Explosive Finale Alert: Decoding Riverdale's Epic Seventh and Final Season

After a successful five-year run on The CW, Riverdale is approaching its ultimate season, marking the end of an era.

According to Deadline, CW's CEO Mark Pedowitz expressed his commitment to giving long-running series a fitting conclusion during an executive call in May 2022. Pedowitz mentioned his recent discussion with executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who is reportedly ecstatic about the news. The network intends to honor the show's legacy and ensure it receives a proper farewell.

Pedowitz acknowledged that he believed Riverdale was prepared to bid farewell, stating, "I believe they also shared the sentiment that seven years is the appropriate duration. As a fellow fan, I am committed to doing what is best for the show."

In light of the announcement, KJ Apa expressed his feelings about portraying Archie for numerous seasons. "I feel a sense of sadness as we bid adieu to Riverdale in the upcoming season, along with our sets, crew, producers, and CW family. However, I can confidently speak on behalf of Cami [Mendes], Cole [Sprouse], Lili [Reinhart], and the rest of our cast in expressing our immense gratitude for the unwavering support from everyone," the actor shared at the CW Upfronts event in May 2022. "To our fans, none of this would have been possible without you."

Speaking exclusively to We on the red carpet at the network's New York City event, the New Zealand native acknowledged that some of the cast members had anticipated the announcement of the show's end in 2023. Apa expressed his personal sadness about not having a say in the cancellation and his reluctance to bid farewell to Archie, Riverdale, and the show's sets and crew. Reflecting on the mixed emotions surrounding the news, he described it as both exciting and sad, emphasizing the countless memories they had created during their time on the show. Apa also highlighted the significant personal growth he and his fellow cast members had experienced over the past six years, mentioning that he now has a child and has gone through many transformative experiences.

In the penultimate season of the teen drama, which premiered on The CW in 2017, viewers were taken on a thrilling journey as the main group of friends from the iconic Archie Comics came together to uncover the dark secrets within their town. However, things took an unexpected turn during season 6 with the introduction of a special "Rivervale" event. Following an explosion, Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Cheryl found themselves in an alternative universe where they developed mysterious powers. Actor KJ Apa, who plays Archie, teased that the upcoming episodes of the season would be intense and fast-paced, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.

According to Apa, the characters' newfound abilities are intended to help them confront the season's antagonist, Percival Pickens. In an interview with TV Line in May 2022, Apa expressed his hope for a climactic showdown between his character and Pickens, but acknowledged that it would be more than just a physical battle. He hinted at the presence of dark magic and the presence of powers on both sides, likening it to a combination of Harry Potter and Stranger Things.

In addition, the star of I Still Believe confessed to feeling a tinge of sadness as the show approached its end. He shared that he tries not to dwell on it too much, as doing so makes the reality of the conclusion sink in. Apa mentioned that many of the cast members anticipated Season 7 as the final season, so the news didn't come as a major surprise to him.

Scroll down for everything to know about Riverdale‘s final chapter:

Credit: Kailey Schwerman/The CW

Riverdale Will End 'With a Bang': Everything to Know About the CW Show's Seventh and Final Season

After a successful five-year run on The CW, Riverdale is approaching its final season, marking the end of an era.

During a recent executive call in May 2022, the CEO of The CW, Mark Pedowitz, expressed his commitment to giving long-running series a fitting conclusion. He mentioned his conversation with executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who was delighted by the news. Pedowitz emphasized the importance of treating the show with the respect it deserves and ensuring that it concludes in the most appropriate manner possible.

Pedowitz acknowledged that Riverdale had reached the point of bidding farewell, expressing his belief that seven years was the appropriate duration. As a devoted fan himself, he emphasized the importance of making decisions that would benefit the show.

In light of the announcement, KJ Apa shared his sentiments about portraying Archie for multiple seasons. Expressing a sense of sadness, he expressed his gratitude towards the Riverdale team, including the sets, crew, producers, and their CW family. Apa also extended his appreciation to his fellow cast members, Cami Mendes, Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart, and others, emphasizing that their success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their fans.

