7.4
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Riverdale (2017)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.4
Overview
Set in the present, the series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica and their friends, exploring the surreality of small-town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Negative
Overview
Set in the present, the series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica and their friends, exploring the surreality of small-town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The show consciously balances critiques of corrupt institutions and strong LGBTQ+ representation with themes of individual heroism, vigilantism, and a traditional 'good vs. evil' moral framework, preventing a consistent ideological alignment.
Riverdale demonstrates significant diversity through its casting, including the recasting of traditionally white comic book roles with minority actors and the prominent inclusion of various minority and LGBTQ+ characters. While the narrative integrates these diverse characters and their experiences, it does not explicitly critique or portray traditional identities negatively as a central theme.
Secondary
Riverdale features a prominent and diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters, including central relationships like Cheryl and Toni, and Kevin's journey. Despite the show's dramatic nature, these characters' identities and relationships are consistently portrayed with dignity and affirmation, overcoming external obstacles rather than being defined by their sexuality as a source of misery or ridicule. The net impact is largely supportive and validating.
Riverdale adapts characters from Archie Comics. Reggie Mantle, canonically white, is portrayed by Asian-American actors. Melody Valentine, also canonically white, is portrayed by a Black actress. The Lodge family (Veronica, Hermione, Hiram), originally depicted as white, are portrayed by Latina actors, with their heritage integrated into the show.
The show frequently portrays Christian-affiliated institutions, such as the Sisters of Quiet Mercy, as corrupt, abusive, and hypocritical. Religious imagery and organizations are often used as a facade for sinister activities or as sources of trauma and oppression within the narrative.
Riverdale does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. While the show includes various LGBTQ+ characters, there is no depiction of transgender identity or experiences within its narrative.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Riverdale adapts characters from Archie Comics. All major and recurring characters, such as Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead, maintain the same gender as established in the original comic book series. No instances of a character canonically established as one gender being portrayed as a different gender were identified.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.4
8.4
Critic Ratings
8.1
6.8
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