Riverdale Stars Break Their Silence, Addressing Harsh Criticisms & Hilarious Jokes Surrounding the Show
Riverdale stars defy the jokes and criticisms by embracing the unique approach that sets the show apart, as stated by Casey Cott
Summary
The cast of Riverdale acknowledges that their show is often made fun of, but they embrace the absurdity and campiness.
The cast acknowledges that the show's cult following extends beyond North America, especially in England and France, where it is valued for its distinct humor and fascination with classic Americana.
The cast members of Riverdale recently discussed the jokes surrounding the show's unusual storylines. Riverdale stands out among other teen dramas with its mix of breakups, love triangles, youthful angst, and its incorporation of horror, time travel, possession, and witchcraft. The show's unconventional plot developments have garnered attention online, with some viewers playfully mocking them while others question the quality of the writing.
In interviews with Vulture prior to the series finale on August 23, the Riverdale ensemble shared their thoughts on the show's unique style and its absurdist elements. Lili Reinhart (Betty), Camila Mendes (Veronica), Cole Sprouse (Jughead), and Casey Cott (Kevin Keller) each provided their own perspective on the show's tone, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's vision, and the varied reactions to it. Here are their quotes:
Reinhart: It's essential to acknowledge that our show is often made fun of. People watch out-of-context clips and think, "What? I thought this was about teenagers." We initially thought the same in the first season. However, it hasn't been easy to feel like we're the target of a joke. We all have a passion for acting and take our work seriously. So, when the absurdity of our show became a topic of discussion, it was challenging. But that's the whole point – it's meant to be WTF. During our table reads, when something completely ridiculous happens, Roberto laughs because he understands the absurd and campy nature of it.
Cott: It only works if we embrace it fully.
Mendes: Superhero movies dominate the box office these days, with incredibly outlandish plots! Imagine a talkative raccoon battling aliens in outer space! Nobody says, "This doesn't make sense." It's a comic book; it's meant to be enjoyable, imaginative, and unconventional. If you prefer watching a teenage drama with high school kids dealing with relationship issues, there are plenty of options available.
Sprouse: I recommend watching Euphoria.
Mendes: However, Roberto was not interested in taking that approach. I believe he wanted something more unconventional.
Sprouse: That's just the natural progression of a cult show. The only place in the world where people vocally oppose the show's absurdity is North America. England, with its dry and sarcastic sense of humor, not only adores it but also understands it. Additionally, we have a significant audience in France that has a deep fascination for classic American culture.
Mendes: And let's not forget Brazil! We have numerous fan accounts dedicated to the show. We've done so much on Riverdale that every time we receive a new script or embark on a new project, it feels like a variation of something we've already done before.
Riverdale's Approach Has Helped It Stand Out
: In the past, content like this served as the launching pad for every actor's career. Remember 21 Jump Street and Johnny Depp? Or even George Clooney? These shows used to provide the necessary platform for aspiring actors. However, it seems like times have changed, and these opportunities might soon become obsolete.
As The CW moves away from its youth-oriented programming, Riverdale marks the end of an era. Over the past few years, this adaptation of Archie Comics has become a symbol of what the network was once known for. It has kept the teen drama genre alive, while also introducing new young actors and notable showrunners. However, it is the show's daring and unpredictable twists that have truly captivated audiences and garnered attention.
The teen drama genre remains strong thanks to platforms like Netflix, Max, and Paramount+. However, very few shows have enjoyed consistent attention like Riverdale. While viral clips showcase the show's popularity, its international success through a streaming deal with Netflix further validates its appeal.
Riverdale has faced its fair share of criticism. Over seven seasons, the storytelling has declined and it failed to recapture the same cultural impact as its initial release. Nevertheless, the show's willingness to take risks and deviate from the norm has ultimately been its saving grace, allowing it to reinvent itself and stay relevant in discussions.
Source: Vulture