During an interview on the red carpet at the network's New York City event, the New Zealand actor expressed his thoughts on the announcement of the show's cancellation in 2023. Apa acknowledged that some of the cast members had anticipated this decision, although they were not consulted about it. He revealed his personal sadness in bidding farewell to his character Archie, the town of Riverdale, the show's sets, and the dedicated crew.

Reflecting on the news, Apa shared conflicting emotions, describing it as both exciting and sorrowful. He emphasized the profound impact the show has had on their lives, highlighting the plethora of memories they have collectively created. Apa also mentioned his own personal growth during the span of six years, including becoming a father. He acknowledged that the entire cast and crew have experienced significant changes and transformations throughout this period.

In 2017, The CW premiered a teen drama that delved into the lives of the beloved characters from Archie Comics. After a murder, the core group of friends united to uncover the hidden secrets lurking within their town.

In season 6, viewers were treated to a special event known as "Rivervale," where the characters found themselves in an alternate reality after an explosive incident. This event led to Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Cheryl gaining enigmatic powers. Actor Apa shared his excitement for the upcoming episodes of the season, describing them as amazing, intense, and fast-paced. He promised that the season would end with a bang.

The characters' newfound abilities are expected to aid them in confronting the primary antagonist of the season, Percival Pickens, as stated by Apa. In an interview with TV Line in May 2022, he expressed his desire for a climactic showdown between his character and Pickens, but acknowledged that it would involve more than just a physical battle. The confrontation will involve the usage of dark magic, with both sides possessing their own powers, creating a dynamic reminiscent of a fusion between Harry Potter and Stranger Things. Despite his excitement for the upcoming finale, the I Still Believe star confessed feeling a tinge of sadness as the show wraps up. He admitted to avoiding dwelling on it too much, as the more he contemplates it, the more it becomes a reality. Anticipating that Season 7 would likely be the final season, the news of the show's conclusion didn't come as a major surprise to him or many others.

Scroll down for everything to know about Riverdale's final chapter:

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Credit: The CW

When Will the Final Season of 'Riverdale' Air?

The CW confirmed that the final season will return on March 29.

Credit: Katie Yu/The CW

Who Will Appear?

Apa, Reinhart, Mendes, Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch, Casey Cott, Charles Melton, and Vanessa Morgan are set to make a comeback to conclude their storylines. Erinn Westbrook and Mädchen Amick are also part of the main cast.

At the CW Upfronts in May 2022, Ashleigh Murray revealed that she had no intentions of returning as Josie after her previous departure from the show. Instead, the Missouri native will be dedicating her attention to her new character, Zenzi Fullerton, on The CW's Tom Swift.

Credit: Kailey Schwerman/The CW

Are Betty and Archie Endgame?

Apa hesitated in May 2022 when asked about Barchie's fate before telling We exclusively, "I don't know, but I'm very, very anxious to see."

"I believe Archie is truly enjoying his time with Betty and envisioning a possible future together, complete with children, a supportive family, and marriage. That's why that particular scene affected me," he shared exclusively with Us. "I don't think the kiss held any deeper significance for Archie."

When asked about the likelihood of Jughead getting back together with Betty, Apa confidently stated to TVLine, "I wouldn't be concerned about that. I don't believe it's going to happen."

Credit: Jack Rowand/The CW

How Did the Cast React to Plans for the Final Season?

After Riverdale's final season was confirmed, Mendes took to social media to offer a glimpse at what is yet to come.

"One more season to provide the conclusion that you all truly deserve. I have so much appreciation and love for all the fans who have been here since the beginning and have never wavered in their support. I wouldn't have been able to come this far without you!" she expressed on Twitter.

Credit: Robert Falconer/The CW

Will Old Cast Members Return?

Molly Ringwald, who portrays Mary Andrews, Archie's mother, revealed in an exclusive interview with We in May 2022 that she will be returning to the show. She mentioned that it has been a while since her character has been featured and hinted at the secrecy surrounding the upcoming storylines. "I think that's all I can say!" the actress jokingly added.

Credit: Kailey Schwerman/The CW

Will 'Riverdale' Season 7 Stay in 1955?

In a stunning season 6 finale, Cheryl emerges as the hero, thwarting a comet and in turn, causing the characters to regress to their teenage years. Transported back to 1955, only Jughead retains his memories of their true lives.

