A new Riverdale synopsis officially heralds the long-awaited return of the original Josie and the Pussycats.
Back in May, it was revealed that Archie Comics' iconic three-piece rock outfit would be returning to Riverdale as part of the ongoing Season 5, with Ashleigh Murray, Hayley Law and Asha Bromfield reprising their roles as Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown and Melody Valentine, respectively.
Directed by Robin Givens, "Chapter Ninety-One: Return of the Pussycats" is scheduled to air on The CW on Wednesday, Sept. 8 as the 15th episode of Riverdale Season 5. The episode sees Josie make her unexpected return to the town of Riverdale after "going MIA during the middle of her world tour." Josie reveals why exactly she returned home after reuniting with her former bandmates, Valerie and Melody.
"Return of the Pussycats" is also slated to feature a guest appearance by Archie Comics character Alexandra Cabot, who previously appeared in the Riverdale spinoff Katy Keene, with Camille Hyde reprising her role. Meanwhile, Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) helps Tabitha Tate (Erinn Westbrook) and Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) land some sort of deal a deal.
Per the full synopsis for "Chapter Ninety-One: Return of the Pussycats,"
ROBIN GIVENS DIRECTS THE EPSIODE — After going MIA during the middle of her world tour, mega-star Josie McCoy (guest star Ashleigh Murray) returns to Riverdale unexpectedly. But it’s not until she reunites with her former bandmates Valerie (guest star Hayley Law) and Melody (guest star Asha Bromfield), that she opens up about the real reason why she’s back. Elsewhere, Veronica (Camila Mendes) gets creative after a surprise visit from her old friend Alexandra Cabot (guest star Camille Hyde). Finally, Toni (Vanessa Morgan) steps in to help Tabitha (Erinn Westbrook) and Veronica land a deal. KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch, Mark Consuelos, Casey Cott and Drew Ray Tanner also star. Robin Givens directed the episode written by Ariana Jackson & Evan Kyle (#515). Original airdate 9/8/2021.
The original Pussycats lineup of Josie, Valerie and Melody appeared as a band throughout Riverdale Season 1 and the first few episodes of Season 2. They would also occasionally perform with guest members like Veronica, Cheryl Blossom and Archie Andrews. However, during Riverdale Season 2, the Pussycats broke up due to rising tensions stemming from Josie's aspirations of going solo.
In the Season 2 episode "Chapter Twenty-Four: The Wrestler," Valerie and Melody briefly reformed the band with Veronica as the new lead singer, performing as Veronica and the Pussycats. This episode would prove to be Valerie and Melody's final Riverdale appearance until Season 5. Meanwhile, Josie was last seen in the Season 4 premiere, "Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam." Murray then left Riverdale in order to play Josie in the Katy Keene spinoff, which ran for a single season on The CW. During Katy Keene Season 1, Josie reformed Josie and the Pussycats with two brand-new members, Cricket and Trula Twyst.
Riverdale Season 5 premiered early this year on Jan. 20 with "Chapter Seventy-Seven: Climax." The season went on hiatus after its 10th episode, "Chapter Eighty-Six: The Pincushion Man" on March 31, finally returning on Aug. 11 with "Chapter Eighty-Seven: Strange Bedfellows." The show has already been renewed for Season 6.
Riverdale airs Wednesday nights on The CW.
Source: The CW