‘Riverdale’ First Gritty Trailer Teases High School Murder! ‘Archie’ Series Similar To ‘Pretty Little Liars?’

The first "Riverdale" trailer was released this week by The CW and it promises a theme not unlike "Pretty Little Liars" and other popular shows of the network such as "The Vampire Diaries." Here's what you should know about "Riverdale."

The upcoming TV drama series based on the iconic "Archie Comics" series features the lead character, portrayed by K.J. Apa, in a buff physique with dashing good looks. The "Riverdale" trailer teased the small town murder mystery that the characters will get immersed in. Watch the 30-second trailer below. "Riverdale" premieres on The CW on Jan. 26.

The "Riverdale" trailer's ominous air and gloomy visuals was a far cry from the lighthearted tone of "Archie Comics," which shot to popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. Glamour has compared the new "Riverdale" promo to the eerie atmosphere of the mystery-thriller series "Pretty Little Liars," which will bid goodbye next year.

Glamour also noted about the similarities of "Riverdale" to "One Tree Hill" in terms of how packed it is of young, pretty people living in a small town. Of course, all three shows are unique and only certain elements resemble each other.

A love triangle will occur between Archie, Betty (Lili Reinhart), and Veronica (Camila Mendes) on "Riverdale" just like in the comics. The promo also showcased parties, high school drama, cafeteria brawls, and flashes of ambulance lights presumably regarding the tragic demise of "high school golden boy" Jason Blossom, an event which will kickstart the events of the series.

It's Archie and Veronica behind the scenes during filming of #Riverdale! @kj_apa @CamilaMendes @WriterRAS @CW_Riverdale pic.twitter.com/lCqFvtM0Io

— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) October 19, 2016

"Riverdale" executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told Entertainment Weekly that the show is "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." "Riverdale" also stars Cole Sprouse as Jughead, Ashleigh Murray as Josie, Luke Perry as Archie's father Fred, Mädchen Amick as Betty's mother Alice, Raul Castillo as Oscar, and Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom.

Shannon Purser, popularly known as Barb in the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things," will also appear on "Riverdale" for three episodes. She will portray Ethel Muggs, who has a huge crush on Jughead in the comics.

Ethel, however, will have a different love interest on "Riverdale," EW reported. A friendship between her, Veronica, and Betty will blossom when they plan to exact revenge on Reggie (Ross Butler), a school bully and a tight rival of Archie's.

What do you think of the first "Riverdale" trailer? Share your thoughts below!