# Katy Keene (2020)

> A group of aspiring New York artists chase their fashion dreams in this glossy, Archie-universe spin-off.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/74331

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 13
- Episode runtime: 45 min
- Status: Canceled
- Genres: drama, comedy
- Created by: Michael Grassi, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
- Network: The CW
- Cast: Lucy Hale, Ashleigh Murray, Julia Chan, Jonny Beauchamp, Katherine LaNasa, Lucien Laviscount, Zane Holtz, Camille Hyde
- TMDB rating: 6.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10312964/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: bright, aspirational, whimsical, breezy, hopeful

## What critics say

Mixed audience reception, with viewers appreciating the fashion-driven visual style and the aspiring-artist storylines while finding the sudsy tone uneven.

## Synopsis

Katy Keene (2020) is a US CW spin-off series created by Michael Grassi and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa for The CW, drawn from the Archie comics universe. Lucy Hale stars as Katy Keene, an aspiring fashion designer trying to make her way in New York City alongside friends Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Julia Chan as Pepper Smith and Jonny Beauchamp as Jorge, who also goes by Ginger Lopez. Their engine is ambition: each character chases a creative break while juggling rent, rivalries and the pressure of a competitive industry. Episodes are built around sewing challenges, client commissions and the social politics of fashion circles, giving the single thirteen-episode season a steady rhythm of setbacks and small triumphs. Katherine LaNasa and Lucien Laviscount add industry power and romantic tension to the mix. The series is set in contemporary Manhattan and plays as a light, colorful, aspirational drama with comic touches and a hopeful, fairytale-like sheen. Fans of Riverdale, Gossip Girl and Project Runway will find a similar blend of teen-leaning glamour and creative striving. Its cancellation after one season leaves its storylines open.

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