Is Riverdale Good?

Casual Critics•www.casualcriticspodcast.com

Two former entertainment industry insiders take a weekly dive into The CW’s Riverdale. Brittany and Chris recap episodes and explore ships, theories, casting news, official press, juicy off-screen rumors and answer the question on everyone’s mind: Is Riverdale actually good?

Last refreshed: July 25th, 2025 at 9:10 AM

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Episodes

Special Announcement

Chris and Brittany explain where they’ve been for the past few episodes, recap what they’ve missed, and make an announcement about future episodes.

Mar 15, 2018•33 min

Episode 25: The Wicked and the Divine

Well folks, they did it. After a shaky start to the season, Riverdale reemerges with one of its best episodes yet. Archie gets to work. Veronica gets confirmed. Penny Peabody goes full Merchant of Venice. Abuelita makes an appearance. FP gets a little angry. Oh, and Bughead finally reunites. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 25: The Wicked and the Divine.

Feb 01, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 12

Episode 24: The Wrestler

There’s so much happening in this episode of Riverdale that, honestly, I can’t sum it up in one witty sentence. Jughead gets woke. Archie is bad at something for a change. Betty opens up about her scars. Veronica takes center stage. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 24: The Wrestler.

Jan 25, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 11

Episode 23: The Blackboard Jungle

The gang is back from a long winter break and everyone is gearing up for some classic teen drama. Archie pursues a career in law enforcement. Veronica is part of the plan. Betty brings the family back together. And Jughead defies convention. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 23: The Blackboard Jungle.

Jan 18, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 10

Episode 22: Silent Night, Deadly Night

All I want for Christmas is a satisfying resolution to the Black Hood storyline! This week Veronica joins the family business. Kevin holds a holiday gathering. Jughead takes action against Penny. And Archie and Betty finally discover the Black Hood’s true identity...Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 22: Silent Night, Deadly Night.

Dec 14, 2017•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 9

Episode 21: House of the Devil

All around me are familiar faces...and drama! This week things get tense. Archie drops the L-bomb. Betty gets in touch with her serpent side. FP tastes freedom. Jughead gets in deeper with the Snake Charmer. Oh, and all the couples are in a fight now...except FP and Alice...Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 21: House of the Devil.

Dec 07, 2017•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 8

Episode 20: Tales From the Darkside

Sure, the Black Hood is terrorizing the core four, but what about everyone else? This week, Riverdale follows three stories: Jughead and Archie managing a shipment, Josie experiencing some unwanted attention (in more ways than one), and Betty and Veronica investigating the town’s lead investigator. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 20: Tales From the Darkside.

Nov 30, 2017•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 7

Episode 19: Death Proof

Drivers, start your engines. This week, Riverdale is off to the races. Jughead challenges the Ghoulies. Cheryl does some investigating. Veronica makes a sweet purchase. Archie screws it all up (again). And Betty takes control. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 19: Death Proof.

Nov 16, 2017•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 6

Episode 18: When A Stranger Calls

Oh hello, did I call during dinner? This week, Riverdale gets sad. Archie and Betty team up. Veronica gets a visit from an old friend. Alice makes an entrance. And Jughead joins the gang...the other gang. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 18: When A Stranger Calls.

Nov 09, 2017•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 5

Episode 17: The Town That Dreaded Sundown

So, who’s side are you on? This week, the divisions in Riverdale surface. Archie goes viral. Veronica is a trend setter. Betty gets some unwanted attention. Jughead rejects a phone call. And Alice gets angry. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 17: The Town That Dreaded Sundown.

Nov 02, 2017•1 hr 15 min

Episode 16: The Watcher in the Woods

Things in Riverdale are getting complicated…but in a good way? Archie gets inspired. Jughead returns to journalism. Veronica leans in. Kevin goes for a jog. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 16: The Watcher in the Woods.

Oct 26, 2017•1 hr 13 min

Episode 15: Nighthawks

Buckle up, Daddy. In the most epic episode of Riverdale yet, Archie makes it all about him. Veronica gets reacquainted with her parents. Betty takes point. Jughead makes a deal. Alice snaps some pics. Josie improvises. And it wasn’t Hiram...or was it? Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 15: Nighthawks.

