The CW’s reputation for releasing hit shows in the past has generated excitement and anxiety for Riverdale’s release on January 26 of the modern adaptation of the ‘Archie’ comics. The show has been a hit, satisfying the long time fans of the original franchise as well as TV show critics, scoring an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and being renewed for a second season.

The show is a drama and mystery wrapped in one, following a group of high school students who are trying to make it through high school while simultaneously dealing with their own issues, including the mysterious death of a fellow classmate. Heading this venture of recreation is Disney Channel star and angsty twitter connoisseur Cole Sprouse, New Zealander KJ Apa, Camila Mendes and Lili Reinheart. An inspiringly close cast is shown on and off screen which makes the chemistry on screen all the more believable.

The show begins with the death of a classmate by the name of Jason Blossom, a star football player and a well known rich boy. A once innocent town now destroyed, struck with a tragedy which leaves everyone with the same questions on their mind, who and why? Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is attempting to follow his passion for writing music, but the dream comes to a halt when he becomes romantically involved with his music mentor. Veronica Lodge (Camilla Mendes) moves from Manhattan to Riverdale after her father was put in jail after being charged with fraud, while Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), the all american girl who seems to live the perfect life, completely fools everyone around her. Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) the ex-bestfriend of Archie narrates the death of Jason and how the event has affected an seemingly innocent town.

As the show progresses, Riverdale is revealed to hold many more secrets than imagined. The town was not only plagued by the death of a young man, but his death was no accident; he was murdered. People who were once  viewed as innocent are now more involved than ever. As more episodes air, the audience finds out that everyone has secrets which are more or less image ruining and are better left undiscovered.

Riverdale, much like many new shows, explores teen issues that are commonly ignored in the media. In the third episode, Betty and Veronica take down a group of sexist football players. The group of teenage boys, including Jason Blossom, had been shaming girls for years and spreading rumors about events that never occurred. The girls gather of group a female students who had been shamed before by the male students, and together they find physical evidence to get the boys suspended, resulting in the group of boys’ suspension and revocation scholarships.

This show is definitely worth watching, and if you are someone who wants to get hooked on a new drama/ mystery show than this is what you’ve been looking for. Not only does the show involve an amazing, diverse cast. but they are all talented and do the Archie comics justice.

Season 2 of ‘Riverdale’ will premiere on October 11 on the CW. To watch the trailer click here.