When Arrow debuted in 2012, The CW had no idea it would spawn a four-series universe of DC comic book superheroes, and in so doing, change the face of their network. This January 26, Riverdale has the chance to create a whole new comic-book universe, based on the iconic Archie Comics.

But Riverdale isn’t exactly what you might expect out of Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead. From executive producer and Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, CW superhero Greg Berlanti and executive producer Sarah Schechter, Riverdale is an edgy reimagining of the Archie-verse that the network describes as Beverly Hills 90210 meets Twin Peaks.

With veterans Luke Perry and Madchen Amick starring on the show, the network is clearly veering into those comparisons.

Riverdale marks a return to the kind of soapy high school drama that The CW (and WB before it) thrived on but had moved from in recent years. But because the network has broadened their horizons with superheroes and critically acclaimed comedies, they think now is the time to come back to the genre. Of course, they don’t view it as just a high-school drama.

“We didn’t look at Riverdale as a high-school drama. We felt it was imperative that there were these adult storylines. There is an adult level to it,” said Pedowitz.

It’s also a business move, as The CW sees a need in the marketplace.

“Pretty Little Liars is going on its last season. Teen Wolf is on its last season. It’s very simple. We’ve grown enough that we could go back to the genre, edge it up, and make it part of our programming mix. We thought this was something we could succeed with. We’ll see what happens,” said Pedowitz.

Given that Riverdale is the first entrant in a whole new comic-book universe, and the last time The CW went there, Arrow spawned several other shows, Pedowitz was asked if the network has thought about expanding beyond Riverdale.

His dry response? “Talk to me in about 5-6 weeks, I’ll give you an answer,” said Pedowitz.

“The mothership is Riverdale and we’re focused on launching that, and building that world out,” said Aguirre-Sacasa.

But Aguirre-Sacasa has high hopes of following in Marvel and DC’s universe building footsteps.

Riverdale already features the Josie and the Pussycats in the ensemble, but they want more, even going beyond the realm of TV, with animated movies and even stage work: indeed, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay are writing an Archie Broadway musical.

“We have so many great characters. We definitely want to do something with Sabrina [the Teenage Witch],” said Aguirre-Sacasa.

But, like Riverdale, they’re hoping to go darker, mentioning Rosemary’s Baby as a touchstone for Sabrina, a far cry from the half hour sitcom with Melissa Joan Hart.

Given Archie’s pure origins, many fans might be surprised by the murder mystery in a small town, darker bent that Riverdale inhabits, but Jon Goldwater, executive producer and Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Archie Comics, has already weathered the storm on the comics front, and isn’t worried about potential backlash.

“The backlash was all good [from the comics]. People were thrilled that we changed it. You can only go down that road for so long. You need to change that dynamic. It showed in our sales. To be candid, I’m anticipating the same great backlash when people see Riverdale,” said Goldwater.

The CW awaits that great backlash when Riverdale premieres January 26. Who knows, perhaps a new universe might be in the offing.

[All images courtesy of The CW]

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