Riverdale, a television series based on the characters of Archie Comics, premiered on The CW in January 2017. The show quickly gained a large following, becoming one of the most popular and talked-about series on the network. One reason for Riverdale’s popularity is its modern and edgy take on the classic Archie comics characters. We have created a list of super entertaining shows like Riverdale to watch, check it out. The show’s creators have taken the familiar characters of Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead and put them in a dark and mysterious setting, adding elements of crime and mystery to the story. This fresh take on the characters is both captivating and intriguing, making the show stand out among other teen dramas. The show features characters of different races and sexual orientations, dealing with mature themes such as violence, drugs and mental health. The performances of the actors, particularly KJ Apa as Archie, Lili Reinhart as Betty, and Cole Sprouse as Jughead, have been widely praised by critics and fans alike.
List of TV Shows Like Riverdale
- Pretty Little Liars
- The Vampire Diaries
- Katy Keene
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
- The Originals
- Teen Wolf
- Veronica Mars
- Gossip Girl
- Wednesday
- The 100
1. Pretty Little Liars (2010)
The show follows the lives of four friends, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Hanna Marin, and Emily Fields, who are being stalked by an anonymous person known as “A.” The girls are trying to uncover the identity of “A” while also navigating the complexities of high school and small-town life. As the series progresses, the girls uncover dark secrets and lies, leading to a final reveal of the “A”s identity.
And similarly, Riverdale’s central mystery is a murder branching into different questions every season that keeps the audience guessing. The use of the unknown to keep audiences guessing and increase the tension and suspense is exactly why Pretty Little Liars is perfect for fans of a series like Riverdale.
2. The Vampire Diaries (2009)
The Vampire Diaries is a supernatural teen drama series based on the book series of the same name by L.J. Smith. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, garnering a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for its unique blend of romance, drama, and fantasy.
In the small-town life in Mystic Falls, Virginia – the Salvatore brothers, Damon and Stefan, are both vampires and the show’s main protagonist, Elena Gilbert, a high school student becomes the object of affection for both brothers. The Vampire Diaries was so popular that it sprang into various spinoffs, among which is another well-received series called The Originals. Hence, I’d highly recommend you try The Vampire Diaries if you’re looking for TV shows like Riverdale.
3. Katy Keene (2020)
A spin-off to Riverdale called Katy Keene was created that focused on the Archie comics’ character Katy Keene (Lucy Hale) who is a fashion designer who is trying to make it in the fashion industry. In addition, Josie from the Josie and the Pussycats lineup joined this series as a supporting character after being introduced on Riverdale.
Unlike Riverdale, Katy Keene is a musical comedy-drama, which means it features original songs, choreography, and musical performances throughout the episodes. Though the show was short-lived with only 1 season to its name, it should still make a good watch for fans of shows like Riverdale.
Also Read: Romance Shows like Normal People
4. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
Firstly, both Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina are based on characters from the Archie Comics universe. This series is a dark, horror re-imagining of the classic Sabrina the Teenage Witch comics, which were also created by Aguirre-Sacasa. The show follows the story of Sabrina Spellman, played by Kiernan Shipka, a teenage witch who must come to terms with her dual nature as a half-witch, and half-mortal while fighting the evil forces that threaten her and her family.
Ben Button and Billy Marlin, two Riverdale characters, made an appearance on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Also, Sabrina travels to Riverdale in pursuit of a crown that belonged to Benjamin Blossom, Cheryl Blossom’s great-grandfather, who subsequently plays a significant role in the Blossom family history. With its unique blend of horror, fantasy and teenage drama, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a must-watch for fans of shows like Riverdale.
5. The Originals (2013)
As mentioned previously, The Originals is a spin-off series to The Vampire Diaries and focuses on the original vampire family, the Mikaelsons, who return to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans. If you’ve already seen The Vampire Diaries and want to see similar shows to Riverdale then you might just like this one.
The series follows some characters that were introduced in The Vampire Diaries- the Mikaelson siblings, Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah, as they navigate their complicated relationships and politics. The show also features a rich and detailed mythology, with a mix of familiar vampire and werewolf lore and new, original elements. The show’s deep themes and well-written characters make it a fan favourite and a must-watch for anyone who wishes to see more shows like Riverdale.
6. Teen Wolf (2011)
Scott McCall is a high school student who is bitten by a werewolf and must navigate the challenges of being a teenage werewolf while keeping his secret from his friends and family.
Teen Wolf and Riverdale share many similarities in their themes, characters, and storytelling. Both shows explore the lives of teenagers and the challenges they face as they navigate through high school and the supernatural world. Teen Wolf also features a diverse cast of relatable characters, a sense of humor, and a unique take on the supernatural elements that keep the audience engaged and invested in the series similar to Riverdale.
7. Veronica Mars (2004)
Veronica Mars and Riverdale were created by screenwriter and producer Rob Thomas and are based on characters from the Archie Comics universe. The titular character Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) solves mysteries and uncovers secrets in the fictional town of Neptune, California.
Archie Andrews, who is the main protagonist in Riverdale, in Veronica Mars is a minor character (not played by the same actor). Characters of both shows constantly uncover their town’s dark secrets and unmask the truth behind various crimes and scandals. Veronica Mars is probably one of the best series like Riverdale to watch, give it a try.
Also Read: TV Shows like HBO’s Barry
8. Gossip Girl (2007)
Before social media and smartphones were invented, the teenagers of the hit show Gossip Girl would get all of their hot gossip from online updates on a blog written by an anonymous person. The show centres around the character of Serena van der Woodsen, a beautiful and popular girl who returns to the Upper East Side after a mysterious absence.
Her arrival causes a stir among her friends and enemies, including her former best friend Blair Waldorf, who is determined to reclaim her status as the queen bee of the social scene. Needless to say, the show discovers many scandals and dramas of love, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal between the characters and makes for a perfect option for anyone looking for TV shows similar to Riverdale.
9. Wednesday (2022)
Wednesday is a recently released horror-comedy series based on the mysterious and spooky family- The Addams Family. Set in a small town called Shadow Hills, the story follows a teenage girl called Wednesday as she deals with the supernatural and the occult in her new Highschool. With mysterious, dark twisted horrors and great performances, this show has quickly become one of the most-watched shows on Netflix.
Shows like Riverdale and Wednesday both have a strong ensemble cast and a dedicated fan base that eagerly anticipates each new episode. Wednesday is a brilliant new show and a must-watch for fans of the horror-comedy genre, and those who love the supernatural.
10. The 100 (2014)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to survive after a nuclear apocalypse, The 100 follows 100 teenagers who are sent back to Earth from a space station where they were living- to see if the planet is habitable again. They soon discover that they are not alone and must navigate a new world filled with dangerous enemies and unexpected allies.
Despite the vastly different settings and storylines, both The 100 and Riverdale feature a large ensemble cast of young, diverse characters. The 100 has a strong focus on mystery and suspense. The show is known for its complex and unpredictable plot twists which is exactly why The 100 is a great series similar to Riverdale for you to watch this weekend!
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few good shows like Riverdale that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless:
- Buffy The Vampire Slaye
- Twin Peaks
- Scream Queens