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The Worst Episodes of Riverdale

Every episode of Riverdale ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Riverdale!

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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.

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Seasons7

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Riverdale Season 5 Episode 15 - Chapter Ninety-One: The Return of the Pussycats
    3.7/10(10 votes)

    #1 - Chapter Ninety-One: The Return of the Pussycats

    S5:E15

    After going MIA during the middle of her world tour, mega-star Josie McCoy returns to Riverdale unexpectedly. But it's not until she reunites with her former bandmates Valerie and Melody, that she opens up about the real reason why she's back. Elsewhere, Veronica gets creative after a surprise visit from her old friend Alexandra Cabot. Finally, Toni steps in to help Tabitha and Veronica land a deal.

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  2. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 15 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two: Miss Teen Riverdale
    4.2/10(9 votes)

    #2 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two: Miss Teen Riverdale

    S7:E15

    It's time for the town's annual Miss Teen Riverdale pageant and Betty, Veronica, Cheryl and Toni each have their own reasons for entering. However, when Alice doesn't allow Ethel to enter the pageant, the girls band together to make sure she has a fighting chance.

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  3. Riverdale Season 3 Episode 16 - Chapter Fifty-One: Big Fun
    4.6/10(21 votes)

    #3 - Chapter Fifty-One: Big Fun

    S3:E16

    As rehearsals for this year’s musical “Heathers: The Musical” get underway, Cheryl, as queen bee Heather Chandler, channels her own HBIC to deal with a recent fallout. Meanwhile, Betty grows increasingly annoyed by Evelyn’s involvement with the musical – as well as the lives of her friends. Elsewhere, Veronica learns some devastating news about her family, and Archie and Josie make a decision about their future. Lastly, Jughead makes a surprising move against Gladys,

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  4. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 17 - Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town
    4.6/10(17 votes)

    #4 - Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town

    S4:E17

    Kevin decides to revive Riverdale High’s tradition of hosting a variety show. But when Mr. Honey forbids him from performing a number from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Kevin and the gang rally against their principal turning the variety show into a full-fledged musical that reflects the students’ inner lives and struggles. And amidst all the drama, one forbidden “showmance” begins to blossom.

    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 18 - Chapter Ninety-Four: Next to Normal
    4.6/10(10 votes)

    #5 - Chapter Ninety-Four: Next to Normal

    S5:E18

    Refusing to accept what's going on around her, Alice creates an imaginary musical fantasy world in which the Coopers are one big happy family again. But as her mother continues to spiral, Betty does her best to pull her back to reality.

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  6. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 16 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three: Stag
    4.7/10(9 votes)

    #6 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three: Stag

    S7:E16

    Veronica sets up a screening at the Babylonium after Julian gets his hands on a stag film and invites Archie, Reggie and the guys over for a watch party. Betty unexpectedly reunites with Polly and learns about her sister's new life in New York. Elsewhere, Jughead goes to war with Dr. Werthers over his censure of comic books.

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  8. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 17 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Four: A Different Kind of Cat
    4.9/10(8 votes)

    #7 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Four: A Different Kind of Cat

    S7:E17

    Betty enlists help from Cheryl and Toni after deciding she's going to publish her own book. Veronica, Kevin and Clay host Hollywood movie star Josie McCoy, who is in town to screen her latest film. Finally, Archie's attempt to take his poetry to the next level doesn't go as planned.

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  9. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 19 - Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen: The Witches of Riverdale
    5.0/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen: The Witches of Riverdale

    S6:E19

    When several of their own fall prey to Percival's latest plan, Cheryl calls upon fellow witch Sabrina Spellman for help. Elsewhere, Percival gives Reggie an ultimatum.

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  10. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 17 - Chapter One Hundred and Twelve: American Psychos
    5.1/10(8 votes)

    #9 - Chapter One Hundred and Twelve: American Psychos

    S6:E17

    In order to catch the Trash Bag Killer once and for all, Betty devises a plan to hold a serial killer convention in Riverdale. Elsewhere, Cheryl receives some news about Toni and Fangs that sends her spiraling, while Archie and Tabitha try to loosen the grip Percival has over his workers.

