(Fwrd Axis) — The CW is officially leaving Riverdale behind.
The network announced the news at its annual upfronts, saying the Archie Comics show which Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa produces, is ending with its seventh season. The seventh and final season will debut in midseason along with The Flash‘s ninth season.
“I believe in giving series that have had a long run an appropriate send-off. We had a long conversation with Roberto [Aguirre-Sacasa] yesterday and he is thrilled with the decision,” CW President Mark Pedowitz said. “We are going to treat the show in the manner it deserves. It’s been an iconic pop culture star and we want to make sure that it goes out the right way.”
Riverdale stars KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, and Cole Sprouse. At the upfronts presentation, Apa said fans would be satisfied with the ending.
“We are going to end it with a bang” in the final season,” he said. “We can’t wait to share it with you.”
Riverdale is just the latest show to be axed by The CW along with Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Naomi, Legacies, Dynasty, Charmed, Roswell, New Mexico, In The Dark, and 4400 all were canceled within the past few weeks.
“As The CW looks towards the future, we are evolving and adapting to become more than just a network. We are a brand that drives our passionate and dedicated audiences to engage directly with our programming across all platforms, both linear and digital,” Pedowitz said.
In the place of the canceled shows, Pedowitz said Walker spin-off Walker Independence, a new action original Professionals, legal drama Family Law, the celebrity reality show Magic with the Stars, and DC Comics show Gotham Knights, which will make a midseason debut.
Pedowitz concluded, “We will also be saying goodbye to an iconic CW series that shaped and defined popular culture, Riverdale.”
