Back in 1990, Archie Comics had a brief flirtation with bringing its iconic characters to live action in the Archie: To Riverdale and Back Again TV movie… that was basically The Big Chill with Archie characters. Supposedly, that TV film would have been used as the pilot for a TV series that never materialized.
Twenty four years later, Archie Comics’ iconic characters may get another shot at TV stardom. Fox has announced that it is developing “Riverdale” as a one hour drama. Created by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, “Riverdale” will feature the classic Archie characters including Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones and Reggie Mantle in addition to Josie and the Pussycats as well as more recent characters like Kevin Keller.
“Riverdale” will also explore “the surrealistic twists of small-town life plus the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.” Aguirre-Sacasa is the Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics and the writer of the popular Afterlife With Archie and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics that featured horror inspired takes on the Archie characters.
Related: Archie Comics Announces The Death of Archie
Joining Aguirre-Sacasa on “Riverdale” is executive producer Greg Berlanti, who is also producing “Arrow” and “The Flash” on The CW in addition to the upcoming “Supergirl” series on CBS.
In a statement, Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater said “This is a historic moment for Archie Comics, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with FOX, Warner Bros. and Greg Berlanti to bring our characters to television. Greg and Roberto are experts when it comes to making great, compelling television and bringing beloved comic book creations to life on the screen. They’re the perfect team to welcome viewers to ‘Riverdale.’”
Currently, “Riverdale” doesn’t have a pilot commitment from Fox, but it is expected to compete for a slot on Fox’s Fall 2015 TV schedule.
