'Riverdale' Spinoff 'Katy Keene': Everything There is to Know About the Upcoming Series

The Riverdale universe is expanding once more by launching its second series after Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, called Katy Keene. While exciting, the news likely brings about a slew of questions for Riverdale and Sabrina devotees regarding what to expect with the upcoming series. With this in mind, here's everything there is to know about Katy Keene:

Who is Katy Keene?

Katy Keene is a character that was created by cartoonist Bill Woggon. She first surfaced in 1945 when she appeared in Wilbur Comics #5, which was released under Archie Comics. She's a model, singer and actress. She's also known as "America's Queen of Pin-Ups and Fashions."

What Will The CW's 'Katy Keene' Show be About?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Katy Keene will be a musical dramedy that follows the story of four artists as they strive to make their dreams to be on Broadway a reality. The show will take place in New York City.

"The #Riverdale universe expands," Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa tweeted in January. "Thrilled to be bringing the adventures of Katy Keene and her New York pals to life! Extra-thrilled to be doing this with my pal Michael Grassi."

Aguirre-Sacasa will work with fellow Riverdale writer Michael Grassi to pen the show's the script.

'Katy Keene' Will Star 'Riverdale' Actress Ashleigh Murray

'Riverdale' Star Ashleigh Murray Will Be on 'Katy Keene' Spinoff
Ashleigh Murray is pictured as Josie McCoy on "Riverdale" Season 3, Episode 9 on January 16, 2019. Murray's character Josie will star in a "Riverdale" spinoff, called "Katy Keene." Shane Harvey/The CW

On Wednesday, it was announced that Riverdale star Ashleigh Murray's character Josie McCoy will be spun off to appear on Katy Keene. This could indicate Murray, who has been a series regular on Riverdale since the show debuted in 2017, may no longer appear on the teen drama.

Katy Keene will show Josie in her twenties as she sets out to make a name for herself in the Big Apple. However, there is no news about who will tackle the titular role.

Will 'Riverdale' Characters Appear on 'Katy Keene'?

Like with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, there isn't expected to be any major crossovers between Katy Keene and Riverdale.

"Katy Keene takes places years after Riverdale High School," CW president Mark Pedowitz said at Television Critics Association (TCA) event in January, according to Deadline. "There are no plans to do anything [regarding a crossover]. Any of the Riverdale characters who come to Katy Keene will be older. Robert [Aguirre-Sacasa] is getting the pilot right."

While fans shouldn't expect to see Riverdale characters on Katy Keene, it doesn't mean the upcoming series won't make references to the popular CW show as Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Dory Jackson is a New York-based entertainment journalist from Maryland. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College—in May 2016—with a focus in Communication ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go