15 memes that perfectly capture the show ‘Riverdale’

Riverdale stills via @thecwriverdale on Instagram
Riverdale stills via @thecwriverdale on Instagram

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Riverdale, you know the show lives in a realm where plot twists come out of nowhere, high schoolers run speakeasies, and Archie’s abs seem to be a major plot device. The CW series, which began as a brooding take on the Archie Comics universe, quickly spiraled into an unpredictable fever dream filled with serial killers, cults, musical numbers, and even supernatural elements. It’s like Gossip Girl on a wild sugar rush, with every season managing to out-weird the last.

With such a chaotic mix of storylines, characters, and absurdity, it’s no wonder fans took to memes to cope with the insanity. From baffling plotlines to “wait, what just happened?” moments, Riverdale memes have captured it all—offering a hilarious window into a show that never takes itself too seriously. Here are 15 memes that embody the show’s absolute wildness in the best way possible.


15 memes that sum up the madness that is Riverdale

1. A love-hate relationship

We all have that one show we love to roast but can’t stop watching (cough Riverdale). It’s like eating candy that’s terrible for your teeth but still irresistible. Those iconic moments? They’re pure meme gold—chaotic, bizarre, but unforgettable.


2. Riverdale’s final countdown

Barbie Margot Robbie sobbing over the end of Riverdale is just… a vibe. Like, are we crying because we’ll miss the show or because we never got any answers to half the plot twists? Either way, tears are justified.


3. When it was (almost) normal

Remember when Riverdale was just about teenage drama and small-town mysteries? Simpler times when Archie wasn’t battling bears, and serial killers weren’t grading essays. Ah, the nostalgia of a show before it fully jumped the shark.


4. Madelaine to the rescue

When Riverdale got way too ridiculous, Madelaine Petsch's Cheryl Blossom was always there to save it—sometimes literally. Let's be real, half the reason we kept watching was for Cheryl’s chaotic energy (and maybe those girl-kissing moments too).


5. Homework from a serial killer

Only in Riverdale could your math homework come from the town’s resident serial killer. Betty’s sigh is all of us trying to keep up with this show’s plotlines—and the fact that even algebra isn’t safe from the madness.


6. Missed satire opportunity

Let’s be real, if Riverdale embraced its true potential as a satire, it would be iconic. The sheer absurdity would make it a genius commentary on teen dramas. Instead, we’re just left with moments that leave us questioning our life choices.


7. Sprouse brothers silence

You just know Dylan Sprouse is roasting Cole over his Riverdale scenes at every family dinner. Or maybe they just sit in awkward silence, ignoring the cringe altogether. Either way, it’s a meal I’d love to witness.


8. Scarlet Witch Cheryl

Cheryl Blossom channeling Scarlet Witch's powers to save Riverdale? If you told us this in 2018, we’d laugh. Now, it’s just another day in this bonkers town. Cheryl's chaotic energy knows no bounds—and we’re here for it.


9. Season one was the peak

Say what you want, but season one Riverdale had potential. It gave us murder mysteries, teen angst, and the kind of drama we signed up for. Things went off the rails later, but we’ll always have those precious early days.


10. Writers vs. Riverdale

Feeling down about your writing skills? Just remember, no matter how wild your ideas get, Riverdale has already topped you. Archie’s epic “highs and lows of high school football” speech will forever be a meme that reassures us all.


11. Actors deserve an award

Imagine being a Riverdale actor, forced to deliver the weirdest dialogue known to a man with a straight face. Gru holding a gun in this meme is every Riverdale actor internally, trying to get through yet another absurd scene.


12. Cheryl's defenders unite

Say what you want about Riverdale, but Cheryl Blossom fans will come out in full force to defend their queen. When the timeline collectively logs on to protect her, it’s a Riverdale event in itself, proving Cheryl is the true MVP.


13. Cole Sprouse’s cigarette moment

Cole Sprouse puffing on a cigarette during a podcast like he's pondering the meaning of life? Yeah, that instantly became meme-worthy. It’s like he's taking a break from Riverdale's chaos to reflect on how he got here. Same, Cole. Same.


14. Weird dialogue hall of fame

The saddest part of Riverdale's ending is the loss of those iconic lines we all loved to meme. Where else will we get those “Did they really just say that?” moments that fuel our group chats and timelines? RIP, weird dialogue.


15. Riverdale characters on TikTok

Let’s be real: the Riverdale cast would absolutely take over TikTok. Archie’s thirst traps? Is Jughead ranting about conspiracies? Veronica flaunting her wealth? It’s the Riverdale content we deserve, even though TikTok might not be ready for that chaos.


Whether you love it or laugh at it, Riverdale is undeniably one of the most unpredictable shows out there, and these memes prove it. From head-scratching plot twists to moments that make you question what’s even happening, the memes perfectly capture the rollercoaster that is Riverdale. If nothing else, Riverdale is always entertaining—and these memes are here to remind us why we keep coming back for more, even when it makes zero sense.

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Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal