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The CW Network logo is shown at the Ritz-Carlton Huntingdo Pasadena Hotel in Los Angeles July 17, 2006. The new CW network which combined the best shows from The WB and UPN networks began to preview its shows, talent and hopes for the Fall television season to television critics from around the U.S. during the Television Critics Associations summer press tour. Reuters/Fred Prouser

A new series, “Riverdale,” has been officially ordered by The CW. The network actually ordered six new pilots, including the show based on the “Archie” comics.

According to Entertainment Weekly, “Riverdale” will be set in the present day and inspired by the characters from Archie Comics. “Riverdale” will feature familiar characters like Archie, Veronica, Betty, Reggie, Jughead and others in the same small town, but there will also be “darkness and weirdness” brewing under the wholesome façade of Riverdale. Viewers should expect some twists and surprises in the plot and character depictions.

IGN writes that there will also be other characters related to “Archie” lore, such as Josie and the Pussycats. They will be used to showcase band stories. Fans should also expect Archie to be dating a number of girls as he did in the comics.

IGN also adds that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa will executive produce and write the pilot. He previously teased that the show will be inspired by David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.” Sarah Schechter and Greg Berlanti, producers of “Arrow,” “The Flash” and “Supergirl,” and Jon Goldwater of Archie Comics will also be serving as executive producers.

In an interview with Comic Book Resources, Aguirre-Sacasa describes the show as “Riverdale is Archie Meets Twin Peaks.”

Aguirre-Sacasa shared that they talked about “Riverdale” being a very weird town. They wanted to provide a balance of both humor and grit in the storyline. He added that “Riverdale” will be an origin story where Betty and Veronica meets for the first time in the pilot. He compared it to FOX’s “Gotham,” where there will be presentations of how the characters came into being.

“So one of the stories we're telling is how all these kids, from very different backgrounds, with very different interests in different social circles, come together to become the most famous group of high school friends that the world has ever known. Which to me is the ultimate Archie story,” said Aguirre-Sacasa.

The executive producer said that if the pilot turns out to be a success, there might be an “Afterlife with Archie” episode every Halloween. More updates and details on “Riverdale” on The CW are expected soon.

Check out Comic Book Resources' interview with Archie CEO Jon Goldwater here.

Source: YouTube/comicbookresources

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