First Riverdale Footage Revealed in New Promo

Early next year, fans of The CW will see yet another comic adaptation hit the network - but don't expect to see any superheroes. The drama Riverdale will make its debut in January 2017 and boldly reimagine the beloved characters and storylines of the Archie Comics. And, now, fans have been given a first-look at Riverdale with a new promo for the show.

The dark, gritty trailer definitely shows fans that this iteration of Archie Comics is unlike any fans have seen before. The footage shows Archie (KJ Apa) running shirtless and sporting a varsity jacket while shots of emergency sirens and house parties flitter across the screen. Produced by Greg Berlanti, Riverdale will follow the iconic character and his friends as they enter their second year of high school and become entangled with a murder-mystery.

"This is a historic moment for Archie Comics – and it's been a long time coming," said Archie Comics CEO and Publisher Jon Goldwater. "Partnering with Roberto, Greg Berlanti Warner Bros. and The CW has been a wonderful experience, and it's been stunning to see the show bring our iconic characters to life, adding to the mythos and legend of Archie and his gang. You will be hooked from the first scene, I promise you."

Earlier this year, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa had this to say about Riverdale at San Diego Comic Con. "It's definitely Archie, but a little darker, a little more complex and a little weirder than you might remember from the digest you bought at the supermarket. We're saying it's a little bit like Archie meets Twin Peaks."

When you consider The CW's demographic, then it seems like Riverdale is setting itself up for a solid run. The drama could fill a spot left behind by Gossip Girls and The Vampire Diaries as the latter has entered its final season.

The live-action series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale's wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie's rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones.

More: New Riverdale Photo Spotlights Famous Love Triangle / Supergirl's Melissa Benoist Visits Riverdale, Hangs Out With Archie and Jughead / Ashleigh Murray Shows Off Riverdale's Josie and the Pussycats on TwitterRiverdale Resumes Production, Showrunner Shares Class Photo / Robin Givens Cast As Riverdale's Mayor -- And It's Josie McCoy's Mom / Stranger Things' Shannon Purser Joins CW's Riverdale

Riverdale stars KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Mädchen Amick as Alice Cooper, and Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge.

Riverdale is coming to The CW in early 2017!

[H/T] Entertainment Weekly