How Riverdale Is Working Musical Numbers Into Season 3

Josie singing in Riverdale

There's no show on TV quite like The CW's Riverdale. Based off the beloved Archie comics characters and settings, Riverdale operated on its own frequency, and balances between a few different genres. These include comedy, murder mystery, and even Glee-like musical. The series has consistently included opportunities for its cast of starlets to belt it out... regardless of whether or not the scene called for it. It's fun to see how Riverdale explains why the kids are always singing, and now we have an idea for how Season 3 will include songs: Veronica's new speakeasy.

At the end of Season 2, Veronica found a basement at Pop's, which she planned to make into a bar. This speakeasy will be used to showcase musical talent, therefore giving a logical reason for Archie, Veronica, Josie, and the rest of the cast to sing their hearts out whenever the script calls for it. So don't worry, the Riverdale Season 3 soundtrack will still happen.

According to a new report by TV Line, Veronica's speakeasy will be a big setting for Josie. While this should come to a surprise to no one given the character's penchant for song, it seems that things might also be a bit insidious underneath Pop's-- as things are wont to do in Riverdale. As showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa tells it,

It's a cabaret performance space, which allows us to feature Josie and tell the noir elements of a showbiz story.

It looks like everyone's favorite pussycat is stepping up to the plate in Season 3, and getting to sink her claws into some noir-inspired drama of her own. While an iconic comic character, Josie has always faded in and out of the background of Riverdale. Although always front and center with a song, her story hasn't been quite as expansive as other fan favorites like Betty or Cheryl Blossom.

Riverdale has had an interesting relationship with music, and having its young cast sing musical numbers during episodes. While Josie's performances feel organic, the script usually calls for a reason for the other characters to rock the mic. Archie was a passionate musician in Season 1, although that was ultimately dropped. Both Veronica and Cheryl are occasional members of The Pussycats, while Season 2's performance of Carrie: The Musical gave the entire cast a chance to sing. Will Kevin direct another musical at Riverdale High this year? We'll just have to wait and see.

All eyes are on Season 3 of Riverdale, and how the CW series will continue its run on the network. The series has always been at its best during a life or death mystery, with calm moments in the town proving a bit dull. It looks like Archie is headed to prison, which is certainly one way to mix things up.

Riverdale will return to The CW on October 10th. In the meantime, check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch. Plus our Amazon premiere list and superhero premiere list to ensure you don't miss a single episode of your favorite show.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.