During a July 2022 interview with Nerds of Color, Aguirre-Sacasa divulged that the upcoming season 7 will feature a unique storyline, complete with costumes and setting that pay homage to the original comics. He further noted, "Riverdale may have its share of controversies, but one thing that unites fans is the sheer delight they experience when our characters don their iconic 1950s comic book outfits in flashbacks, dream sequences, or any other imaginative moments."

Credit: The CW

Is Season 7 Connected to Past Seasons?

With the big change, Aguirre-Sacasa assured Nerds of Color that the move doesn't make the seventh season an alternate universe and likened it to this year's Rivervale arc. 

"We plan to immerse ourselves in the 1950s era and thoroughly analyze not only the Archie Comics themselves, but also the perception that people have of them. However, it is important to note that this transition will not be a complete departure from the previous seasons," cautioned the showrunner. "We aim to stay true to the continuity of the first six seasons, much like how Rivervale remained connected to the rest of the season. Jughead will retain memories of what occurred in those initial six seasons, while the recollection of other characters remains uncertain... Additionally, we view this as an opportunity to introduce some enjoyable adjustments, such as reconfiguring character backgrounds and other elements. Yet, it will still align closely with the creative direction of the preceding six seasons."

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

What Relationships Will Be Explored?

“You can truly experience the essence of what made the show so extraordinary in its first season, which revolved around the intricate relationships within the town. This season, however, takes a more streamlined approach to the madness, yet it doesn't shy away from introducing some peculiar occurrences," Petsch hinted to Variety in December 2022. "We're stirring things up. It's a free-for-all when it comes to dating."

Credit: Kailey Schwerman/The CW

What Will Season 7 of 'Riverdale' Look Like?

Aguirre-Sacasa shared a sneak peek of the season 7 premiere on social media in December 2022, giving viewers a glimpse of all the characters in their stylish '50s attire. He expressed excitement for the upcoming episode and teased that this final season will be something truly unique, accompanied by a few emojis hinting at what's to come.

In the scene, the upbeat tune "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets fills the air as everyone donning their 1950s attire flashes bright smiles. However, Jughead stands out from the crowd, sensing that something isn't quite right.

Credit: Courtesy of Nicholas Barasch/Instagram ; Courtesy of Karl Walcott/Instagram

Who Is Joining the 'Riverdale' Cast?

Nicholas Barasch is set to make his debut in the final season as Julien Blossom, the quintessential preppy high school bully. His character will face constant conflicts with the entire cast, particularly Archie.

In December 2022, it was announced that Karl Walcott would be taking on the role of Clay Walker. Clay is an army brat with an open mind, a passion for art, and an unabashed openness about his sexuality, according to Deadline.

Credit: Michael Courtney/The CW

What Did the Trailer Reveal?

In March 2023, the CW unveiled a trailer that teased viewers with surprising connections among the group. Betty takes a bold step by making a move on Kevin, while Archie drops a bombshell by announcing his engagement to Cheryl. Meanwhile, Jughead desperately tries to revive everyone's memories of their past lives before it's too late.

Credit: Michael Courtney/The CW

What Did the 1st Show Stills Reveal?

In March 2023, The CW offered a glimpse at the main characters in the '50s following the aftermath of the comet.

Credit: The CW Network

When Will Reggie Appear in Season 7?

In April 2023, Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed that a scheduling conflict prevented Charles Melton from returning as Reggie in the beginning of the final season.

“But even prior to that issue arising, we had deliberated on rescuing Reggie and granting him a grand entrance at a later point in the season, as part of a captivating narrative inspired by 'Hoosiers' and 'School Ties' that we plan to unfold with the basketball team," he disclosed to TV Line. “Even prior to the conflict in scheduling surfacing, we had contemplated the possibility of withholding Reggie's comeback for a brief period."

Credit: Kailey Schwerman/The CW

Will There Be Music in the Final Season?

Viewers can anticipate the much-anticipated final musical episode titled "Archie: The Musical!" TVLine confirmed this exciting news in June 2023, revealing that The CW series will showcase an array of never-before-heard original songs.