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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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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Riverdale Season 3 Episode 16 - Chapter Fifty-One: Big Fun
    4.8/10(17 votes)

    #1 - 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,

    Director:Maggie Kiley
    Writer:Tessa Leigh Williams

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  2. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 15 - Chapter Ninety-One: The Return of the Pussycats
    4.8/10(6 votes)

    #2 - 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.

    Director:Robin Givens
    Writers:Ariana Jackson, Evan Kyle

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  3. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 15 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two: Miss Teen Riverdale
    5.2/10(5 votes)

    #3 - 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.

    Director:Michael Goi
    Writers:Aaron Allen, Chrissy Maroon

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  4. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 16 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three: Stag
    5.2/10(5 votes)

    #4 - 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.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writer:Ryan Terrebonne

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  5. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 11 - Chapter Sixty-Eight: Quiz Show
    5.8/10(14 votes)

    #5 - 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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  6. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 17 - Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town
    5.8/10(13 votes)

    #6 - 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.

    Director:Antonio Negret
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 10 - Chapter Eighty-Six: The Pincushion Man
    5.8/10(10 votes)

    #7 - 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.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writer:Chrissy Maroon

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  8. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 17 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Four: A Different Kind of Cat
    5.8/10(4 votes)

    #8 - 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.

    Director:Kevin Rodney Sullivan
    Writers:Ariana Jackson, Evan Kyle

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  9. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 13 - Chapter Eighty-Nine: Reservoir Dogs
    6.0/10(6 votes)

    #9 - Chapter Eighty-Nine: Reservoir Dogs

    S5:E13

    While helping Eric deal with his PTSD, Archie is forced to confront his own past trauma in the Army. To find the Lonely Highway killer, Betty and Tabitha come up with a way to lure truckers to Pop's. Cheryl extends an invitation to Kevin and Veronica gives Reggie a shot to prove her wrong.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writer:Evan Kyle

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  10. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 14 - Chapter Ninety: The Night Gallery
    6.0/10(6 votes)

    #10 - Chapter Ninety: The Night Gallery

    S5:E14

    Cheryl enlists the help of Archie, Kevin, Fangs and Reggie after she learns there is palladium underneath her maple groves. Meanwhile, Betty and Alice confront a trucker who may have been involved in Polly's disappearance. Elsewhere, Jughead and Archie each confront events from their past.

    Director:Mädchen Amick
    Writer:James DeWille

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  11. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 7 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Four: Dirty Dancing
    6.0/10(6 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
    Writer:Aaron Allen

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  12. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 18 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Five: For a Better Tomorrow
    6.0/10(4 votes)

    #12 - Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Five: For a Better Tomorrow

    S7:E18

    As the gang gets swept up in Cold War paranoia, a new mystery brewing in Riverdale leads Jughead to suspect it may have ties to a string of suspicious murders in town. Archie reconsiders his future after Uncle Frank gives him a hard time about his poetry writing, and a shocking discovery involving her family shakes Betty to her core.

    Director:Gregory Smith
    Writers:Greg Murray, Ted Sullivan

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  13. Riverdale Season 2 Episode 18 - Chapter Thirty-One: A Night to Remember
    6.1/10(18 votes)

    #13 - Chapter Thirty-One: A Night to Remember

    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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  14. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 2 - Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Preppy Murders
    6.2/10(13 votes)

    #14 - 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.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writers:Janine Salinas Schoenberg, Devon Turner

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  15. Riverdale Season 7 Episode 6 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three: Peep Show
    6.2/10(6 votes)

    #15 - 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
    Writer:Ted Sullivan

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  16. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 3 - Chapter Sixty: Dog Day Afternoon
    6.3/10(15 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.

    Director:Gregory Smith
    Writers:Greg Murray, Ace Hasan

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  17. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 7 - Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm
    6.3/10(16 votes)

    #17 - 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.

    Director:Alex Pillai
    Writer:Arabella Anderson

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  18. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 13 - Chapter Seventy: The Ides of March
    6.3/10(14 votes)

    #18 - Chapter Seventy: The Ides of March

    S4:E13

    Worried about what the future may hold for him after high school, Archie seeks advice from an unlikely source -- Hiram Lodge. Meanwhile, Veronica begins to spiral after learning some devastating news about someone close to her. Finally, accusations made against Jughead leaves his future at Stonewall Prep hanging in the balance.

    Director:Claudia Yarmy
    Writers:Chrissy Maroon, Evan Kyle

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  19. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 18 - Chapter Ninety-Four: Next to Normal
    6.3/10(6 votes)

    #19 - 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.

    Director:Ronald Richard
    Writer:Tessa Leigh Williams

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  20. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 12 - Chapter Sixty-Nine: Men of Honor
    6.4/10(14 votes)

    #20 - 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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  21. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 6 - Chapter Sixty-Three: Hereditary
    6.5/10(14 votes)

    #21 - Chapter Sixty-Three: Hereditary

    S4:E6

    As Archie struggles to keep the neighborhood kids away from Dodger’s influence, he turns to an unexpected ally for help. Jughead uncovers a mystery surrounding the author of the Baxter Brothers books, while Betty confronts Charles about his past. Finally, Veronica deals with a major shake-up at home, and Cheryl and Toni get some unexpected visitors at Thistlehouse.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writer:James DeWille

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  22. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 14 - Chapter Seventy-One: How to Get Away with Murder
    6.5/10(12 votes)

    #22 - Chapter Seventy-One: How to Get Away with Murder

    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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  23. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 15 - Chapter Seventy-Two: To Die For
    6.5/10(15 votes)

    #23 - Chapter Seventy-Two: To Die For

    S4:E15

    Alice begins shooting a documentary about Riverdale and the latest mystery involving one of its own. Meanwhile, Betty, Archie and Veronica fall deeper into a web of lies as the investigation gets underway.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Riverdale Season 5 Episode 19 - Chapter Ninety-Five: RIVERDALE: RIP (?)
    6.5/10(4 votes)

    #24 - Chapter Ninety-Five: RIVERDALE: RIP (?)

    S5:E19

    As the gang pick up the pieces after a rough year back in Riverdale, an incident at Pop's forces them to make a difficult decision about the future of the town.

    Director:Gabriel Correa
    Writers:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Greg Murray

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  25. Riverdale Season 4 Episode 10 - Chapter Sixty-Seven: Varsity Blues
    6.6/10(14 votes)

    #25 - Chapter Sixty-Seven: Varsity Blues

    S4:E10

    As Riverdale High prepares for the championship football game against Stonewall Prep, Betty gets to work on a story about the rivalry between the schools. Archie is conflicted when Mary tells him about Uncle Frank’s troubled past. Cheryl goes head to head with Ms. Appleyard, the school’s new cheerleading coach, and Veronica hits a road block with her latest Luna Rum recipe. Finally, Jughead is forced to pick a side after the perks of attending Stonewall Prep begin to interfere with his personal life.

    Director:Roxanne Benjamin
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Chapter Fifty-One: Big Fun" is the worst rated episode of "Riverdale". It scored 4.8/10 based on 17 votes. Directed by Maggie Kiley and written by Tessa Leigh Williams, it aired on 3/20/2019. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Chapter Ninety-One: The Return of the Pussycats".