“It Got Weird”: Riverdale Star Acknowledges How Later Seasons Became Extravagant While Reflecting on Their Departure 5 Years Later

Skeet Ulrich Reflects on His Journey with Riverdale

Actor Skeet Ulrich recently delved into his experiences on the hit series Riverdale during a panel held at MEGACON Orlando. Known for its darker take on the beloved Archie Comics, Riverdale featured a diverse cast and increasingly complex narratives as the seasons progressed. Ulrich portrayed F. P.Jones, a pivotal character as the leader of a biker gang and father to Jughead Jones, played by Cole Sprouse. As he recounted his time on the show, Ulrich shared how both his personal and professional life evolved throughout production.

A Journey of Friendship and Adaptation

Highlighting his evolving relationship with Sprouse, Ulrich noted how integral this friendship became in reflecting on his tenure. He recounted that the extensive traveling required for the Vancouver-based production substantially impacted his time on set. With his family advocating for a healthier work-life balance, Ulrich made adjustments that allowed him to enjoy his time in British Columbia more:

You know, I think, in hindsight, the thing that changed was my friendship with Cole, to be honest. He’s a lovely human being who is deeply insightful and intelligent and interesting and funny, and he’s become a dear friend of mine. So, when I look back at that show, I really think of that relationship that became part of my life.

The show itself was — I raised my twins on my own, so I only worked in LA from the time they were born until I did Riverdale, when they were almost 16, like a month before they turned 16. I didn’t have nannies or anything like that. So, they were always on set, they were always with me. And when I took that show, I was doing four flights a week to Vancouver, because it was the first time out of town, so it was 170 flights a season, a lot of it is a blur. Most of those seasons are airports in my memory. When we got to season 3, my kids begged me to slow down a bit and take some time up there. If I didn’t work for two days, I came home, then we said this thing, like, “If you don’t work for three days, you know, then come home.”So, I got to slow down a bit and enjoy it a little more and see Vancouver a little more.

Motivation and Changing Interests

Ulrich expressed that his initial motivation to join Riverdale stemmed from a desire to explore relatable human stories, a sentiment that seemed to drift as the show progressed into later seasons. According to him, the show’s narrative shifts were a departure from the very elements that drew him to the project:

But in terms of the plot of the show and the story and all that, it got weird. I love the human aspect of the first season, and I thought it was what really drew people in. And my kids being that age, that sort of was the demo at that time. I felt like the parents, really, the reason it resonated around the world like it did was that it gave kids an opportunity to go, “Wait, my parents are screwed up like that, ”or, “My parents had those flaws or those faults.”There was a relation aspect to it to the viewers. And I’m not you guys, or whoever was a big fan of it, but I think that’s what the linkage was in my mind. So, I thought there was a lot of value in the beginning of that show that sort of went into oddities that I didn’t really understand. So, when it came time for me to re-up my contract or not, I just wasn’t in love with the show anymore.

How Riverdale‘s Shift in Tone Affected Its Reception

Viewer Engagement and Series Dynamics

Ulrich’s observations about Riverdale reflect a broader sentiment among its audience, as many viewers expressed mixed feelings regarding the series’ evolving narrative. The initial seasons focused heavily on compelling murder-mysteries, exploring dark family secrets and interpersonal dynamics, which attracted a dedicated fanbase.

However, as the series progressed into its later seasons, viewers witnessed a dramatic tonal shift, including storylines involving cults, bizarre pandemics, and supernatural themes. Such drastic changes not only sparked curiosity but also alienated some long-time fans while making it increasingly difficult for new viewers to engage with the shifts:

By the time the seventh season aired, Riverdale faced a notable decline in viewership, exemplifying how continuous shifts could ultimately disengage its core audience.

Reflections on Riverdale: A Legacy of Contrast

The Show’s Unique Standing in Television History

In summary, only time will reveal the true impact of Riverdale‘s narrative twists on its legacy. The series’s unpredictable evolution has engendered a considerable degree of discussion even after its final episode aired in 2023. A certain level of cult-like intrigue surrounds the show, which may appeal to new audiences curious about its infamous reputation.

Ulrich’s insights serve as a poignant reminder of how creative decisions can significantly affect both a show’s actors and its audience. While he acknowledged his disappointment, many may wonder if former cast members share similar sentiments regarding the show’s trajectory.

Source & Images