The words ‘the new Twin Peaks‘ have been applied to numerous shows over the years, but finally it appears as if something has come along which might be worthy of the mantle (and not before time, considering that it’s actually returning early in 2017). Step forward Riverdale.
Adapted from the Archie Comics series of the same name, Riverdale is set in the eponymous small town that is trying to return to normal after the death of one of its most beloved sons. However, some ghosts won’t stay buried, and nothing is what it seems. Yep, the similarities are evident, and have been further elaborated on in the below synopsis:
As a new school year begins, the town of Riverdale is reeling from the recent, tragic death of high school golden boy Jason Blossom, and nothing feels the same. Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is still the all-American teen, but the summer’s events made him realize that he wants to pursue a career in music — not follow in his dad’s footsteps–despite the sudden end of his forbidden relationship with Riverdale’s young music teacher, Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel). Which means Archie doesn’t have anyone who will mentor him — certainly not singer Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), who is only focused on her band, the soon-to-be-world-famous Pussycats.
It’s all weighing heavily on Archie’s mind — as is his fractured friendship with budding writer and fellow classmate Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse). Meanwhile, girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) is anxious to see her crush Archie after being away all summer, but she’s not quite ready to reveal her true feelings to him. And Betty’s nerves — which are hardly soothed by her overbearing mother Alice (Mädchen Amick) aren’t the only thing holding her back. When a new student, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), arrives in town from New York with her mother Hermione (Marisol Nichols), there’s an undeniable spark between her and Archie, even though Veronica doesn’t want to risk her new friendship with Betty by making a play for Archie.
And then there’s Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch)… Riverdale’s Queen Bee is happy to stir up trouble amongst Archie, Betty, and Veronica, but Cheryl is keeping secrets of her own. What, exactly, is she hiding about the mysterious death of her twin brother, Jason? Riverdale may look like a quiet, sleepy town, but there are dangers in the shadows… Based on the characters from Archie Comics, RIVERDALE is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Berlanti Productions, with executive producers Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (“Supergirl,” “Glee”), Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Jon Goldwater (Archie Comics).
While this may not seem like your traditional CW show, there’s definitely a lot to be excited about. Roberto Aguirre Sacasa is well used to working with a young cast (as he showed at Glee), and combined with the experience of epic TV-making that Greg Berlanti has, we’re sure this could be a winning formula. Coupled with the addition of experienced actors like Luke Perry and Mädchen Amick, and we’re already pegging this as one of our must-see shows.
Riverdale will air on The CW later in 2016, with a UK air date and channel to be announced. For more news about the latest TV series, pick up the new issue of SciFiNow.
