The CW’s Riverdale, which is based off the Archie Comics, has become a recent hit as many people have become engrossed with its new interpretation. The show’s new scandalized and mysterious plot has introduced the younger generations to Riverdale High School and its supposedly innocent students Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead.

The drama all starts when Jason Blossom, the town’s “it boy”, is found dead in a lake. As Archie and his three friends attempt to uncover the murder, the dark secrets of their classmates, parents, and themselves are revealed. Lake Mary junior Olivia McCaw says, “I have been watching this show nonstop ever since it has come out. Although at times there are some clichés, the plot and characters are different from any other show I have watched. Also, the stars that make up the cast are an unusual bunch, yet their different attributes complement each other in an interesting way.” The cast ranges from people such as the iconic Luke Perry to the childhood heartthrob Cole Sprouse.

Taking the place of many beloved shows such as The Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf, Riverdale has acquired quite a large fan base. With this newfound popularity, Riverdale’s been facing quite a lot of backlash, especially from its older viewers. Junior Taylor Dorenkott says, “My mother grew up reading the Archie Comics and was extremely enthusiastic when she found out they were turning it into a show. However, she was extremely disappointed when she saw that the wholesome characters she loved growing up has been completely transformed.” The CW’s raunchy version of the classic Archie Comics includes student-teacher affairs, love triangles, fraud, teen pregnancy and much more. Before you start to judge the quality of this show, Riverdale also tackles prominent issues such as depression and gang violence.

This fresh-take on the original Archie Comics may seem controversial. However, it is a must-watch that doesn’t fray away from addressing society’s current issues. The original comics may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.