Riverdale

10 Best Episodes of Riverdale - Season 2

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 - S2E3

#15 - Chapter Sixteen: The Watcher in the Woods (Season 2 - Episode 3)

Archie gets frustrated by the lack of progress made in catching his father’s shooter, so he takes matters into his own hands to send the gunman a message. Meanwhile, Veronica is thrilled when Hiram’s attempt to start fresh means she gets to introduce him to her friends, including Archie. Elsewhere, Jughead starts his first day at Southside High and is befriended by a Southside Serpent named Toni, while Kevin’s attempt at having a little fun causes Betty to grow concerned for his safety.

The episode was rated 7.67 from 1557 votes.

Riverdale - S2E8

#14 - Chapter Twenty-One: House of the Devil (Season 2 - Episode 8)

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When Jughead learns that FP is getting released from prison, he and Betty organize a welcome home party with the Serpents to ease him back into his former life. Meanwhile, Archie and Veronica reach a crossroad in their relationship, but are forced to push their issues aside after Jughead and Betty ask them to take over the Black Hood investigation.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 1247 votes.

Riverdale - S2E7

#13 - Chapter Twenty: Tales from the Darkside (Season 2 - Episode 7)

Riverdale remains on edge after a chilling letter from the Black Hood challenges the town’s residents to remain sinless for 48 hours – or he’ll strike again. Meanwhile, Jughead and Archie’s friendship gets tested after Penny Peabody unexpectedly calls in a favor that Jughead owes her. Elsewhere, Betty and Veronica team up to investigate someone who Betty thinks could be the Black Hood killer. Finally, things take an unexpected turn for Josie when a secret admirer takes things one step too far.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1331 votes.

Riverdale - S2E14

#12 - Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hills Have Eyes (Season 2 - Episode 14)

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When Hiram suggests that Veronica and Archie head up to their lake house for the weekend, Veronica decides to invite Betty and Jughead to join them. Determined to uncover Hiram’s plans for Riverdale, Jughead uses his time at the lake house to press Veronica about what she may know. Back in Riverdale, Cheryl makes a surprising connection with an unlikely friend, while Josie lands in hot water after revealing a secret to Kevin.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1062 votes.

Riverdale - S2E4

#11 - Chapter Seventeen: The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Season 2 - Episode 4)

When Archie’s attempt to take matters into his own hands spirals out of control, Mayor McCoy calls an emergency town hall meeting to deal with the growing chaos in Riverdale. Meanwhile, when Betty finds herself at the center of a deepening mystery, her decision to keep some parts of it from Jughead causes further friction between the two. Elsewhere, Veronica grows concerned for Archie when she realizes the lengths he would go to seek revenge against the person terrorizing Riverdale. Finally, tensions between the North and Southside finally come to a head and leads to an unexpected showdown.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 1501 votes.

Riverdale - S2E20

#10 - Chapter Thirty-Three: Shadow of a Doubt (Season 2 - Episode 20)

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As the town’s mayoral race between Fred and Hermoine heats up, Hiram sets his sights on a new ally – Sheriff Minetta. Betty turns to Cheryl for help when she has a suspicion about the Black Hood. Meanwhile, the reveal of a dark secret forces Archie and Jughead to try and ease tensions between the Bulldogs and Serpents. Finally, on the eve of the mayoral debate, a mysterious message leaves everyone on edge.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 932 votes.

Riverdale - S2E12

#9 - Chapter Twenty-Five: The Wicked and the Divine (Season 2 - Episode 12)

As preparations for her confirmation ceremony get underway, Veronica becomes concerned that Archie, who’s agreed to be Hiram’s "intern," may be learning too much about her family’s secret business dealings. Jughead and FP lead the charge after an incident at Pickens Park leads to increased tensions among the Serpents. Meanwhile, Chic helps Betty deal with her inner darkness, while Archie finds himself in over his head after a high-stakes poker game with Hiram’s shady inner-circle goes awry.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 1109 votes.

Riverdale - S2E1

#8 - Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying (Season 2 - Episode 1)

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As Fred's life hangs in the balance following the shooting at Pop's diner, Archie struggles with the emotional aftermath of what he witnessed. Meanwhile, as Veronica steps out of her comfort zone to support Archie, she learns that her father Hiram has arrived to Riverdale earlier than expected. Elsewhere, at Pop's diner, Pop Tate recounts the chilling details of the shooting, which leaves Jughead and Betty questioning the gunman's true motives. Lastly, after running into Cheryl at the hospital, Betty and Kevin are surprised to learn about the fire at Thornhill.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 1947 votes.

Riverdale - S2E13

#7 - Chapter Twenty-Six: The Tell-Tale Heart (Season 2 - Episode 13)

Betty turns to Jughead for help when the consequences of a hasty decision come back to haunt her. Veronica organizes a face to face meeting after tensions between Hiram, FP and Jughead spiral out of control. Elsewhere, Archie is forced to make a tough decision after Agent Adams takes things one step too far.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 1084 votes.

Riverdale - S2E9

#6 - 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 - S2E6

#5 - 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

#4 - 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 - S2E5

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

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 - S2E22

#2 - 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 - S2E21

#1 - 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.

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