An Important Guest Star Will Join “Riverdale” Season 4 Premiere

Shannen Doherty. Photo by Philippe Blet/REX/Shutterstock (9945826e)

There is a bittersweet element to Riverdale’s casting.

Shannen Doherty will be making an appearance on The CW show when its fourth season premieres.

Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa has already stated that the first episode of the season will be dedicated to Luke Perry.

The actor, who played Archie’s father Fred, passed away suddenly in March following a massive stroke. His absence was not addressed on the show, with Aguirre-Sacasa saying that the season 4 premiere would serve as a tribute episode.

It has now been confirmed that Perry’s dear friend and former Beverley Hills, 90210 co-star Doherty will guest star — something that Perry reportedly wanted from the first season.

“They were such good friends, and when we were putting together this tribute episode, we wanted to make it as special as possible, and so we asked Shannen to do a pivotal, super-emotional role. She read the script and immediately said ‘yes.’ It’s very impactful,” said Aguirre-Sacasa.

Season 4 of Riverdale will premiere on October 9th.