New Zealand's K.J. Apa found himself a long way from home when he was cast as Archie Andrews in Riverdale. Filmed in Vancouver, the soapy and dark TV drama catapulted the 25-year-old actor into sex-symbol status. Audiences can't get enough of Apa. But all good things must come to an end, as Riverdale has entered its seventh and final season.

This year, Archie and company were transported to the 1950s, where they reverted to their teenage selves. They still embody their true selves but with a Happy Days-type vibe. However, in this week's steamy episode, "Chapter One Hundred Twenty: Sex Education," the Riverdale gang will explore their sexual urges with one another. In Archie's case, that means lip-locking with a few female friends. Apa recently spoke to CBR about joining the cast of Riverdale, this season's time warp, Archie's sexual awakening, ending on an uplifting note, and his future in Hollywood.

Archie sits at his desk in science class in Riverdale Season 7

CBR: Riverdale was your first big gig in North America. What were your expectations heading into the show?

K.J. Apa: I had no expectations. I was 17. I was in New Zealand, trying to get work as an actor. I was just stoked to be alive, to be working, and on this adventure. I didn't really think about the future much. I still had that pure drive. I was in the moment. I was definitely surprised, along with everyone else, about the success of the show. I remember that first episode airing and people going crazy. Nothing was the same after that. I definitely didn't expect that. We knew that we did something special during the pilot. We all felt we were part of something special, but we didn't realize that it would explode the way that it did.

Going into Riverdale's final season, what were some of your hopes for Archie?

What I have been enjoying the most this season, and what I had hoped for, was to add a little more humor to the character. I knew the '50s element would really allow for that. The Archie we were used to was a little more broody and serious in the previous seasons. This season was exciting because I got to play a completely different version of him.

Is it safe to say that you smile more this year than ever before?

Absolutely. That is Archie this season. He's happy. He is the Archie from the comics. The Archie from the comics is constantly smiling, too. He's an optimist. I love that about this season. It's really refreshing.

In many ways, a light-hearted Archie has invigorated the character.

Definitely. I think it has invigorated the character [and] a lot of the other storylines. Leaving the show on a more positive vibe and overall tone is the right way to go. I am really happy about it.

Related: Riverdale Star Critiques Her Own Show's Bizarrely Nonsensical Storylines

Veronica Lodge wearing a pearl necklace in Riverdale Season 7

In this week's episode, Veronica throws a "sex party." What kind of game does Archie have with the ladies?

It's so funny. I think about that all the time. He's such a goofball this season, but somehow the girls love him. I think it's a little bit about the purity. Archie is so honest. He is so pure. He's athletic, driven, and very kind. When compared to some of the other characters on the show, it really makes him shine. Initially, he's not the one all the girls are looking at. But once you get to know Archie, you realize he's a sweet boy with a great upbringing and a lot of respect. Respect is huge.

Archie was vying for Veronica's affection. Betty has been fantasizing about Archie. And after this week's episode, we can throw Cheryl into the mix. In your heart of hearts, which couple are you rooting for the most?

In my heart of hearts, it's probably Archie and Betty. They have been friends for such a long time. I see them being together for a long time. I see them as soul mates. I can see Archie and Veronica like that, too, but it's easier for me to see Archie and Betty together. It feels right.

K.J. Apa as Archie Andrews in Riverdale Season 7

What have you enjoyed about the introduction of Julian? There seems to be a rivalry going on between him and Archie.

We have never had Julian before. He's kind of a replacement for Jason, in a way. Working with Nicholas Barasch has been fucking amazing. I love working with him. He is bringing such an epic vibe to this season and this character. The Blossoms are such a crazy family that having an actor like him play this is perfect. He knows how to bring the craziness to it.

Julian is always stirring shit up. Archie is so innocent and gullible. His character is perfect for that because he has this sort of evil vibe. He is very selfish, and he knows how gullible I am. And Reggie comes along, too, because we start playing with the basketball stuff. The basketball stuff is great because, as a team, we get to explore more of these relationships and more of what these characters are like in such a macho team environment. It's perfect as a vehicle to explore all of these relationships about sexuality, being a good friend, and racism at that time. I loved all the basketball stuff.

Besides some of the bigger themes, can you tease what else audiences can expect from Archie in the next episodes?

Anything that goes back to the first season gives me so many memories and nostalgia. One thing that is really exciting is we get to play with Archie's sexuality a little bit through some of his friendships with some of his mates. To me, that's cool. We always get to do that with the girls, but other than Casey [Cott], none of the straight characters on the show have gotten to explore it. That's something I haven't even shot yet, but I know [it's] coming up.

Betty in science class in Riverdale

Riverdale pushed you into the spotlight. Since then, you have dropped some music, starred in a few feature films, and become a father. How do you measure success at this point?

I have standards for myself that I try [to] reach every day in my life, in my relationships, and [in] my career. More in short-term, I am trying to focus on one day at a time. When I meet those standards, I feel successful.

How do you feel Riverdale has shaped you not only as an actor but as a person?

As an actor, Riverdale has given me a platform. That's been the biggest thing. It's also given me this machine-like quality to my work, where I am learning lines and playing with notes from directors. Our show is so specific in tone. It's interesting to have to play lines in a very specific way because the show is so specific. It's a very specific type of acting. In that regard, it's taught me a lot.

There's so much. Overall, the show has taught me to be in gratitude as much as I can. I feel like there have been moments in my life where I wish I was doing other things or had wanted to have a break to focus on myself. Ultimately, this show has been one of the most important parts of my life, and I am really lucky and grateful to be a part of it.

Looking forward, do you have a game plan? What kind of projects are you interested in?

Creatively, I enjoy so many things and not even with acting. I think taking a break from acting is always something that seemed cool. It's something that I love, and it's important to take a break and explore other creative mediums. This season has shown me that I really enjoy comedy. I enjoy the comedy of playing Archie this season. That is something I would love to do and step into that world more. Life is a little more fun when you go to work and get to have fun.

Last season, Archie gained powers. You almost played a superhero in the Wondertwins movie. Is that a genre that appeals to you?

It is. It all depends on the character. Those characters, like Riverdale, you are stuck in that universe for a long time. If it's a character that works for me, then I am happy to do it. It all depends on the character and the story. Those are such huge platforms. Also, those are the types of movies that people get to go as a family to watch at a movie theater. That's something important we need to embrace.

New episodes of Riverdale air on Wednesdays on The CW.