While FP Jones (Skeet Ulrich) is a significant character on Riverdale, Ulrich decided to leave the teen drama show. The complex, unreliable parent of Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Jellybean (Trinity Likins) and the leader of the gang The Southside Serpents (until Jughead replaces him in the season 2 finale), F.P is often swept up in intense, dangerous situations. He has a brief prison sentence for lying about Jason Blossom’s (Trevor Stines) season 1 killer, reunites with Betty Cooper’s (Lili Reinhart) mother Alice (Mädchen Amick) in season 2, and becomes the town sheriff in season 3.
Ulrich decided to leave Riverdale before season 5, and another parent character said goodbye at the same time: Hermione Lodge (Marisol Nichols), Veronica Lodge’s (Camila Mendes) mother. But while Ulrich played a father in this popular teen drama, he actually became famous for his ’90s teen roles, including unlikable character Chris Hooker in The Craft, the 1996 horror film. The actor has worked steadily across his career, and was open about the reason why he left Riverdale. Thankfully, FP Jones was given a satisfying and logical ending, and after Ulrich’s final Riverdale episode aired in 2022, he reprised a notable role from his past.
Skeet Ulrich Simply Got Bored
In 2020, Ulrich shared a video on his Instagram account and said, “I’m leaving Riverdale because I got bored creatively. That’s the most honest answer” (via Variety). Ulrich’s departure made sense, as FP’s most compelling storylines were earlier on in his arc. His most gripping plotline is in season 1 when he is suspected of killing Jason, and it’s fascinating to watch as Jughead learns about his dad’s connection to the Riverdale biker gang the Southside Serpents, and wonders if FP is a good person. FP’s storylines are duller in seasons 3 and 4 as his sheriff job keeps him busy but doesn’t feel as exciting as when he runs the Serpents.
Ulrich’s final appearance is in season 5, episode 3, “Chapter Seventy-Nine: Graduation.” FP is shocked, guilt-ridden, and feels responsible after the big twist reveal that Jellybean is The Auteur and has made dark videos of tragedies the characters have faced. FP shows growth as he wants to be a present, helpful parent and he and Jellybean move to Toledo for a happier life with his ex and Jellybean’s mother Gladys (Gina Gershon). Before this point, FP doesn’t show much interest in being a stable parent, and he realizes that Riverdale isn’t a safe or healthy place to raise his daughter.
Since Leaving Riverdale, Ulrich Has Returned To Scream
After his arc finished on Riverdale, Ulrich reprised his Scream character in Scream (2022). However, Ulrich’s Scream (2022) appearance has been criticized, as the fact that he was digitally de-aged for these scenes feels cheesy and out of place. In the 1996 movie, Billy Loomis is a Ghostface killer and Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) high school boyfriend. He dies at the end of the film, but in the 2022 sequel, he appears in visions that his daughter Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera) has of him, which feels like an odd choice to make.
Ulrich’s brief Scream (2022) appearance is an unpopular moment in the otherwise well-received horror film which continues the entertaining meta story from the slasher franchise and features smart new characters such as Tara. However, it’s memorable to see Ulrich play his most popular character once again. Billy is a fun contrast to FP on Riverdale as he’s a clear villain, not a well-meaning character who makes mistakes but tries to better himself.