With a busy schedule of shows like Arrow, The Flash, and The Mysteries of Laura to keep up with, it’s pretty impressive that Greg Berlanti has found time to add another to his resume. Not to mention he is working on Supergirl, The Things They Left Behind and Blindspot. His latest show is based on Archie comics of all things and Fox has picked up the project. This version titled Riverdale will be told as a modern-day one-hour drama; I actually didn’t see that one coming.
THR says Riverdale will highlight the Archie, Betty, Veronica love triangle, and feature familiar characters such as Reggie Mantle, Jughead Jones and Kevin Keller as well as Josie and the Pussycats. They will “explore the surrealistic twists of small-town life, in addition to the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome façade.”
Archie Comics Chief Creative Office Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is writing the script and said:
“This is something we’ve been working on for awhile now, figuring out the best way to bring these characters to life for what will be, essentially, the first time. The entire team working on Riverdale is as passionate about Archie as Jon and I are, so it feels like the stars have finally aligned for Archie and the rest of the gang.”
Archie Comics publisher/co-CEO Jon Goldwater added:
“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.”
I read an Archie comic once in a waiting room, I think it was about burger addiction or a red-headed kid trying to get a ménage à trois going with his girlfriends. It sounds like this could be another Degrassi-type show; something I'm not sure we need right now. A Family Circus show is imminent, you can bet on it.