Illustration Credit: Arba Bardhi
Filming to take place exclusively at St. Michael’s College
Arib Hassam, Associate News Editor
In a surprise announcement, it has been confirmed that Riverdale has been renewed for an eighth season. Fans of the show can expect even more over-the-top drama, wild plot twists, and a whole lot of smoldering looks from Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead.
But that’s not all. In a first for the series, the entire eighth season will be filmed exclusively at St. Michael’s College at U of T, with one iconic location taking centre stage: the Canada Room. As the current cafeteria, the Canada Room, also known as “The Croom,” is a storied gathering place for students at St. Michael’s College. It is a room steeped in tradition, with oak-paneled walls and windows that overlook the campus quad.
In the eighth season, the Canada Room will play a central role in the plot. The gang will discover that the room is actually a portal to an alternate dimension, where they will encounter new friends, enemies, and challenges. But they won’t be alone. The gang will also face off against the mysterious Father Madden, a legendary figure at St. Michael’s College. He is a priest with a dark past, and his motives are unclear. Is he a friend or foe? The gang will have to find out for themselves.
As the season unfolds, the characters of Riverdale will be forced to navigate the treacherous quad of St. Michael’s College, facing off supernatural forces, sinister conspiracies, and their own personal demons. But they will also discover a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that they never knew existed.
Amidst the chaos, they will immerse themselves in the unique culture of St. Michael’s College. They will attend Mass at St. Basil’s Church, join in the traditional Hoikey Choik cheer during Frosh Week, and even live in the hospitable dorm rooms of Elmsley Hall. Fans can also expect some exciting guest appearances from St. Michael’s College faculty and staff, including President David Sylvester, who will play himself in a few episodes.
The eighth season of Riverdale promises to be a thrilling adventure full of surprises and nods to the rich culture and history of St. Michael’s College, so mark your calendars and get ready to join Archie and the gang on their new journey.
