Riverdale

10 Best Episodes of Riverdale

Set in the present, the series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica and their friends, exploring the surreality of small-town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Riverdale - S1E4

#15 - Chapter Four: The Last Picture Show (Season 1 - Episode 4)

When Jughead learns that an anonymous buyer has plans to tear down the local drive-in, he fights desperately to keep it open. Betty finds her friendship with Archie on the line after stumbling upon some startling information she's uncovered about Miss Grundy's past. Elsewhere, Veronica confronts her mother Hermoine about a suspicious meeting she witnessed between her mother and a shady Southside Serpent. Finally, after uncovering Betty's diary, Alice finds the perfect opportunity to destroy Archie's golden boy image.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 2447 votes.

Riverdale - S2E9

#14 - Chapter Twenty-Two: Silent Night, Deadly Night (Season 2 - Episode 9)

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After snooping around for Christmas gifts, Veronica uncovers a major secret Hiram has been keeping from her. Fallout from Jughead’s encounter with Penny Peabody creates tension between him and FP. Meanwhile, a defiant Cheryl takes matters into her own hands after Penelope tells her they cannot afford Christmas this year. Finally, Betty and Archie’s vow to take down the Black Hood once and for all leads to a dangerous showdown.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 1269 votes.

Riverdale - S1E10

#13 - Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend (Season 1 - Episode 10)

When Fred decides to finalize the divorce with Archie’s mother Mary, Archie hides his true feelings. Archie tries to win Valerie back with a romantic evening, however, Betty hijacks his plans when she decides to throw Jughead a surprise birthday party. Once Cheryl learns of the party, she decides to make it interesting and things quickly get out of control. Meanwhile, Veronica contemplates whether she should participate in the deposition to help get her Dad released.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 1988 votes.

Riverdale - S1E7

#12 - Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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When a major piece of evidence is mysteriously destroyed, new rumors begin to swirl as to who was really behind Jason's murder. Tensions build when Jughead's father returns to the fray and it's revealed that he and Fred have some unresolved issues between them. Meanwhile, Veronica takes matters into her own hands after her fight with Hermione. Cheryl approaches Betty with an unexpected proposal that leaves Betty torn.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 2205 votes.

Riverdale - S2E6

#11 - Chapter Nineteen: Death Proof (Season 2 - Episode 6)

After a charge led by Mayor McCoy threatens to further escalate tensions between the North and Southside, Jughead, along with Archie, tries to put a stop to a dangerous alliance being considered between the Serpents and a long-time rival. Betty turns to Veronica for help when she’s thrust into the center of a burgeoning mystery surrounding The Sugarman. Finally, Cheryl confronts her mother Penelope after a traumatic run-in forces her to make a stark realization.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 1401 votes.

Riverdale - S2E19

#10 - Chapter Thirty-Two: Prisoners (Season 2 - Episode 19)

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After an incident at Riverdale High leaves the town on edge, Archie leads the charge to uncover the culprit. Meanwhile, the reveal of a devastating secret leads to a violent showdown between Chic, Jughead, Betty and Alice. Elsewhere, Veronica takes matters into her own hands when someone from her past comes to town seeking revenge. Finally, Hermoine and Cheryl conspire to take down Sheriff Keller.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 939 votes.

Riverdale - S1E6

#9 - Chapter Six: Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill! (Season 1 - Episode 6)

With Riverdale High's annual variety show around the corner, Valerie's efforts to help Archie prepare for his big performance lead to some major fallout between her and Josie. Meanwhile, Betty and Jughead's investigation into Jason's death brings them to a home for troubled youth and face-to-face with Polly. Just as her relationship with her mother was on the upswing, an unexpected betrayal sends Veronica spiraling, while Josie deals with her own pressures at home after her overbearing father returns for her performance at the variety show. Finally, Hermoine's first day at Andrew's Construction finds her and Fred growing closer.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 2314 votes.

Riverdale - S2E5

#8 - Chapter Eighteen: When A Stranger Calls (Season 2 - Episode 5)

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When Alice publishes a fiery piece in the Riverdale Register blasting the Southside, Jughead is forced to take matters into his own hands to try and keep the peace. Betty turns to Archie for help after receiving an ultimatum that could potentially destroy some of her closest relationships. With their SoDale open house fast approaching, Hiram and Hermoine enlist the help of an unlikely ally to get some potential investors on board. Finally, Veronica welcomes her old friend Nick St. Clair to Riverdale, but his plans for a wild night with the gang quickly takes an unexpected turn.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 1435 votes.

Riverdale - S1E11

#7 - Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again (Season 1 - Episode 11)

Betty is slammed overseeing Homecoming and Reunion weekend, but Alice wants her to help with the Jason Blossom investigation. Alice turns to Archie and Veronica for help, but when Betty discovers they are working with her mom, she is not happy. After seeing his father FP start to clean up his act, Jughead wonders if it's the right time to give him another chance. Cheryl and Polly have both decided to go to Homecoming in Jason's honor, until a revelation waylays their plans. Meanwhile, Fred and Mary attend the Homecoming dance, leaving Fred to possibly reconsider the divorce.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1950 votes.

Riverdale - S2E22

#6 - Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World (Season 2 - Episode 22)

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With Fred trailing in the polls, Archie steps in to lend a hand in his dad’s mayoral campaign. Veronica stays one step ahead after uncovering Hiram’s latest scheme. Elsewhere, Cheryl finalizes her emancipation from her mother, while FP makes a surprising announcement to Jughead and the Serpents. Finally, Betty confronts her darkest demons.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 866 votes.

Riverdale - S1E12

#5 - Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder (Season 1 - Episode 12)

Archie and Veronica are shocked to learn of the arrest but know they need to come clean to their parents about what they uncovered. Still hurt by the betrayal of his friends and torn over who to trust, Jughead reluctantly joins them in a quest for truth. Meanwhile, Cheryl confronts her mom about why she treats her so much worse than she ever did with Jason.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 1976 votes.

Riverdale - S4E16

#4 - Chapter Seventy-Three: The Locked Room (Season 4 - Episode 16)

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Jughead and Betty confront Bret, Donna and Professor DuPont and unravel their plan to commit the perfect murder.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 368 votes.

Riverdale - S2E21

#3 - Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgment Night (Season 2 - Episode 21)

When an incident at the Sheriff’s station triggers an all-out war between the North and the Southside, Archie and Jughead find themselves in the fight of their lives. Meanwhile Veronica makes a devastating discovery about Hiram, just as someone from his past arrives in Riverdale looking for revenge. Finally, Betty comes face to face with the Black Hood.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 972 votes.

Riverdale - S1E13

#2 - Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter (Season 1 - Episode 13)

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Archie and Veronica continue to grow closer. Betty is tired of her family acting as if nothing has happened and confronts her mother. Jughead finds himself in an unexpected situation, leaving Archie and the gang scrambling. Hermione makes Fred an offer that seems too good to be true. Meanwhile, the truth about Blossoms’ family business is revealed leaving Cheryl to take matters into her own hands.

The episode was rated 8.11 from 1980 votes.

Riverdale - S4E1

#1 - Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam (Season 4 - Episode 1)

As the residence of Riverdale prepare for its upcoming Independence Day parade, Archie receives a phone call that will change the rest of his life forever.

The episode was rated 8.39 from 670 votes.

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