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  11. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 3 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty: Sex Education
    5.1/10(7 votes)

    #10 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty: Sex Education

    S7:E3

    After a lesson in sex education leaves the gang more confused than ever, Veronica decides to organize a make-out party at the Pembrooke. Elsewhere, Jughead attempts to help Ethel out of some trouble only to find himself in hot water as well.

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  12. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 7 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Four: Dirty Dancing
    5.2/10(10 votes)

    #11 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Four: Dirty Dancing

    S7:E7

    Fearing that Betty is going down the wrong path, Alice forces her to join the after-school dance show, "American Grandstand." Meanwhile, Kevin is forced by Tom to join the Riverdale High basketball team, and Veronica finds herself cut off by her parents.

    Director:Jesse Warn

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  13. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 16 - Chapter One Hundred and Eleven: Blue Collar
    5.3/10(8 votes)

    #12 - Chapter One Hundred and Eleven: Blue Collar

    S6:E16

    After learning that Percival is exploiting his new work crew, Archie and Tabitha devise a plan to help protect the workers and get them out from under Percival's control. Meanwhile, Jughead finds himself with a target on his back after Percival catches wind of a scheme he and Veronica hatched against Reggie. Finally, Betty receives some unexpected news about a dark moment from her past, and Toni and Fangs find themselves at a crossroads.

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  14. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 6 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three: Peep Show
    5.3/10(10 votes)

    #13 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three: Peep Show

    S7:E6

    At her wits end over Archie’s recent actions, Mary turns to Uncle Frank to get him back on track. Meanwhile, Betty asks Veronica for help understanding her sexuality. Elsewhere, Jughead takes action after he discovers plagiarism taking place at Pep Comics, and Cheryl and Toni’s budding attraction catches the attention of some River Vixens

    Director:Amy Myrold

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  15. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 8 - Chapter One Hundred and Three: The Town
    5.4/10(9 votes)

    #14 - Chapter One Hundred and Three: The Town

    S6:E8

    After learning that Percival Pickens is behind a blistering article calling Riverdale the worst town in America, Archie comes up with a plan to prove him wrong. Meanwhile, after the Town Council goes after their casino, Veronica and Reggie decide they're going to do everything on the up-and-up moving forward. Finally, Britta makes a risky move to help Cheryl.

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  16. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 18 - Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen: Biblical
    5.5/10(8 votes)

    #15 - Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen: Biblical

    S6:E18

    As the gang plan an event celebrating two of their own, strange biblical plaques around town threaten to put a damper on the special day.

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  17. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 3 - Chapter Sixty: Dog Day Afternoon
    5.6/10(19 votes)

    #16 - Chapter Sixty: Dog Day Afternoon

    S4:E3

    Things take a dangerous turn when Betty and Charles track down Edgar and his Farmies. Archie and Veronica hold a car wash fundraiser at Pop’s to raise money for the community center. Elsewhere, Jughead’s first day at Stonewall Prep doesn’t go as planned. Lastly, Cheryl learns a dark family secret from Nana Rose.

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  18. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 11 - Chapter Sixty-Eight: Quiz Show
    5.6/10(18 votes)

    #17 - Chapter Sixty-Eight: Quiz Show

    S4:E11

    Determined to give Frank a second chance, Archie gives him a job at Andrew’s Construction. Betty channels her energy into taking Bret down and defeating Stonewall Prep at the Quiz Show Championship, while Veronica and Cheryl team up for an unlikely business venture. Finally, Kevin’s date with a new suitor takes a strange and unexpected turn.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 2 - Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Preppy Murders
    5.6/10(17 votes)

    #18 - Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Preppy Murders

    S5:E2

    Betty and Jughead's investigation into the auteur takes a twisted turn after receiving a call from Bret. Meanwhile, Archie is forced to make an impossible decision when the person responsible for his father's death needs his help. Elsewhere, Veronica and Hermosa come up with a plan to force Hiram into early retirement, and Cheryl makes a business move.

