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Season 4 of The CW's American teen-drama television series Riverdale was renewed on January 31, 2019.[1] The season began airing on October 9, 2019.[2] The season finale aired on May 6, 2020.

Synopsis[]

The third season of RIVERDALE began at the end of summer vacation, with Archie’s trial for a murder he didn’t commit, orchestrated by Hiram Lodge, building to a shattering conclusion —Archie (KJ Apa) being sent to juvenile detention — even as a new threat reared its head in Riverdale: The Gargoyle King. A figure of myth inspired by the role-playing game Gryphons and Gargoyle, the Gargoyle King started claiming sacrificial victims, beginning with Dilton Doiley! As Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) investigated the deadly game’s origins (with their parents, twenty years earlier), Veronica (Camila Mendes) worked ceaselessly to get Archie out of juvie, where he was forced to bare-knuckle box for survival. She finally succeeded in breaking Archie out, but with Hiram (Mark Consuelos) still gunning for him, our red-headed hero broke up with Veronica and headed out of town with Jughead, seeking asylum with Jughead’s Serpent mom Gladys Jones. With Archie and Jughead out of the way, Hiram’s criminal takeover of Riverdale continued, with his “candy-making” producing a terrifying side-effect in the students of Riverdale High — inexplicable, stress-provoked seizures — which prompted Hiram’s wife Hermione (Marisol Nichols) to order the town to be quarantined. When the quarantine was lifted, the threats to Riverdale had multiplied. The Gargoyle King was still claiming victims; the cult-like Farm Alice Cooper (Madchen Amick) had joined was indoctrinating new members left and right, including Kevin Keller (Casey Cott); and Hiram and Gladys found themselves vying for control of the town’s drug-trade — with Veronica and her speakeasy, and new beau Reggie Mantle (Charles Melton), caught in the middle. When a haunted and hunted Archie returns to Riverdale, he finds his beloved town on the brink of collapse. Penelope Blossom has opened a brothel. Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) and her girlfriend Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) have started a gang to challenge the Southside Serpents — the Pretty Poisons. No one is safe, not even kingpin Hiram Lodge, who is shot by none other than new Sheriff FP Jones (Skeet Ulrich)! He survives, barely. And meanwhile, the mysteries surrounding Gryphons and Gargoyles deepen, drawing in all of our characters, including the enigmatic cult-leader Edgar Evernever and his daughter Evelyn. Resident chanteuse Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray) leaves town just as the endgame begins: With Veronica and Archie (training to be a boxer) teaming-up to take down Hiram Lodge once and for all, even as Betty exposes the Farm’s horrific truths and Jughead zeroes in on the Gargoyle King’s true identity. With one deadly round of Gryphons and Gargoyles left to play, will Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead survive the night and make it to Senior Year? [3]

Cast[]

Main[]

Supporting[]

