Riverdale shares special dedication to Luke Perry

On Wednesday, Riverdale aired its first new episode since Luke Perry died. The actor, who played Fred Andrews on the CW series, died Monday at 52, after suffering a massive stroke Feb. 27. Following his death, the show shut down production to give everyone time to grieve.

In that time, Riverdale’s cast and creators have shared their reactions to the tragic news on social media and recounted stories of working with Perry. “I’m finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us,” Perry’s costar Lili Reinhart wrote.

Additionally, on Wednesday, Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa announced on Twitter that the show would dedicate the rest of season 3 to Perry.

As for the episode itself, Perry’s character appeared briefly, arriving home just in time to save Archie’s life after a young boy named Ricky — who turned out to be Joaquin’s little brother — tried to kill him with a knife. In that moment, Fred was the comforting father he’s always been. And as for Perry, the episode ended with an official “In Memoriam” dedication to him.

See Aguirre-Sacasa’s tweet and the dedication below.

Related content:

• Luke Perry, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale star, dies at 52
• Riverdale temporarily shuts down production following Luke Perry’s death
• Riverdale cast, crew remember Luke Perry as ‘father figure’ with a ‘giant heart’