Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and many more familiar Archie Comics characters have officially found a home at The CW. The publisher has confirmed today a season pickup for the live-action Riverdale series. As previously reported, the one-hour drama will be written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Brothers Studios and Berlanti Productions.
The Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, brings word that the only two CW shows not returning next season are Containment and Beauty and the Beast. In addition to the Riverdale series, newly-confirmed debuting shows include the comedy drama No Tomorrow and Frequency, based on the 2000 film.
The Riverdale series offers a “bold, subversive take” on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books — including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones.
“This is a historic moment for Archie Comics – and I couldn’t be more proud,” says Archie Comics Publisher and CEO Jon Goldwater. “It’s a culmination of my time here, and I’m eager to see Greg Berlanti, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, The CW, Warner Brothers Studios, and the cast bring Riverdale to viewers every week. My promise to fans? You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
The Riverdale series stars KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Mädchen Amick as Alice Cooper, and Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge.
Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schecter, Jon Goldwater, and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serve as executive producers.
