Photo credit: Caitlin Cronenberg
Degrassi remains a cornerstone of Canadian television with broad appeal across the United States as well. After many seasons on air, the teen drama continues to attract fans who crave its blend of high school drama, humor, and heartfelt moments. Ahead of the season twelve premiere, the cast shares reflections on growth, friendship, and the challenge of balancing school life with a demanding filming schedule. Aislinn Paul, who plays Clare Edwards, offers insights into what viewers can expect in the new episodes and how the show keeps resonating with audiences across North America.
What sparked Aislinn Paul’s interest in acting? Both of her parents are actors with lifelong careers, so she often accompanied them to auditions because babysitting for a short time was not practical. She would sit quietly in the waiting room and watch them perform, and the experience made acting feel like a normal part of life. What started as a childhood curiosity grew into a lifelong pursuit, and she carries that early exposure into every role she takes on today.
The teaser for the twelfth season of Degrassi looks dramatic. As an actress, does she prefer intense scenes or lighter ones? Aislinn Paul notes that both kinds of scenes have their place. A day on set that balances heavy drama with lighter comedy tends to feel most productive. The intense moments provide emotional depth and payoff, while the comedic beats offer relief and room to explore character dynamics. The mix helps keep the day engaging and creatively satisfying.
This summer the show features a brisk production pace with four new episodes weekly. Does that pace wear the cast out? The rapid schedule means the team moves quickly and energy matters more than ever. To unwind, Aislinn Paul heads home to watch favorite TV shows, read, or listen to music, seeking a little zen away from the studio lights and cameras.
How does the lighter script window affect preparation? It is different from earlier years. In season eight the production team shot around twenty episodes, while the current approach calls for more episodes in a shorter timeframe. Adjusting to shorter prep times has been a real challenge, yet it brings a fresh energy and a sense of accomplishment. The actor has found the experience continually rewarding.
Looking back over the Degrassi journey, what scene stands out? One memorable moment from season ten involved a party plan that goes awry and a missed invitation. The day was bright and the set looked gorgeous, and Munro Chambers and the actress had a hammock scene that was surprisingly playful amid the drama. It remains a favorite memory to this day.
Clare follows a growing arc this season. At the start she works to reconnect with the person she wants to be and the direction she wants to take. The year brings exciting opportunities that may challenge her in unexpected ways and push her beyond her comfort zone.
Can Clare and Eli get back together on screen? It is clear that the two are back in each other’s lives. They interacted even when apart during the previous season, and their connection surfaces early in the first episodes, so fans won’t have to wait long to see how their dynamic unfolds.
If she were in Clare’s position, would she pursue a reunion with Eli? The actress admits a romantic streak and thinks she might consider it, but Clare is also practical, so the decision will depend on how the storyline unfolds and what makes the most sense for the character.
Did working with Munro Chambers on a previous project help on Degrassi? Past collaboration created a preexisting rapport that made their on screen relationship feel natural. Knowing each other beforehand allowed them to dive into intense moments with ease and brought extra depth to their scenes.
Four new Degrassi students join the cast this season. What is it like working with the fresh faces? Clare has had interactions with each new actor, and their energy and fresh storylines add dramatic tension and momentum to the show. The ensemble is delivering strong performances that elevate the entire cast.
If she could play any other character, which would it be? She would love to step into Maya’s shoes. The character has exciting recent arcs and a vibrant presence, making a switch appealing for an actor curious about new storytelling opportunities.
Besides acting, what other career might interest her? Interior design comes to mind, a field that blends artistic vision with hands on construction. She enjoys building and decorating spaces, so this path feels like a natural extension of her creative interests.
What is it like balancing school with Degrassi? It is a challenge she has faced throughout her high school years. The effort is worth it, and the experience has built resilience. The main difficulty lies in coordinating with numerous teachers, especially as coursework grows more complex, but she has learned to manage the rhythm of school and screen life.
Are there other projects planned beyond Degrassi? At the moment there are no announced roles, but she plans to travel this summer to enjoy a normal teen experience before returning in the fall to finish season twelve. The schedule remains busy and exciting.
Thanks to Aislinn Paul for sharing her thoughts and to fans for following the Degrassi journey. The show continues to deliver drama, warmth, and genuine moments across North America.
Audience members across Canada and the United States were invited to tune in for the Degrassi season twelve premiere on July 16 at 10 PM on MuchMusic, where the series keeps its signature blend of teen life, friendship and growth.