Initially, it began as a straightforward portrayal of everyone’s beloved redhead character who drives old cars, strums guitars, and chases girls – Archie Andrews (KJ Apa). However, the narrative of Riverdale evolved into an eccentric, time-traveling, humorous drama that didn’t shy away from poking fun at itself. This series, which attracted teenagers and young adults to the previously child-oriented “Archie” comic books, drew inspiration directly from the comics while providing a more mature twist on familiar storylines.
If you’ve persevered through the rollercoaster ride of this cherished CW show, and yearn for a new series with a similar atmosphere, then Looper has just the right recommendations! We’ve compiled a list of shows that evoke similar feelings, ranging from teen soap operas and prime-time comedies to programs that might transport you back to Riverdale’s iconic hometown. Here are fifteen series you should definitely watch if “Riverdale” stole your heart.
Beverly Hills, 90210
While not the very first teen soap opera on television, “Beverly Hills, 90210” is often one of the shows that immediately come to mind when discussing this genre. The series “Riverdale” shares many similarities with its intricate love triangles and quartets, borrowing heavily from the influential storylines of “Beverly Hills, 90210”. Furthermore, for fans of “Riverdale”, there’s an exciting treat: Luke Perry, who plays Fred Andrews in “Riverdale”, made his breakthrough as Dylan McKay in this show.
McKay is adored by Brenda Walsh, a transplant from Minnesota played by Shannen Doherty. Alongside her, her brother Brandon (Jason Priestley) embarks on fish-out-of-water adventures as they both navigate cultural differences in their new California location. Characters like Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), Brenda’s rival for Dylan, innocent girl Donna Martin (Tori Spelling), and the intelligent Andrea Zuckerman (Gabrielle Carteris) also populate their high school. The group strives to support one another while navigating various challenges common among teenagers during that era. If you were a young viewer then, it’s a great show to revisit today, as there are many details that may have gone unnoticed during the initial watch.
Melrose Place
Initially, “Melrose Place” was a mature spin-off from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” airing immediately after it and sharing the same fictional world. The series primarily focuses on a circle of young adults residing in an apartment building in California. To begin with, the storyline is realistic, but when character Amanda (played by Heather Locklear) joins, the plot takes a more exaggerated turn. By the time Kimberly (Marcia Cross) removes her wig while laughing hysterically, the absurdity has been fully accepted, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of “Riverdale.
Time moves on and lives intertwine. There are incidents such as affairs, scandals, murders, unfinished weddings, and feigned deaths. Although it requires dedication (with more than 220 episodes spread across seven seasons), it can be difficult not to become fond of this nostalgic ’90s series. If you’re seeking something less extensive, you might consider the revival that aired on The CW for one season, but as often happens, the original remains superior.
One Tree Hill
The TV series “One Tree Hill,” focusing on a basketball-loving high school gang, rose as one of The CW’s top teen dramas until its end in 2012. Though it initially keeps its drama more realistic, the show isn’t shy about adding some over-the-top elements. Fans of sports-related dramas often find similarities with “Riverdale,” given its basketball, cheerleading, and football subplots. However, certain scenes in “One Tree Hill” may seem outdated today, but it remains a must-watch for “Riverdale” enthusiasts.
The series, titled “Tree Hill,” is set in a fictional town in North Carolina and primarily focuses on the complex bond between half-brothers Nathan Scott (played by James Lafferty) and Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray). Their rivalry stems from their roles in their high school’s basketball team, with Nathan serving as captain and Lucas emerging as a challenging new player. Additionally, they engage in conflicts over Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton), who is Nathan’s girlfriend but catches the eye of smitten Lucas. Their father, Dan Scott (Paul Johansson), grapples with his decision to abandon Lucas’ mother for Nathan and becomes a topic of notoriety due to an unforgettable TV scene where a drugged dog accidentally consumes the heart intended for Dan’s transplant surgery, a shocking event that even “Riverdale” devotees might find hard to believe.
