Taking into account that The CW renewed four series based on DC properties earlier today, it’s quite apparent that the network has no aversion to green-lighting spinoffs and has great confidence in comic book adaptations. As such, it comes as no surprise that an Archie television universe may come into existence should Riverdale prove to be a success.
Those hoping for such a thing to happen will likely be glad to read this quote from CW president Mark Pedowitz, whom Screen Rant caught up with at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. When asked if an expanded universe is a possibility, Pedowitz said:
“Talk to me in about 5-6 weeks.”
Although that does fill us with excitement, we do have to question how spinoffs would logically work in this universe they’ve created. Some of the characters whom are known to headline comics of their own aside from Archie himself – Betty, Veronica, and Jughead immediately come to mind – have already been cast for what we will refer to as the flagship series for conversation’s sake. If one of those crucial elements were to be removed, it stands to reason that a significant gap would be left in Riverdale itself.
One that would be a wise choice, however, is that of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Having been popularized by a TV series of her own in the late 1990’s, a revival of sorts could work. In fact, executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa had this to say to Entertainment Weekly:
“Some people don’t even know that Sabrina is in the Archie family. There is absolutely a universe where Sabrina pops up in Riverdale or one town over in Greendale. Certainly, the priority is launching Riverdale and making sure that show is as good as it can be and as embraced as we want it to be.
“I’ll just tease that Sabrina has potential with a capital P.”
If they do introduce Sabrina and the show proves to resonate with viewers, it may be best to not include her as a series regular and instead opt for a backdoor pilot leading to her own headlining gig. Factoring in the subversive and dramatic tone of Riverdale, they could base the spinoff on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, an awesome horror comic influenced by classics such as The Omen and Rosemary’s Baby, and modernize it a bit.
Time will tell how The CW ultimately proceeds with all this, but things are certainly looking promising for Riverdale.