these iconic projects continue to live, breathe, and connect with audiences long after the credits roll. Stay tuned. This story is far from over.