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The Best Episodes of Riverdale

Every episode of Riverdale ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Riverdale!

Best episode
S4E1 Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam
9.23,278 votes
Worst episode
S4E17 Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town
3.53,147 votes
Top season
Season 1
7.9avg
Binge time
4d 0h
137 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons7

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Riverdale Season 4 Episode 1 - Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam
    9.2/10(3278 votes)

    S4:E1

    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.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  2. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 21 - Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgment Night
    9.0/10(2714 votes)

    S2:E21

    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.

    Director:Cherie Nowlan
    Writer:Shepard Boucher

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  3. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 12 - Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder
    8.7/10(2915 votes)

    S1:E12

    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.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writer:Michael Grassi

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  4. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 13 - Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter
    8.5/10(2805 votes)

    S1:E13

    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.

    Director:Lee Toland Krieger
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  5. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 16 - Chapter Seventy-Three: The Locked Room
    8.4/10(1449 votes)

    S4:E16

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 5 - Chapter Eighteen: When a Stranger Calls
    8.3/10(2189 votes)

    S2:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Riverdale

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  7. Riverdale Season 3 Episode 4 - Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Midnight Club
    8.3/10(2156 votes)

    S3:E4

    When Betty confronts Alice about Gryphons and Gargoyles, Alice has no choice but to come clean about how she, along with a young Fred, FP, Hermoine, Hiram, Sierra, Penelope and Tom, played the game in the early 90's – and how a shocking mystery has been plaguing them all ever since.

    Director:Dawn Wilkinson
    Writer:Tessa Leigh Williams

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  8. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 19 - Chapter Thirty-Two: Prisoners
    8.2/10(1825 votes)

    S2:E19

    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.

    Director:Jennifer Phang
    Writer:Cristine Chambers

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  9. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 20 - Chapter Thirty-Three: Shadow of a Doubt
    8.2/10(1735 votes)

    S2:E20

    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.

    Director:Gregory Smith
    Writer:Yolonda E. Lawrence

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  10. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 3 - Chapter Seventy-Nine: Graduation
    8.2/10(1524 votes)

    S5:E3

    With Graduation Day around the corner, the gang consider their next steps beyond Riverdale High. Archie learns whether he will be able to graduate with his classmates. FP makes a difficult decision about his and Jellybean's future.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  11. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 9 - Chapter Twenty-Two: Silent Night, Deadly Night
    8.1/10(1909 votes)

    S2:E9

    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.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writer:Shepard Boucher

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  12. Riverdale Season 3 Episode 22 - Chapter Fifty-Seven: Survive the Night
    8.1/10(1732 votes)

    S3:E22

    After receiving mysterious invitations, Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead band together to confront the evils of their past once and for all. Meanwhile, chaos ensues at The Farm after Edgar makes a chilling announcement.

    Director:Rachel Talalay
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  13. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 10 - Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend
    8.0/10(2457 votes)

    S1:E10

    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.

    Director:Dawn Wilkinson
    Writers:Britta Lundin, Brian E. Paterson

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  14. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11 - Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again
    8.0/10(2341 votes)

    S1:E11

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  15. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 13 - Chapter Twenty-Six: The Tell-Tale Heart
    8.0/10(1741 votes)

    S2:E13

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Riverdale Season 3 Episode 5 - Chapter Forty: The Great Escape
    8.0/10(1706 votes)

    S3:E5

    After weeks go by with no contact from Archie, Veronica devises a dangerous plan to break him out of juvie. Meanwhile, when Betty learns that Jughead has taken their investigation into Griffins & Gargoyles a step too far, she finds herself in a race against the clock to save him.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Riverdale Season 3 Episode 21 - Chapter Fifty-Six: The Dark Secret of Harvest House
    8.0/10(1403 votes)

    S3:E21

    Veronica turns to Mary and Archie for help after uncovering a secret that Hiram had been keeping from her. Betty raises questions after witnessing some strange activities at The Farm. Jughead finds himself one step closer to uncovering the Gargoyle King's identity.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writer:Cristine Chambers

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  18. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter Four: The Last Picture Show
    7.9/10(2930 votes)

    S1:E4

    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.

    Director:Mark Piznarski
    Writer:Michael Grassi

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  19. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 1 - Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying
    7.9/10(2458 votes)

    S2:E1

    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.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  20. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 7 - Chapter Twenty: Tales from the Darkside
    7.9/10(1920 votes)

    S2:E7

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 6 - Chapter Nineteen: Death Proof
    7.9/10(1904 votes)

    S2:E6

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Riverdale Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter Six: Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill!
    7.8/10(2655 votes)

    S1:E6

    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.

    Director:Steven A. Adelson
    Writers:Nicholas Zwart, Tessa Leigh Williams

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  23. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 14 - Chapter Seventy-One: How to Get Away with Murder
    7.9/10(1120 votes)

    S4:E14

    When a night in the woods goes horribly awry, Betty, Archie and Veronica are forced to confront what one of them may be capable of.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 4 - Chapter Seventeen: The Town That Dreaded Sundown
    7.8/10(1911 votes)

    S2:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 8 - Chapter Twenty-One: House of the Devil
    7.8/10(1901 votes)

    S2:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Yolonda E. Lawrence

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Best Episodes Summary

"Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam" is the best rated episode of Riverdale. It scored 9.2/10 from 3,278 votes. Directed by Gabriel Correa and written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, it aired on October 9, 2019. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgment Night".

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