Pretty Little Liars
Many found that the show “Riverdale” served as a replacement for “Pretty Little Liars,” which concluded in the same year that “Riverdale” debuted. Originating from young adult novels, “Pretty Little Liars” quickly grew into one of Freeform’s most extensive franchises. This teen mystery drama series centers around a group of friends grappling with crisis when their central figure, Alison DiLaurentis (played by Sasha Pieterse), mysteriously disappears. Three years after Alison’s disappearance, Spencer Hastings (portrayed by Troian Bellisario), Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson), Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale), and Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell) start receiving messages from someone referred to as “A.
In the intriguing scenario of “Pretty Little Liars,” character ‘A’ threatens the teenagers using their secrets – even those confided in Alison alone – and alleges they harmed her. The once reformed circle of friends embarks on an extensive investigation, attempting to unravel the truth about Alison’s fate. This complex adventure is filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring fans of “Riverdale” remain captivated throughout.
Dawson’s Creek
In simpler terms, “Dawson’s Creek” is a classic, emotional series that takes place in a small coastal town. The story revolves around Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek), a young filmmaker with feelings for his neighbor Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). Unfortunately, Joey doesn’t see Dawson as anything more than a friend. Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) is Dawson’s extroverted best friend, while Dawson himself is introspective and serious. The dynamics among these three characters create a significant love triangle. However, the situation shifts dramatically when Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) arrives in town.
Viewers often draw parallels between the main relationship complexities in “Dawson’s Creek” and the ongoing love triangle in “Riverdale,” pointing out that both series share a striking resemblance in their narrative structure. An unfortunate storyline involving Pacey’s inappropriate relationship with a teacher mirrors an equally uncomfortable scene featuring Archie and Geraldine Grundy (Sarah Habel) when Archie was still in high school. Beyond these troubling plotlines, the shows share many commonalities: From the wholesome girl-next-door falling for the rebellious outsider, to a sophisticated city dweller stirring up trouble in a small town, “Dawson’s Creek” and “Riverdale” bear striking similarities.
Degrassi: The Next Generation
The “Degrassi” series originated in the 1970s and has produced numerous instalments, all centered around a group of Canadian high school students at the named school. We’ve included “Degrassi: The Next Generation” in this lineup as it shares a resemblance with “Riverdale” in terms of drama. While “Riverdale” can be quite eccentric and outlandish, “Degrassi” maintains a similar atmosphere. Interestingly, followers of “Degrassi” have noticed a significant overlap between the shows, particularly concerning characters like Jughead and Eli (portrayed by Munro Chambers), as discussed on Reddit threads.
Lately, I’ve been watching ‘Riverdale’ and find myself drawn to the character Jughead. I think it’s because he reminds me so much of a friend named Eli. It’s fascinating that Munro Chambers, who plays Jughead, and Cole Sprouse share a striking resemblance; they could almost be twins! Others have noticed this too, even pointing out similarities beyond just Jughead and Eli. u/innocentsubterfuge went as far as saying Betty-Emma, Jughead-Sean, Veronica-Manny, Archie-Craig are comparable pairs. This is the town where Drake made his acting debut, portraying basketball prodigy Jimmy Brooks.
Desperate Housewives
As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between the captivating world of Wisteria Lane in “Desperate Housewives” and my favorite virtual realms. Just like those digital lands, life on Wisteria Lane was a whirlwind of intrigue, scandals, and juicy gossip that spanned an epic eight seasons. The high heels clicking on the cobblestones echoed the footsteps of women with loose morals, weaving tales that were hotter than any in-game quest. And let’s not forget the unexpected twist that brought everyone together: the tragic suicide of Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong). She was our guiding light, serving as both narrator and all-seeing presence, much like a trusted game guide for “Riverdale” enthusiasts – especially those who’ve been around the block a few times.
