Farewell 'Riverdale': A Look Back at the Cast's Final Reflections

Riverdale will soon be concluding its seven-season run on The CW, and the cast members have expressed their thoughts on reaching the end of their journey. Cole Sprouse, in particular, had previously hinted at his eagerness to explore other opportunities beyond the show. In an interview with GQ in March 2022, he shared that he had no creative control over Riverdale and that they would often receive scripts on the day of shooting.

The former child star mentioned that his fellow cast members were eager to give a proper closure to the show. Later that same year, The CW’s CEO Mark Pedowitz confirmed that the series would conclude after its seventh season. During a call with reporters in May 2022, he expressed his belief in giving long-running series an appropriate sendoff. Pedowitz also revealed that he had a conversation with executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who was thrilled by the news. The network aims to treat the show with the respect it deserves and ensure that it goes out in the right way.

"I believe that they agreed that seven seasons was the appropriate duration. As a fan myself, I want to ensure that the show is treated with the respect it deserves," he remarked. In the same month, KJ Apa addressed the significant change in his career. The star of "I Still Believe," who has been a part of Riverdale since its debut in 2017, expressed his thoughts to TV Line, stating, "I don't like to dwell on it because the more I do, the more it becomes a reality. I believe that many of us anticipated this outcome with season 7 being the final season, so it wasn't a complete surprise for me."

Apa playfully mentioned that while he enjoyed playing Archie Andrews, there was one aspect he wouldn't miss: dying his hair every week. He expressed excitement about returning to his natural look, but assured fans that the final season of the show would be explosive and eagerly anticipated sharing it with them. Meanwhile, Lili Reinhart revealed that the cast, who spend a lot of time together during filming, keep in touch during their hiatuses but are also busy pursuing their own projects. She shared that their group chat has yet to become emotional.

As the actress behind Betty Cooper, the beloved character she has portrayed since season 1, the Ohio-born star recently shared her thoughts on how she would like to see Betty's journey come to an end. Her ultimate wish is for Betty to have a happy ending, one that leaves viewers feeling optimistic and uplifted. While she is in the dark about the direction Betty's story will take in the final season, she hopes that her character's future will be filled with joy and a sense of calm.

Scroll down for everything the cast has said about Riverdale‘s final chapter:

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Everything the ‘Riverdale’ Cast Has Said About the Show Concluding After Season 7: The ‘End of an Era’

The popular TV series, Riverdale, is set to conclude its story after airing for seven seasons on The CW. As the cast prepares to bid farewell to their beloved characters, they have opened up about their thoughts on the show's ending. Cole Sprouse, who plays one of the main characters, had previously expressed his desire to explore new opportunities outside of the show. According to an interview with GQ in March 2022, he revealed that he had no creative control over the show and often received scripts on the day of shooting.

The former child star also mentioned that his co-stars were eager to give the show a fitting conclusion.

In May 2022, Mark Pedowitz, CEO of The CW, announced that Riverdale would be ending after its seventh season. Pedowitz emphasized the importance of giving long-running shows a proper sendoff and stated that the show's executive producer, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, was pleased with the decision. The network is committed to ensuring that the series receives the appropriate treatment and concludes in a manner befitting its legacy.

“I believe they also shared the same sentiment that seven years is the appropriate duration. Being a fan myself, I want to ensure that we do right by the show,” he stated. KJ Apa, the lead actor on Riverdale since its inception in 2017, finally addressed the significant change in his career in that same month. He disclosed to TV Line, “I try not to dwell on it too much, as the more I do, the more it sinks in. I assume many of us anticipated it, with season 7 most likely being the final season. Hence, it wasn't an enormous shock to me."

Apa joked about the one aspect of playing Archie Andrews that he wouldn't miss - dying his hair every week. He expressed excitement to be himself again, but assured fans that the last season of the show would end on a high note. Meanwhile, his co-star and onscreen love interest, Lili Reinhart, shared that the cast stays in touch during their hiatus, but also takes time to pursue individual interests before coming back together for production.

The actress from Ohio, who has portrayed Betty Cooper from the first season, recently shared her desired ending for her character. She expressed her wish for a happy conclusion where Betty is content and at ease, leaving viewers with a positive and optimistic feeling. Although uncertain about her character's fate in the final season, she hopes for a satisfying resolution that brings Betty joy and stability.

Scroll down for everything the cast has said about Riverdale's final chapter:

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KJ Apa

Ahead of season 7, the New Zealand native weighed in on his time at The CW.

As we approach the final season of Riverdale, it's bittersweet to bid farewell to our sets, crew, producers, and our CW family. Cami, Cole, Lili, and the rest of the cast share the same sentiment and are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of everyone who has been part of this journey. We owe it all to the fans who have been there since the beginning and who have made this show possible.

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Lili Reinhart

After a long day on set, the Hustlers star took a moment to reflect on her time filming Riverdale. Admitting that saying goodbye to the show was a sad moment, Reinhart acknowledged that it marked the end of a significant chapter in her life and expressed how much she would miss her cast. She also revealed that the cast was determined to cherish their time together during the final season of filming.

"I found myself shedding a few tears on my way back from work tonight," she expressed on her Instagram Story in December 2022. "It's overwhelming to think that our crazy little show is coming to an end. I am immensely grateful for where I stand today. I cannot thank Riverdale, my fans, my beloved character Betty, and the family I have found through this experience enough."

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Camila Mendes

After hearing the news of the show's ending, the Do Revenge star took to Twitter to express gratitude towards fans who have been there since day one and never wavered. "One more season to deliver the ending you all deserve. So much love for all the fans," the star tweeted. In a previous interview, Mendes shared her eagerness to explore new opportunities beyond Riverdale. "There's so much more I want to experience and achieve, and I get a small window to do that between seasons," she revealed to InStyle. "I don't want it to just be Riverdale."

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Lili Reinhart

"Why do some people feel the need to publicly express their dislike for a TV show?" the actress questioned on her Instagram Stories in March 2023. "If you don't enjoy it, simply move on and find something else that suits your tastes."

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Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart, who played one of the lead roles in the popular TV series, shared the emotional turmoil of shooting the series finale. In a June 2023 Instagram Story, she revealed her struggle to control her tears while performing her job on camera. While acknowledging the benefits of crying, Reinhart emphasized the need to maintain professionalism during the filming process.