Top 5 Need to Know Riverdale Facts

As is often the case with a new TV show, actors will audition for one role, only to end up being cast in another. Such was the case for Cole Sprouse. While he originally came in for the lead role of Archie, he ended up being cast as the former’s former best friend, Jughead. Viewers of the show will be quick to point out that not only is Jughead a main character, but he is also the narrator. Knowing this, Sprouse then asked to try out for Jughead. He figured that if he were the narrator, his chances of being killed off would be much lower. Smart move, Sprouse.

The small-town setting and mysterious characters of “Riverdale” will be reminiscent to many of David Lynch’s body of work. The auteur filmmaker behind such trippy movies and TV shows as “Eraserhead”, “Blue Velvet” and, most notably in this case, “Twin Peaks,” is known for his desire to expose society’s dark underbelly. “Riverdale” definitely borrows heavily from Lynch’s ground-breaking TV series. From the show’s opening scene, to the welcome sign that greets newcomers on their way into town, the fingerprints of Lynch’s inspiration can be found all over this series. Even Mädchen Amick, who’s known as Shelly in the “Twin Peaks” universe, now plays Betty’s mom, Alice.

Remember Ms. Grundy? In the comics, she was the elderly English and Math teacher, known for her assortment of trademark hideous frocks and generally stern teaching style. Well, she’s back and looking... a little bit different. In this adaptation, Ms. Grundy is a music teacher at Riverdale High School…and she’s, to put it bluntly, smoking hot. She’s so hot in fact that Archie can’t seem to keep his hands off of her. That’s right! Unlike the sweet and innocent comics that primarily revolve around good old fashion hijinks, this new version is substantially… steamier.

In previous iterations of the Riverdale gang, certain things, such as Jughead’s appetite, Mr. Weatherbee’s comedic gaffs and Veronica’s immense wealth, never changed. In the Netflix version however, the Lodge family’s financial situation is quite the opposite. Due to his involvement in an embezzlement scheme, Veronica’s father has lost the family’s fortune. With her father behind bars, it’s up to Veronica to make a fresh start in her new hometown of Riverdale. Played by Camila Mendes in her first acting role, this version of the character is unlike any we’ve seen before.

Though the “Archie” comics are beloved, when adapting it for a new generation, it seemed necessary to make some updates. The most striking change is that all the characters are insanely hot. Sure, Archie still has his iconic red hair, but he’s now a total babe – sporting a well-defined six-pack. His best pal Jughead ditched his trademark crown for a beanie and an assortment of brooding stares. Betty and Veronica? Complete knockouts. In addition to being drop-dead gorgeous, their personalities aren’t as straightforward as they used to be. Veronica’s been humbled due to her father’s crimes, and Betty is looking to curb her goody-too-shoes personality. This isn’t your parents’ Riverdale.