To begin with, the show primarily explores the lives of several residents on Wisteria Lane, including Susan Mayer (previously seen as one of Jerry’s love interests on “Seinfeld,” played by Teri Hatcher), the busy Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), the anxious Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), and glamorous Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria). Throughout the series, other women move in and out of the neighborhood, but this quartet will share their lives, romances, and heartaches. If you enjoy soap-operatic drama, wild escapades, and a fair share of scandals, then this show is both engaging and straightforward to follow.
Revenge
In this intriguing ABC series, anyone captivated by Cheryl Blossom, portrayed by Madelaine Petsch, and her chilling quest for power in “Riverdale,” will find themselves drawn into the gripping tale of “Revenge.” The story revolves around a young woman who is determined to bring down those responsible for destroying her family. After her father was falsely accused of a heinous crime and imprisoned, Amanda Clarke (played by Emily VanCamp) seeks retribution against the Grayson family.
Under the new identity of Emily Thorne, she moves towards the Hamptons – a favorite vacation spot for the Grayson family – and sets in motion their demise. Later on, Emily delves into the enigma surrounding her mother’s disappearance, manages the repercussions of being unmasked in New York, and aspires to rise as a prominent figure within its high society once she overcomes her deceits. It’s an engaging tale that would captivate fans of “Riverdale”.
Euphoria
In the realm of contemporary teen dramas, few series can match the impact of HBO’s “Euphoria.” This series focuses on a group of students attending East Highland High School in a fictitious California town. It explores complex topics such as love, grief, and addiction in a manner rarely seen on television. As I write this, eager fans are yet to witness Season 3, but the first seasons provide ample material for new viewers to explore. Despite being more graphic than “Riverdale,” longtime fans of the CW series will undoubtedly find much to appreciate in it.
Title character Zendaya portrays Rue Bennett, fresh out of rehab and striving to adapt to high school again. She embarks on a relationship with Jules, played by Hunter Schafer, and together with their unconventional, flawed, and occasionally unruly companions, they navigate through turbulent times in their lives. Brimming with raw, cringeworthy moments that will evoke discomfort in both teenagers and adults alike, “Euphoria” is not suitable for the faint-hearted or overly sensitive. However, those eager for gripping drama will find themselves instantly drawn to this series.
The O.C.
In the 2000s, “The O.C.” was a must-watch TV show for many teenagers. With its fish-out-water narrative and unexpected, sometimes over-the-top twists, it’s an ideal choice for fans of “Riverdale”. It takes place in a world that echoes the familiar, melodramatic delights, making it enjoyable for anyone who appreciates the antics of Archie and his friends (although be aware, the catchy opening credits song may linger persistently in your mind).
The O.C.” centres on Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), a financially struggling teenager from California, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his mother forces him out of their home. He finds refuge with his lawyer, Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher), who also includes his wife Kristen (Kelly Rowan) and quirky son Seth (Adam Brody) in this new living arrangement. Ryan becomes infatuated with the wealthy Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton), who harbors her own issues. As time passes, Seth and Ryan navigate through adolescence together, encountering bullies and navigating their way in California.
American Horror Story
The suggestion applies only to certain seasons of the popular anthology series, “American Horror Story,” created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Fans of “Riverdale” might find appeal in the over-the-top, dramatic atmosphere of the “Hotel” and “Coven” seasons, with “Coven” being a standout – it revolves around a group of witches in contemporary New Orleans, although it incorporates flashbacks to various time periods, including the Salem witch trials of the 1690s. If you enjoy “Riverdale’s” sister show, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” then you are likely to appreciate “Coven.
As a passionate gamer, let me tell you that diving into each season of “American Horror Story” is an unforgettable journey. Each episode unfolds with a unique group of characters grappling with chilling predicaments, often confined to a specific location. You’ll find yourself on edge at the asylum under siege by extraterrestrial threats, huddled in fear at a summer camp overrun by serial killers, or gripped by suspense amidst a carnival haunted by a ruthless “freak” collector. The atmosphere is consistently intense, the characters are intriguing, and the gore factor is off the charts.
