Someone call Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) — we’ve got news worthy of the Blue and Gold front page. The seventh and final season of Riverdale is now on Netflix in the US as of Aug. 31. That means you’ll be able to watch (or re-watch!) the series here in its entirety. The Season 7 finale, which was also the series finale, aired Aug. 23.

The teen show, created by playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, debuted in 2017 as a spin on the traditionally wholesome Archie comics. It’s led by modernized versions of Riverdale High School students Archie (KJ Apa), Betty, Jughead (Cole Sprouse), and Veronica (Camila Mendes), whose animated exploits have been pop culture fodder since the ’40s. 

While Riverdale loves a retro silhouette and milkshake from throwback diner Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe, it’s a drama that’s anything but innocent. In fact, Season 1 kicks off with a devastating sin — the murder of a local golden boy — and explores countless shocking homicide plots, criminal conspiracies, and sultry relationship betrayals from there. But for campy levity, there are also musical episodes and meme-able moments aplenty. The final season even takes places almost entirely in the 1950s. 

Whether you’ve devoured more episodes of Riverdale than Jughead has eaten Pop’s burgers or you’re a brand new Riverhead, here’s everything you need to know about the zany, serial killer-packed series. 

Courtesy of WB

What is Riverdale about?

That’s a tricky question. Riverdale Season 1 opens as a sudsy teen noir determined to answer one macabre question: Who killed Riverdale High School football captain Jason Blossom (Trevor Stines)? That mystery introduces us to Riverdale’s main quartet of Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Veronica, along with the secrets hidden deep within the Town with Pep.   

But Riverdale is a show that isn’t afraid to change — and experiment. While its first seasons focused on murder investigations mixed with titillating YA romance, it grew into something much weirder and wilder. Mob infighting, cults, multiple serial killers, deadly spins on Dungeons & Dragons, musicals, fancifully named drugs, and a surprisingly sexy bunker all get their time in the sun on Riverdale. You can also expect one season filled with superpowers and a wily, well-dressed wizard, as well as a mini Twilight Zone-esque arc called “Rivervale'” (with a v). 

In its final season, Riverdale takes its cast all the way back to the past, with a full plot line set in the 1950s. In the series finale, an older version of Betty (Michele Scarabelli) goes back to her final day at Riverdale High to reconnect and reminisce with her follow students and loved ones. Riverdale is a zippy ride in a cartoon-colored hot rod — so just buckle up and enjoy the turns. 

Who stars in Riverdale?

At the start of Riverdale, Apa, Mendes, Reinhart, and Sprouse were the lead cast of the series. But in ensuing seasons, Madelaine Petsch, Casey Cott, Vanessa Morgan, Charles Melton (who replaced 13 Reason Why’s Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle), Drew Ray Tanner, and Stranger Things’ Shannon Purser all become central to the goings-on of Riverdale High (and beyond). 

Although Riverdale is a teen drama, it also boasts a star-studded cast as its parental crew, which includes Twin Peaks’ Mädchen Amick, soap star Mark Consuelos, Scream heartthrob Skeet Ulrich, and ’80s icon Molly Ringwald, and ’90s icon Luke Perry (whose 2019 death sends shock waves through Riverdale). You’ll also spot Consuelos’ wife, Kelly Ripa; One Tree Hill’s Chad Michael Murray; Perry’s former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty; and even Andy Cohen over Riverdale’s seven seasons. 

Courtesy of WB

What is Riverdale based on?

Riverdale is inspired by the Archie comics that have been published for decades. Archie made his comic book debut in 1941’s Pep Comics No. 22, and the characters of Betty, Veronica, and Jughead would appear soon after. 

However, Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa didn’t want to make a direct recreation of the chaste Americana-infused comics. Instead, he imbued the classic storylines of Archie with pop culture references spanning everything from Twin Peaks and The Fall of the House of Usher to The Breakfast Club and Broadway musicals. 

As executive producer Greg Berlanti (who also produces You) told Entertainment Weekly in 2017, “For every nostalgic thing, [Roberto’s] got something so contemporary and adult and scary.” Said Aguirre-Sacasa, “I think [Riverdale] is kind of caught between the dark and the light of Archie.”

When can I stream Riverdale on Netflix?

Riverdale, the complete series, is now available to stream on Netflix in the US. Find whatever bunker makes you most comfortable and enjoy Season 1-7 of the jaw-dropping fun. 

Does Archie get attacked by a bear? 

Yes — technically twice. Go watch Season 3 to see what we mean. 

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