Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, dramatic take on Archie comics is campy fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Riverdale
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 236 parent reviews
Parents say that the show contains a mix of engaging and disturbing content, making it unsuitable for younger teens; while some appreciate its thrilling aspects and storytelling, many express concern over its portrayal of relationships, drugs, and violence. The early seasons are more enjoyable, but many viewers feel that the later seasons veer into confusing and inappropriate themes that do not set a good example for impressionable audiences.
- inappropriate themes
- not suitable for younger audiences
- early seasons engaging
- confusing later seasons
- poor character development
- mixed parental opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 744 kid reviews
Kids say the show is engaging and full of drama, making it a favorite for many teens, though viewers should be aware of its dark themes and mature content, including violence and sexual situations. Overall, it’s praised for its character development and gripping storylines, but some feel it loses quality in later seasons.
- mature themes
- strong characters
- engaging storylines
- varied opinions
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The town of RIVERDALE has been rocked by the death of football hero (and secret cad) Jason Blossom (Trevor Stines). Fellow football player Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), talented singer Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), Jughead (Cole Sprouse), and new teen in town Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) join forces, only to discover that their town holds more secrets than they thought. The early season murder mystery shifts genres and tones over time, introducing supernatural elements, cults, serial killers, a multiverse, and even musical episodes. While the characters deal with each new danger, in a town where adults are nowhere to be found, they also navigate romantic entanglements, friendship conflicts, and family issues.
Is It Any Good?
Straining to escape the cheesiness of the old Archie comics, this series loads its storyline with new characters and complications, to the delight of many soap-loving teens. Riverdale is not for everyone -- some will love the kids' highfalutin language and get engrossed in the over-the-top mysteries they solve, ignoring plot holes and incoherence in favor of sheer camp. But many won't be able to overlook Riverdale's issues: Characters may be diverse on the surface, but they're uniformly one-note and feel tokenized. And wrong behavior (including sex with an underage girl) that should have consequences in the real world is treated casually, chalked up to "drama." Bottom line? Those who enjoy dark mysteries, wild plots, and model-type actors with a flair for the dramatic will probably enjoy getting wrapped up in Riverdale's world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the dysfunctional family relationships in Riverdale and discuss why writers so often turn to them for good material, both for drama and comedy. What is it about the relationships in Riverdale that's compelling?
Families can also talk about the series of comics on which Riverdale is based. Why do you think the show's creators decided to transform the light comedy of the cartoons into dark drama?
The show's characters are, on the surface, diverse. But without further depth or development, do you think this use of identity is harmful? Why, or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 26, 2017
- Cast : KJ Apa , Ashleigh Murray , Sarah Habel , Cole Sprouse , Madchen Amick
- Network : CW
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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