Cookie Jar’s licensing arm CPLG has been named worldwide licensing agent for the Degrassi television franchise, marking the first time that apparel and books from the 30-year-old Canadian series will be available at retail.

Teen girls and young adults are the target of the merch program rolling out this summer in the US. CPLG has kicked off its licensing efforts for the property by signing 5th Sun as the apparel licensee, with Degrassi t-shirts being made available exclusively at US specialty retailer Hot Topic.

The teen franchise debuted in 1980 on Canadian pubcaster CBC with The Kids of Degrassi Street – three spin-off TV series, three TV movies, two TV miniseries and one documentary series have since followed. The newest series, Degrassi: The Next Generation, has been the top-rated show on TeenNick since its launch nine seasons ago.