Riverdale Is An Anthology Series!

For the longest time, I struggled to explain this show to a new viewer in a way that would help them understand what to expect. It wasn’t until around season 5—and especially season 7—that I realized the show operates like an anthology, with each season feeling like a standalone reboot while still maintaining continuity.

Here’s how I would describe Riverdale to someone new: Every season is different—whether it’s the mystery, genres, atmosphere, themes, or tone. No two seasons are the same, even though they exist within the same overarching story. Each season offers a unique variation of “Riverdale.” If you loved the vibe of season 2, don’t expect to find that again. If season 4 was your favorite, no other season will replicate it. That’s the charm of the show, but it’s also what makes it challenging—you’ll be stepping into a new world each season, and it might not always resonate with you.

For fellow Riverdaliens, I hope this perspective helps make sense of the series and its unique approach.