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  20. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 10 - Chapter Eighty-Six: The Pincushion Man
    5.6/10(14 votes)

    #19 - Chapter Eighty-Six: The Pincushion Man

    S5:E10

    While preparing for the school's Parent-Teacher night, Archie is caught off guard when his former Army General shows up in Riverdale with some unexpected news. Cheryl pushes back after hearing that Hiram and Reggie have expressed interest in taking over the Blossom maple groves. Jughead's unconventional way to get through a case of writer's block causes Tabitha to be concerned for his safety. Finally, Betty and Alice receive some unexpected visitors.

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  21. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 9 - Chapter One Hundred and Four: The Serpent Queen's Gambit
    5.6/10(9 votes)

    #20 - Chapter One Hundred and Four: The Serpent Queen's Gambit

    S6:E9

    After suspecting that Percival is about to make a big play, Archie, Betty and Jughead warn their friends about his potential threat to the town. Meanwhile, Toni also finds herself a target after Percival announces his plans to rid the town of gangs, including the Serpents. Finally, Cheryl makes her move against Archie, Betty and Jughead.

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  22. Riverdale Season 6 Episode 11 - Chapter One Hundred and Six: Angels in America
    5.7/10(10 votes)

    #21 - Chapter One Hundred and Six: Angels in America

    S6:E11

    After learning that Percival's plan to reinvigorate Riverdale would lead to the demise of Pop's, Tabitha searches for a way to fight back. But when she is targeted by one of Percival's accomplices, the incident sends her back in time and searching for answers.

    Director:Claudia Yarmy
    Writer:Evan Kyle

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  23. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 7 - Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm
    5.8/10(20 votes)

    #22 - Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm

    S4:E7

    Archie’s plan to host a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner at the community center quickly gets derailed when some unexpected guests arrive. Stranded at Stonewall Prep by an ice storm, Jughead and Betty search for clues about a recent death on campus. Elsewhere, while FP, Alice, Hiram and Hermoine wait out the storm together at Pop’s, Cheryl and Toni get resourceful as they host a dinner for Cheryl’s family.

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  24. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 12 - Chapter Sixty-Nine: Men of Honor
    5.8/10(18 votes)

    #23 - Chapter Sixty-Nine: Men of Honor

    S4:E12

    Archie grows concerned for Frank after someone from his past arrives in Riverdale. Betty and Alice’s investigation into incidents at Stonewall Prep leads them on a collision course with their number one suspect. Jughead challenges Bret to a duel to settle their grievances, while Toni, Kevin and Fangs seek revenge against Nick St. Clair, who has shown up unexpectedly in Riverdale. Finally, a trip to New York City gives Veronica an opportunity to catch up with her old friend Katy Keene.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 4 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One: Love & Marriage
    5.8/10(8 votes)

    #24 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One: Love & Marriage

    S7:E4

    After enlisting Archie's help, Cheryl's plan to fool her family spirals out of control. Jughead turns to Veronica for help after finding himself in some trouble, and Betty gives Kevin an ultimatum.

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  26. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 12 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine: After the Fall
    5.8/10(8 votes)

    #25 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine: After the Fall

    S7:E12

    Archie and Reggie lean on each other as they prepare for their big basketball game against Stonewall Prep. Meanwhile, as they deal with ongoing issues with their parents, Betty and Veronica decide to throw a slumber party with Kevin and Clay.

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Chapter Ninety-One: The Return of the Pussycats" is the worst rated episode of "Riverdale". It scored 3.7/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by Robin Givens and written by Ariana Jackson, Evan Kyle, it aired on 9/8/2021. This episode scored 0.5 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two: Miss Teen Riverdale".