'Riverdale': Skeet Ulrich and Marisol Nichols to leave after Season 4, here's how their exit impacts the show
In what comes as a piece of heartbreaking news for 'Riverdale' fans, Skeet Ulrich and Marisol Nichols will be exiting the hit teen drama after Season 4. While the reasons behind their departure are still unclear, both actors expressed their gratitude for being part of the show since its inception.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made on Riverdale, and I will miss seeing everyone on a daily basis,” Ulrich said in a statement provided to TVLine.
"I'm proud to have been part of such a talented group of people, in front of the camera and behind. But I've decided that it's time for me to move on to explore other creative opportunities," he said.
Ulrich plays FP Jones, Jughead's dad (Cole Sprouse). He was introduced as the Serpent King and eventually goes on to become the Sheriff of Riverdale. There is no word on how his role would be written off yet.
Nichols, who plays Veronica's mom Hermione, will be leaving the show as well.
'Riverdale' showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed the two departures in a statement to TVLine: "Part of life in 'Riverdale' — and part of growing up — is saying goodbye to people."
"I'm grateful to Skeet and Marisol for their incredible work on the show these last four years, and we all wish them well on their future endeavors. FP and Hermione will never be far from our hearts. And, of course, they’re always welcome back in 'Riverdale'," he shared.
Ulrich and Nichols' exit will be a major blow to the series considering the teen drama has been renewed for another reason. FP played a pivotal role in the current season and his absence just might make a dent in the ratings as well.
Speculating by what Aguirre-Sacasa had to say, FP may necessarily be killed off. Considering how he impacts Jug's life and adding to the fact that he has stepped up to be Archie's (KJ Apa) father-figure in the series, there's a lot to figure out for the writers when it comes to writing off the character.
That there might be new actors to replace the two is a possibility we have to consider as well.
Fans though have not taken the news well. "Riverdale without FP/Jughead bonding moments? I don’t want it," tweeted a fan. This was seconded by another fan who wrote: "if skeet leaves ... there’s no more Riverdale IDC."
One fan hoped Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) should have left instead: "That sucks... wish Hiram would leave instead."
The bigger question was, what about Falice? Betty's mother, Alice (Madchen Amick) and FP were having a relationship that was revealed in early Season 3. "#Falice????" asked a fan. "only watched for falice now that wont happen so bye Riverdale! #riverdale," said another.