Entertainment TV 'Riverdale' Gang Is Stuck in the '50s — and Back in High School — in First Season 7 Trailer Archie and the gang are back to navigating high school — this time in in a bygone decade — as Riverdale returns to The CW this spring for its final season By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 2, 2023 11:00 AM Share Tweet Pin Email It's almost time to bid farewell to Riverdale. As the popular teen drama winds down after more than 100 episodes, it's returning to its roots — and PEOPLE has the exclusive First Look. KJ Apa (Archie Andrews), Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper), Camila Mendes (Veronica Lodge), Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones), Madelaine Petsch (Cheryl Blossom), Casey Cott (Kevin Keller), Charles Melton (Reggie Mantle), Vanessa Morgan (Toni Topaz), Erinn Westbrook (Tabitha Tate) and Drew Ray Tanner (Fangs Fogarty) are all back for the show's twisty seventh and final season, which premieres March 29. Riverdale's Seventh Season Will Be Its Last as The CW Announces Series' Conclusion Michael Courtney/The CW The final season will pick up after Archie and the gang survived a comet in the season 6 finale — but everything instantly changes as the crew finds themselves in the 1950s... and back in high school. Cole Sprouse Says Riverdale Cast Is Ready for Show to End: 'Wrap It Up with a Bow' In the first trailer, Jughead appears to be the only one who realizes they're all in the wrong era. "We were all sent back in time," Jughead says. "We need to get back." Bettina Strauss/The CW Jughead proves unsuccessful in his attempts to sway the group, who would much rather focus on navigating their junior year. "Jughead, we're juniors in high school. Life's good," Archie says. "Why would we want to go back? ... We are not from the future!" Riverdale: 5 Things to Know About the Cast Justine Yeung/The CW Things appear to be very "different" in Riverdale, with a slew of unexpected romantic pairings that include Jughead and Veronica, Betty and Kevin (who unsurprisingly has eyes for another male student), and Archie and Cheryl — who are about to make their way down the aisle. Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes Joke About Previously Dating Their Riverdale Costars Bettina Strauss/The CW Sexuality and darkness have been ever-present themes throughout the series, and season 7 is no exception. In fact, the trailer teases a possible "orgy" and a bloody "terrible" situation, as well as many other "sorts of things [that] don't happen in Riverdale." Lili Reinhart Says Actors Aren't Allowed to 'Kiss with Tongue' on CW Shows "Trust me," Veronica says. "Nothing is ever going to be the same again." Michael Courtney/The CW Riverdale's Camila Mendes Says Bond with Lili Reinhart, Madelaine Petsch Grew After Their Breakups Riverdale, created by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, premiered on The CW in January 2017. Based on the beloved Archie Comics characters, the series originally saw the gang navigating high school while uncovering the evils encompassing their quiet, suburban town. The network revealed in May 2022 that season 7 would be Riverdale's last. At the time, per The Hollywood Reporter, The CW chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz told reporters: "I'm a big believer in giving series that have long runs an appropriate sendoff. We want to make sure it goes out the right way." Michael Courtney/The CW Teasing what's to come in the final season, Petsch shared that the show will be "shaking things up." "This season is very grounded and focused around relationships," she told Variety. "You're really getting what made the show so special in season 1, which was the relationships in the town. This season is more pared down with the craziness, but there are some bizarre things happening." Petsch also teased, "Everyone is dating everyone." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Riverdale returns for its final season March 29 at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.