Episodes[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director Airdate
1 RD-Promo-4x01-In-Memoriam-03-Betty-Jughead-Archie-Veronica-Kevin "Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam" Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Gabriel Correa October 9, 2019
A FAREWELL TO FRED ANDREWS — As the residence of Riverdale prepare for its upcoming Independence Day parade, Archie receives a phone call that will change the rest of his life forever.
2 RD-Promo-4x02-Fast-Times-at-Riverdale-High-04-Jellybean-Jughead "Chapter Fifty-Nine: Fast Times at Riverdale High" Michael Grassi & Will Ewing Pamela Romanowsky October 16, 2019
FIRST DAY OF SENIOR YEAR — Archie encourages Mad Dog to attend Riverdale High and join the football team. Jughead meets Mr. Chipping, who offers him a spot at an elite school called Stonewall Prep. Veronica is conflicted when information about her involvement in Hiram’s arrest leaks to the public. Kevin applies for a spot on the Blue & Gold to make amends with Betty. And Cheryl goes head to head with Mr. Honey, the school’s new principal.
3 RD-Promo-4x03-Dog-Day-Afternoon-01-Kevin-Archie-Mad-Dog "Chapter Sixty: Dog Day Afternoon" Ace Hasan & Greg Murray Greg Smith October 23, 2019
BETTY AND CHARLES CONFRONT EDGAR EVERNEVER — Things take a dangerous turn when Betty and Charles track down Edgar and his Farmies. Archie and Veronica hold a car wash fundraiser at Pop’s to raise money for the community center. Elsewhere, Jughead’s first day at Stonewall Prep doesn’t go as planned. Lastly, Cheryl learns a dark family secret from Nana Rose.
4 RD-Promo-4x04-Halloween-01-Toni-Cheryl-Nana-Rose "Chapter Sixty-One: Halloween" Janine Salinas Schoenberg Erin Feeley October 30, 2019
HALLOWEEN IN RIVERDALE — When ominous videotapes begin appearing on doorsteps across Riverdale, widespread fear quickly returns to the town. At Stonewall Prep, Jughead learns about a series of mysterious disappearances that have occurred to former students at the school. Meanwhile, Archie’s plan to create a safe space for the town’s kids gets derailed when some unwanted visitors crash their Halloween party. Elsewhere, Veronica comes face to face with trouble, while Betty’s past comes back to haunt her. Lastly, a haunting at Thistlehouse rocks Cheryl and Toni to their core.
5 RD-Promo-4x05-Witness-for-the-Prosecution-06-Mary-Hermione "Chapter Sixty-Two: Witness for the Prosecution" Devon Turner Harry Jierjian November 6, 2019
THE TRIALS OF HIRAM AND HERMOINE — Caught between Hiram and Hermoine's double trial, Veronica grapples with what the future holds for her family. Archie finds himself the unexpected target of the town's local businesses. Betty and Kevin join the Junior FBI Training Program, and Jughead learns some surprising information about his family history.
6 RD-Promo-4x06-Hereditary-01-Archie "Chapter Sixty-Three: Hereditary" James DeWille Gabriel Correa November 13, 2019
UNEXPECTED VISITORS — As Archie struggles to keep the neighborhood kids away from Dodger's influence, he turns to an unexpected ally for help. Jughead uncovers a mystery surrounding the author of the Baxter Brothers books, while Betty confronts Charles about his past. Finally, Veronica deals with a major shake-up at home, and Cheryl and Toni get some unexpected visitors at Thistlehouse.
7 RD-Promo-4x07-The-Ice-Storm-05-Cheryl-Toni "Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm" Arabella Anderson Alex Pillai November 20, 2019
THANKSGIVING IN RIVERDALE — Archie's plan to host a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner at the community center quickly gets derailed when some unexpected guests arrive. Stranded at Stonewall Prep by an ice storm, Jughead and Betty search for clues about a recent death on campus. Elsewhere, while FP, Alice, Hiram and Hermoine wait out the storm together at Pop's, Cheryl and Toni get resourceful as they host a dinner for Cheryl's family
8 RD-Promo-4x08-In-Treatment-05-Mr.-Honey "Chapter Sixty-Five: In Treatment" Tessa Leigh Williams Michael Goi December 4, 2019