Oct 19, 2017•1 hr 16 min

Episode 14: A Kiss Before Dying

Season two of Riverdale begins with a bang. After Fred is shot at Pops, all of Riverdale converges on the Hospital. Archie and Veronica get steamy. Betty and Jughead motor on. Cheryl is fired up. And an old friend makes a brief appearance. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 14: A Kiss Before Dying.

Oct 12, 2017•1 hr 10 min

Season 2 Spoilercast

With the premiere just hours away, Chris and Brittany summarize countless hours of twitter-based research and discuss everything they know about season two of Riverdale. They talk about promos, casting news, details from set photos, rumors, and their hopes for the next season. Who will have new love interests? Are we going to see Sabrina any time soon? What’s going to happen with Bughead? Listen in to find out.

Oct 09, 2017•59 min

Episode 13: The Sweet Hereafter

Now that we know who killed Jason Blossom, there’s only one question left: Why? Plus, Archie performs with Josie and the Pussycats. Alice reveals another Cooper family secret. Jughead visits the other side of town. Cheryl heats things up at Thornhill. And we finally get the steamy scenes we’ve we been waiting for. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 13: The Sweet Hereafter.

Sep 23, 2017•1 hr 17 min

Episode 12: Anatomy of a Murder

The investigation ends here. The gang finds out who killed Jason Blossom, and a secret about the Cooper Family is revealed. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 12: Anatomy of a Murder.

Sep 22, 2017•51 min

Episode 11: To Riverdale and Back Again

All that’s old is new again as Riverdale has a homecoming for the ages. Archie and Veronica dig into FP’s secrets. Jughead and Betty endure an awkward dinner. Kevin slow dances. Sheriff Keller has a breakthrough in the Jason Blossom murder case. Fred is polyamorous. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 11: To Riverdale and Back Again.

Sep 07, 2017•59 min

Episode 10: The Lost Weekend

It’s time to party. The whole gang converges on Archie’s house for the birthday celebration Jughead never wanted. Veronica is stressed about testifying for her Dad (and Mom, apparently.) Archie wants his parents back together. Betty gets back in touch with her dark side. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap (their favorite) Riverdale Episode 10: The Lost Weekend.

Aug 30, 2017•1 hr 14 min

Episode 9: La Grande Illusion

Here’s the deal: everyone’s making deals. Archie’s getting a sweet guitar in exchange for being Jason Blossom 2.0. Veronica is trying to trade her dark past for a new friendship. Polly is exchanging her safety for access to the Blossoms. Alice Cooper doesn’t negotiate. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 9: La Grande Illusion.

Aug 19, 2017•56 min

Episode 8: The Outsiders

Everyone has a part to play. Betty and Veronica’s part involves throwing a baby shower for Polly. Archie’s part is helping his dad save the family business. And Jughead’s part is making sure none of those people learn who his dad is. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 8: The Outsiders.

Aug 12, 2017•1 hr 2 min

Episode 7: In a Lonely Place

Everyone wants to go home but can’t. Jughead can’t go home because his dad is making life miserable. Betty can’t get Polly home because her parents are too controlling. Veronica can’t go home because she’s at war with her mom. And Archie...well, Archie can go home. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 7: In a Lonely Place.

Aug 03, 2017•53 min

Episode 6: Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill!

The gang confronts their fears. Archie stares down his stage fright. Veronica unconsciously climbs the corporate ladder. Jughead and Betty find Polly, but she’s not alone. Oh, and two new ships set sail. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 6: Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill!

Jul 28, 2017•50 min

Episode 5: Heart of Darkness

This memorial has everything: Tears for Fears covers, Cheryl in a white dress, job offers, and spooky grandmothers. Oh, and Archie does some music stuff, I guess. Join Chris and Brittany as they recap Riverdale Episode 5: Heart of Darkness.

Jul 23, 2017•43 min

Episode 4: The Last Picture Show

Riverdale's Twilight Drive-In isn't the only thing coming to an end in this episode. Archie faces the truth about Grundy. Veronica faces the truth about her mom. Jughead fights a losing battle. Oh, and Betty has a gun. Join Chris and Brittany as they discuss Riverdale Episode 4: The Last Picture Show.

Jul 22, 2017•52 min

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