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The Best Episodes of Riverdale Season 2

Every episode of Riverdale Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Riverdale Season 2!

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 14 - Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hills Have Eyes
    7.8/10(1756 votes)

    S2:E14

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 17 - Chapter Thirty: The Noose Tightens
    7.8/10(1670 votes)

    S2:E17

    Just as the town's mayoral race gets underway, Riverdale High's own student council election heats up. Archie steps up to help after learning that Hiram's mobster associates have come to Riverdale to stir up some trouble. Meanwhile, things take a dangerous turn for Alice, Betty and Chic when an unexpected guest shows up at the Cooper residence. Finally, Toni, Veronica and Josie team up to solve a strange mystery involving Cheryl.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 22 - Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World
    7.8/10(1764 votes)

    S2:E22

    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.

    Director:Steven A. Adelson
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  15. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 2 - Chapter Fifteen: Nighthawks
    7.7/10(2048 votes)

    S2:E2

    With the gunman still at large and the residents of Riverdale on edge, Betty leads the charge to save Pop's after learning that the diner may be forced to close its doors forever. Meanwhile, the gang becomes increasingly concerned for Archie's well being after noticing a string of unusual behavior from him. Elsewhere, Betty and Veronica approach Cheryl and Josie for their help saving Pop's, while Jughead's attempt to find FP a new lawyer may have some serious repercussions. Finally, when a past betrayal unexpectedly comes to light, Veronica finds herself at a crossroads with Hiram and Hermione.

    Director:Allison Anders
    Writer:Michael Grassi

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  16. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 12 - Chapter Twenty-Five: The Wicked and the Divine
    7.7/10(1745 votes)

    S2:E12

    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.

    Director:Rachel Talalay
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  17. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 16 - Chapter Twenty-Nine: Primary Colors
    7.7/10(1678 votes)

    S2:E16

    In the aftermath of Hiram's newly announced plans for Riverdale, Jughead resorts to drastic measures to voice his opposition. After making her own big announcement, Hermoine's friend Andy Cohen comes to town to lend a hand. Meanwhile, Veronica goes against her parent's wishes to keep a low profile when she decides to run for student council president. Elsewhere, Mary arrives in Riverdale just as tensions between Fred and Archie reach a breaking point. Finally, following a series of mysterious events, Cheryl begins to fear that someone is out to get her.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 3 - Chapter Sixteen: The Watcher in the Woods
    7.6/10(1945 votes)

    S2:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 10 - Chapter Twenty-Three: The Blackboard Jungle
    7.6/10(1752 votes)

    S2:E10

    Tensions mount when the sudden shut down of Southside High forces Jughead and his fellow serpents to transfer to Riverdale High. Veronica ensures Hiram and Hermoine that she's still on board with their plans for SoDale. Archie is conflicted when he is asked to gather some information on Hiram's suspicious business dealings. Betty sets out on a quest to find her long-lost brother, Chic.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Britta Lundin, Brian E. Paterson

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  20. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 15 - Chapter Twenty-Eight: There Will Be Blood
    7.6/10(1634 votes)

    S2:E15

    After learning that his dad is considering running for mayor of Riverdale, Archie begins to grow concerned that the Lodges may have found their newest pawn in Fred. Meanwhile, Betty becomes increasingly suspicious of Chic's strange behavior and enlists Kevin's help to figure out what Chic is hiding. Finally, Cheryl and Penelope are surprised when they learn that Clifford left a secret will, and Jughead makes a major discovery in his quest to take down Hiram.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 11 - Chapter Twenty-Four: The Wrestler
    7.2/10(1751 votes)

    S2:E11

    Amidst preparations for the town's annual Picken's Day festivities, Jughead interviews Toni's grandfather and learns some shocking details about Riverdale's history. In an attempt to get closer to Hiram, Archie tries out for the Riverdale wrestling team after learning of Hiram's love of the sport. Meanwhile, Betty unearths some dark secrets about her brother Chic, and Veronica and Josie clash as they prepare for their Picken's Day performance.

    Director:Gregg Araki
    Writers:Britta Lundin, Brian E. Paterson

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  22. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 18 - Chapter Thirty-One: A Night to Remember
    5.7/10(3019 votes)

    S2:E18

    As Riverdale High begins rehearsals for its upcoming production of "Carrie the Musical", the arrival of an ominous letter forces director Kevin to make a difficult decision about the show. Jughead uses his cover as the musical's documentarian to solve the mystery behind the letter. Meanwhile, tensions between Betty and Veronica continue to escalate just as Alice announces she is joining the musical to spend more time with Betty. Elsewhere, Hiram enacts a devious plan to further drive a wedge between Fred and Archie, while Cheryl channels Carrie White during a showdown with her mother.

    Director:Jason Stone
    Writers:Arabella Anderson, Tessa Leigh Williams

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Season 2 Ratings Summary

"Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgment Night" is the best rated episode of Riverdale season 2. It scored 9.0/10 from 2,714 votes. Directed by Cherie Nowlan and written by Shepard Boucher, it aired on May 9, 2018. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "Chapter Eighteen: When a Stranger Calls".