Parent reviews for Riverdale

The show is not bad at all. The "shirtless sex scene in the car" is only on for about one second and no other part of the show is bad at all very little swears and only about three kisses in the whole show. I am very strict about what my 12 and 13-year-old daughters watch and I let them watch this show. Trust me, it is very appropriate.

I was inspired to write this review after seeing the number of parents willing to let teenagers and younger children watch Riverdale. This show has disturbing undertones, an agenda, and drives messages which are not good for society and especially not good for people who are still developing their identities. The first episode is by far the most extreme in pushing the agenda. However, the next several shows are a continuous serving of the same items at a lower volume. Common themes are normalization of teenage sex, distrust of parents, dysfunctional family dynamics, provocative behavior / dress, gay teenage sex, and sensationalism of rude behavior. This is all built upon the dark undertones of mistrust, murder, crime, and intentional confusion of good vs bad characters role models. It is shocking to me how far entertainment has gone from shows like “Leave it to Beaver”, “Gomer Pyle”, and “The Waltons” where good behavior was considered the norm. Shows like Riverdale are designed to entertain by shaking the morals of impressionable people with confusion, sex, violence, and an intent to normalize erratic life choices. In the real world, choices have consequences and sometimes normal is not always correct. Life can often be confusing. However, overwhelming an impressionable mind with continuous messages like Riverdale to push the message that abnormal is normal is not a wise choice.

This is what happens when you try to make fun Archie stories R rated. Do your eyes and brain a HUGE favor; read the (preferably old) Archie comics or watch the old Archie cartoons.

I think that this show is perfect for pre-teens and teenagers. 15+? No way. It is not scary as such, as the 'bodies' are unrealistic and obviously fake. This would be a problem on an adult programme but as a show aimed at young teenagers, it makes it more innocent. There is little to no swearing and overall , I would be more than happy to show this to my 13 year old daughter.

This show is appropriate for kids 10 and up. My 2 daughters ages 10 and 12 watch this show, I am normally strict about shows they watch but this one is fine. This show does have a scene with a boy having an affair with a teacher, however it is overexaggerated on the website because it is shown for only a moment and no nudity is present except the boy's shirt is off. The relationships only involve passionate kissing, no other sexual content. The dead body is briefly shown and is looks very fake. The cussing is infrequent and rare. The female main characters are amazing role models because they are trying to overcome great obstacles in their lives and handle them well. I recommend to watch this show with your kids if they get scared easily. Enjoy!

As a big fan of the original Twin Peaks I didn't expect to get a similar vibe from a show based on Archie, but Riverdale delivers. It's a much better show than I expected, with characters that are actually closer to their comic originals than you might think. That said, this isn't for kids as it is a sexy show and some of the scenes and dialogue might make some parents and even teens uncomfortable seeing as it all involves high schoolers. In particular there is an unexpected subplot involving a character - a student - in a sexual relationship with a teacher. Topical? Definitely. And it certainly doesn't treat it with approval. But it could be triggering to people who are concerned about such issues. I've only watched the first few episodes and except for a very quick-edit sex scene (which is mild and certainly nothing to compare with, say, one of the Rhimes series on ABC), and some occasional close-ups of both male and female bodies in skimpy outfits, there shouldn't be too much of concern in that area. Except for the fact that the sex scene is related to the teacher-student relationship spoken about before. There is also a same-sex kiss performed with the intent of titillation (rather than romance), but it's done as a joke. The only area where I feel Riverdale goes over the top and into potentially offensive territory is sexual dialogue. Perhaps to make up for the fact they aren't allowed nudity or explicit sex (I can imagine this show would easily fall into the excesses of cable or streaming were it made for Starz or Netflix), several characters seem to relish in spouting very explicit dialogue. There are no four-letter-words (this is network TV after all) but the first two episodes has an openly gay character speak about the size of a fellow student's "equipment", and there are other references. So from a dialogue standpoint I'd be concerned and perhaps even prepared to answer some awkward questions if young ones are watching. Riverdale probably would be a stronger show if it reigned that aspect in a bit, but that aside, I'm quite surprised at how good it is and I certainly do recommend it for older teen viewers as the story is interesting, the characters are interesting (and several fall into the "great role model" category, though several - including, I have to say, Archie himself - do not). UPDATE: Season 2 has taken a darker turn, but the series remains fascinating and the Twin Peaks comparisons remain apt. In terms of content that might be of concern, however, the season has introduced a drugs angle with a fictional analogue of pot/ecstasy called "jingle-jangle" that most of the main characters partake in at some point; it's not treated in a positive manner or glamorized and there are several scenes of clear peer pressure, and the use by several characters is symbolic of their turning to darkness (just as abstaining is symbolic of trying to stay positive), but just be aware.

I really recommend parents watch ALL of this with kids younger than age 15. I've just watched a scene where one of the characters is handing out drugs at a party. Everyone present (including Archie) and with the exception of one girl, took the drugs. Afterwards they're seen dancing and having a good time. We NEVER see any negative consequences for the drug taking. I'm absolutely astounded that any parent would let their teen kid watch this. Even to encourage 16 year-olds seems outrageous, frankly. I'm no prude and definitely not conservative. I can only imagine that parents who let their young kids watch this haven't actually watched it themselves, or they really don't care what their kids see.

To all the people who are saying that Riverdale is appropriate and a great show for kids and "not as bad as it sounds"....yes, it is as bad as it sounds (implied sex/affair with a teacher, highly sexualized themes and images throughout, illegal drug selling/use, teen purchasing an illegal gun, teen pregnancy, and the list goes on). If you think this show is "appropriate" for 10-12 year olds as a lot of the posts state - you are crazy. I watch this show and would NEVER in a million years let my 11 year watch this. It is definitely an adult program aimed at teens - the rating clearly states 14+. I saw a review where someone recommended this show because it takes place in a high school! Wow, that is a stretch - anyone who is contemplating letting their CHILD watch this show - watch it for yourself and if you think think that sex with teachers, illegal drugs (oh and I almost forgot the spiking of alcohol in order to rape a girl) is all alright in your book - then go right ahead and let your child watch it.

The characters are supposed to be in high school, but are shown in very sexual situations. Some of the young female characters revealing wardrobe and styling are that of what a mature 18 and over would wear. It's overly sexualized and not representing young girls in a good light. It would be a fun and entertaining show without the sex talk, and more appropriate wardrobe and makeup for the girls on the show.