Production is underway on Highland Gardens, a new series from the creators of Degrassi, featuring one of the Next Generation's original cast members.
The scripted dramatic series follows a group of performers from Canada and abroad who come together at a Hollywood apartment-style hotel as they pursue their dreams of fame.
Among the young Canadian cast is Cassie Steele, who you may know as Manny Santos of Degrassi fame. Contrary to initial speculation, she won't be reprising her Degrassi role on the new series. Rather, she's playing Abby, a "naïve Toronto actor who is ready to fight to get to the top."
The six-episode series is shooting in Toronto now, with further production in L.A. taking place come fall.
A projected premiere date has yet to be announced.
Click inside for a run-down of other announced cast members and characters.
- Joe Dinicol (MURDOCH MYSTERIES, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) as “nice-guy” Nick, a struggling stand-up comedian from Edmonton who is always the best friend and never the boyfriend;
- Andra Fuller (The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Entourage) as Kaldrick, the extremely successful Hip-Hop artist hailing from the streets of Oakland, California;
- Jonathan Patrick Moore (Neighbours, All Saints) as Connor, a break-out Australian with drop-dead good looks and a dark past;
- Chelan Simmons (SMALLVILLE, SUPERNATURAL, KYLE XY) as Alicia, a sensitive, aspiring dancer from Regina who will do whatever it takes to make ends meet;
- Jewel Staite (FLASH FORWARD, STARGATE ATLANTIS) as the street-smart Haligonian Raquel, who’s frightened of becoming yesterday’s news;
- Benjamin Charles Watson (Todd and the Book of PURE Evil, The Listener) as Tariq, the confident and talented African-Canadian hip-hop artist with a secret on the down low.