Originally presented as "Archie meets 'Twin Peaks,'" the planned "Riverdale" live-action drama also has shades of The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "The Virgin Suicides."

In fact, Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told TVInsider, the pilot's plot is inspired by the latter, the 1993 novel (and subsequent film) about five doomed sisters, and the neighbors who try to make sense of their acts.

Aguirre-Sacasa, who wrote the pilot, describes that "Virgin Suicides"-influenced event as "the mystery that propels" the series, which sees Veronica and her mother returning to Riverdale under mysterious circumstances.

Announced nearly a year ago, "Riverdale" is clearly a very contemporary take on Archie Andrews and his friends. Initially in development at Fox, the series moved this summer to The CW, where's it's being produced by Greg Berlanti of "Arrow," "The Flash" and "Supergirl" fame.

Aguirre-Sacasa explained at New York Comic Con that Fox helped to push the tone of "Riverdale" beyond "a typical high school show like 'Saved by the Bell," and into darker, weirder territory. Although the network chose not to move ahead with the project, that tone fits perfectly with "The CW," home to series like "Arrow," "The Flash," "Supernatural" and "The Vampire Diaries."

Because "Riverdale" is a CW drama, Archie will be "hot," having spent the summer before his sophomore year working on his father's construction site. And Cheryl Blossom? She's the first season's big villain.

As previously revealed, the pilot is expected to be produced next year.