What makes this series particularly captivating is that, despite each installment having its own identity, there are subtle connections woven between the various seasons of “American Horror Story,” making it all the more rewarding to watch them in sequence.
Black Mirror
Every so often, a narrative will persist across seasons, like the “USS Callister” universe that I’m absolutely captivated by. This unique world is set within a “Star Trek”-esque virtual reality game where a woman challenges the sexist conventions prevalent in her digital existence. Given that she’s a clone awakened by Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons), a disgruntled programmer who vents his real-life career dissatisfaction on virtual representations of his colleagues, she must be quick-witted to regain control over her life.
Primarily, the show is a standalone adventure that delves into topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the pitfalls of reality TV. I can’t wait to see where this intriguing story goes!
Dynasty
As a devoted fan, I must admit that this discussion isn’t centered around The CW’s contemporary adaptation of “Dynasty,” but die-hard “Riverdale” enthusiasts might find it intriguing. However, the modern take pales in comparison to the original 1980s ABC soap opera. Filled with glamourous drama, intense catfights, and internal family conflicts (not forgetting a wedding massacre that predated “Game of Thrones” by many years), the original “Dynasty” was more about intimate relationships than corporate power struggles. Yet, audiences were captivated for decades, flocking to witness this captivating saga unfold week after week.
The show mainly focuses on Blake Carrington (John Forsythe), a wealthy oil magnate, and his complicated romantic life. His new love, Krystle (Linda Evans), encounters resistance from Blake’s friends and family. Their daughter, Fallon (Pamela Sue Martin), is a pampered princess with few inhibitions regarding her relationships, while their son, Steven (Al Corley), aspires for an independent life free of the burden of inheriting the company. Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Alexis (Joan Collins), desires to rekindle their relationship, leading to a power struggle between Krystle, who appears virtuous, and Alexis, who is cunning, over Blake’s affection.
Dallas
Initially, “Dallas” seemed more rooted in reality compared to “Riverdale,” but over time it became a series where an entire season’s worth of events could be dismissed as if they were just a dream experienced by one character. Airing on CBS from 1978 to 1991, this show centered around the Ewing and Barnes families, wealthy Texas oil dynasties involved in power struggles, love triangles, and business intrigue during the 1980s. The drama unfolds amidst the glamour of towering skyscrapers and lush landscapes, featuring family feuds, corporate maneuverings, forbidden romances, and enduring love.
In essence, “Dallas” played a crucial role in shaping today’s soap operas on TV as we know them. Using a term like “phenomenon” might be an understatement when describing this show. As Max Marshall from Texas Monthly puts it, it’s challenging to understand the impact “Dallas” had back then, given our current abundance of quality TV shows. In 1980, “Dallas” was perhaps the most popular cultural phenomenon at that time; more people watched its cliffhangers about who shot J.R. than voted for president! If you’re a fan of “Riverdale,” you might find “Dallas” to be an easy yet captivating show to watch.
Passions
Tracking down “Passions” may prove challenging for fans due to its extensive daytime drama format spanning hundreds of episodes. Yet, this soap opera has earned its status as a camp classic, despite certain narrative aspects showing signs of age. What makes it unique is that you can witness an orangutan named Precious pursuing a medical career and pining for the show’s leading hero – just one example of the outrageousness you’ll encounter in the New England town of Harmony. The drama unfolds under the watchful eye of a witch named Tabitha, portrayed by Juliet Mills, who stirs up the supernatural commotion.
The series “Passions” is filled with over-the-top, humorous scenes, such as Tabitha miraculously riding a door through a tsunami. Additionally, it features significant Christian undertones: Timmy (Josh Ryan Evans), once Tabitha’s doll companion, transforms into a human and ascends to heaven, while Tabitha eventually gets baptized in order to prevent the town from flooding. These ideas were conceived by James E. Reilly during his tenure writing for the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” where he blended similar eccentric narratives with religious themes.
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2025-07-20 13:32