It was one of our favourite shows this year.

In amongst some seriously heavy dramas that were released this year (we’re looking at you, The Handmaid’s Tale), we found our light relief in the form of The CW’s Riverdale. Yes, the teen drama took a fresh approach to an old idea and had us waiting for the Netflix notification of a new episode every week because of it. If like us, you’re counting down the days until the release of season two, you’ll be delighted to know you don’t have long to wait. Here’s everything we know so far.  

Plot

While season one’s big mystery of Jason Blossom’s death has been solved, that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of other drama left to unfold in Riverdale. The show’s main character Archie is going to be hellbent on revenge this season. Yes, Archikins is rumoured to be going dark and broody after his father was shot at the end of last season. Fred’s shooting is naturally going to be the focus of the early part of season two and it’s said we won't know his “ultimate fate” until the end of the season. North side and south side Riverdale will be going head to head next season, leaving Jughead squarely stuck in the middle. It has also been revealed that Jughead will have a potential love interest introduced in the south side. Does this spell the end for Bughead? Fan-favourite Kevin is also set to get his own episode next season, showing us all what he gets up to when he’s not with his school pals. And Polly’s twins will make their first appearance next season which can only mean a whole lot more drama.  

Cast

Finally, we’ll be introduced to Hiram Lodge. Despite having heard his name five million times in the first season, we have yet to meet the infamous conartist. Mark Consuelos has been cast as Veronica’s dad and will be leaving prison and heading straight to Riverdale in season two. Hiram is said to have some serious reservations about Veronica’s relationship with Archie too, so that ship could be on shaky ground also. In other cast updates, the role of Reggie Mantle has been recast after Ross Buttler stepped aside to focus on another Netflix show (you might have heard of 13 Reasons Why?). Well, stepping in to fill his shoes is Charles Melton who you might recognise from appearances on Glee and American Horror Story: Hotel.

A post shared by Charles Melton (@_melton_) on Dec 18, 2016 at 5:33pm PST

Jughead’s new love interest has also been cast with Vanessa Morgan from The Shannara Chronicles joining the team. The Serpents will also be getting a new team member with Brit Morgan cast to play Penny Peabody, the legal mind who will help the gang keep out of trouble with the law. And Veronica’s ex-boyfriend from New York who we heard a little about last season has been cast with from The Good Wife star Graham Phillips stepping into the role.  

Release date

Thankfully after all that build up, we don’t have long to wait. The new season of Riverdale is to be released on The CW on Wednesday, October 11, moving from its usual Thursday night slot. And if last season is anything to go by, that means the show might move from its regular Friday slot on Netflix to a new one on Thursday.