Canadian Press

TORONTO (CP) – The co-creator of the long-running “Degrassi” television drama series will be honoured by Women in Film and Television-Toronto at the organization’s Crystal Awards ceremony next month.

Linda Schuyler will receive the CTV International Achievement Award at a gala luncheon in Toronto on Dec. 4, organizers announced Tuesday. Schuyler, who is also CEO of Epitome Pictures, has co-created and executive-produced all the shows in the 25-year-old “Degrassi” franchise.

That includes “The Kids of Degrassi Street,” “Degrassi Junior High,” “Degrassi High,” “Degrassi Talks” and “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” now in its sixth season on CTV.

Schuyler, an Order of Canada holder, also recently launched a series of related novels, called “Degrassi: Extra Credit,” and co-produced online content for the series.

“Her mark on the Canadian production landscape is irrefutable and she is a true inspiration to the Canadian production community,” Sue Sheridan, executive director of Women in Film and Television-Toronto, said in a release.

Schuyler’s other television credits include CTV’s half-hour music drama “Instant Star” and the CBC dramatic series “Liberty Street” and “Riverdale.”

Other Crystal Award winners this year include Christina Jennings, chair and co-CEO of Shaftesbury Films Inc., and Jeanne Beker, host of “FT-Fashion Television” and “Fashion Television Channel.”

Women in Film and Television-Toronto is a professional organization that recognizes, trains and advances women in screen-based media.