The CW’s ‘Riverdale’: 8 Things To Know
Published on January 2, 2017. Updated May 10, 2017Riverdale is an upcoming drama series based on the characters in the Archie comics, which will air on The CW this winter. While many of us might remember the comics as being light and fun, Riverdale is anything but. The show is a dark and dramatic adaptation of the comics, so expect more of a Gossip Girl meets Twin Peaks vibe. Since it’s one of the most anticipated shows this season, here are 8 things to know about Riverdale:
8. Mysterious Death
The show will begin with a new school year. The town is still reeling after the death of Jason Blossom, the high school golden boy. Even though his death looked like a tragic accident, there’s going to be some plot twists that show that his death wasn’t all it seemed and his twin sister, the manipulative Cheryl, seems to know something about what happened, but she’s keeping it a secret.
7. Archie’s Hot
After spending a summer working for his father’s construction company, Archie – played by K.J. Apa – finds himself with a hot bod and with several ladies vying for his affection. Although his dad wants him to get involved in the family business, Archie has become more interested in music. Now, he wants pursue a career as a musician instead of following in his dad’s footsteps.
6. Forbidden Romance
The show will feature a forbidden relationship between Archie and his young, hot music teacher, Ms. Gundy (played by Sara Gundy), but it won’t last. This is quite the departure from the comic book where Ms. Gundy is old, white-haired and teaches math.
5. Drug Addicted Betty
Betty Cooper – who will be played by Lili Reinhart – will have some serious problems. While the character will be wholesome and eager to please, she will also reportedly have some self-esteem issues and will also be dealing with her overbearing mother, who feeds Betty the ADHD drug Adderall to keep her focused. The one thing that hasn’t changed from the comic – she’s still got a crush on Archie.
4. Veronica’s Back
Veronica Lodge will be played by Camila Mendes. She’ll be the new girl in town. She just returned to Riverdale after a scandal involving her father (think Bernie Madoff) and she’s looking to reinvent herself from mean girl to caring friend. She will have a close but strenuous relationship with Betty Cooper, who she will be competing with for Archie’s affection.
3. Jughead Jones
Cole Sprouse from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody will be playing Jughead, who becomes unhinged followed the death of his friend Jason. The character is an emo heartthrob with a philosophical bend. He’s also dealing with the rift that came between him and his former best friend, Archie. Sprouse even died his hair black for the role!
2. Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald will be playing Archie’s estranged mother, Mary Andrews. She left Riverdale two years ago to follow her dreams, but comes back during her family’s time of need. While in Riverdale, she reconnects with Archie, her husband Fred, and two of her former high school friends, Hermione and Alice. She will be appearing in episodes 10 and 11.
1. ‘90s Heartthrobs
‘90s heartthrobs Luke Perry and Skeet Ulrich have roles in the teen drama. Perry will be playing Archie’s father, Fred Andrews, and Ulrich will have a recurring role as the leader of the Southside Serpents, a gang of criminals that lives and operates on the fringes of town. He has a grudge against Fred and a special but mysterious connection to Jughead Jones.
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