GINA TORRES GUEST STARS AS RIVERDALE HIGH'S GUIDANCE COUNSELOR — As residents across Riverdale begin receiving more mysterious videotapes on their doorsteps, the seniors of Riverdale High eagerly await their college decision letters. Concerned that the stress may be getting to them, Mrs. Burble, the school's guidance counselor, meets with Betty, Archie, Veronica, Cheryl and Jughead to discuss what's plaguing them.
9 RD-Promo-4x09-Tangerine-05-Archie-Veronica-Jughead-Betty-Toni "Chapter Sixty-Six: Tangerine" Brian E. Paterson Gabriel Correa December 11, 2019
THE SEARCH FOR FORSYTHE PENDLETON JONES I — After declaring war on Hiram, Veronica enlists a secret weapon against her father – her Abuelita. Archie and FP team up to take Dodger down for good, while Betty and Charles investigate a series of strange attacks aimed at Betty. Elsewhere, Jughead's search for his grandpa, Forsythe Pendleton Jones I, leads to more questions than answers, while Cheryl finally makes peace with the past that’s been haunting her.
10 RD-Promo-4x10-Varsity-Blues-11-Veronica "Chapter Sixty-Seven: Varsity Blues" Aaron Allen Roxanne Benjamin January 22, 2020
SPIRIT WEEK — As Riverdale High prepares for the championship football game against Stonewall Prep, Betty gets to work on a story about the rivalry between the schools. Archie is conflicted when Mary tells him about Uncle Frank's troubled past. Cheryl goes head to head with Ms. Appleyard, the school's new cheerleading coach, and Veronica hits a road block with her latest Luna Rum recipe. Finally, Jughead is forced to pick a side after the perks of attending Stonewall Prep begin to interfere with his personal life
11 RD-Promo-4x11-Quiz-Show-01-Bret-Betty "Chapter Sixty-Eight: Quiz Show" Ted Sullivan Chell Stephen January 29, 2020
RIVERDALE HIGH VS STONEWALL PREP — Determined to give Frank a second chance, Archie gives him a job at Andrew’s Construction. Betty channels her energy into taking Bret down and defeating Stonewall Prep at the Quiz Show Championship, while Veronica and Cheryl team up for an unlikely business venture. Finally, Kevin’s date with a new suitor takes a strange and unexpected turn.
12 RD-Promo-4x12-Men-of-Honor-04-Katy-Veronica "Chapter Sixty-Nine: Men of Honor" Ariana Jackson Catriona McKenzie February 5, 2020
LUCY HALE GUEST STARS AS KATY KEENE — Archie grows concerned for Frank after someone from his past arrives in Riverdale. Betty and Alice's investigation into incidents at Stonewall Prep leads them on a collision course with their number one suspect. Jughead challenges Bret to a duel to settle their grievances, while Toni, Kevin and Fangs seek revenge against Nick St. Clair, who has shown up unexpectedly in Riverdale. Finally, a trip to New York City gives Veronica an opportunity to catch up with her old friend Katy Keene.
13 RD-Promo-4x13-The-Ides-of-March-09-Donna-Joan-Jonathan-Bret "Chapter Seventy: The Ides of March" Chrissy Maroon & Evan Kyle Claudia Yarmy February 12, 2020
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE — Worried about what the future may hold for him after high school, Archie seeks advice from an unlikely source -- Hiram Lodge. Meanwhile, Veronica begins to spiral after learning some devastating news about someone close to her. Finally, accusations made against Jughead leaves his future at Stonewall Prep hanging in the balance.
14 RD-Promo-4x14-How-to-Get-Away-with-Murder-04-Betty-Archie "Chapter Seventy-One: How to Get Away with Murder" Arabella Anderson James DeWille February 26, 2020
THE AFTERMATH — When a night in the woods goes horribly awry, Betty, Archie and Veronica are forced to confront what one of them may be capable of.
15 RD-Promo-4x15-To-Die-For-01-Betty-Alice "Chapter Seventy-Two: To Die For" Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Shannon Kohli March 4, 2020
MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN — Alice begins shooting a documentary about Riverdale and the latest mystery involving one of its own. Meanwhile, Betty, Archie and Veronica fall deeper into a web of lies as the investigation gets underway.
16 RD-Promo-4x16-The-Locked-Room-2-Jughead-Betty-Stonewall "Chapter Seventy-Three: The Locked Room" Aaron Allen Tessa Blake March 11, 2020
BACK FROM THE DEAD — Jughead and Betty confront Bret, Donna and Professor DuPont and unravel their plan to commit the perfect murder.
17 RD-Promo-4x17-Wicked-Little-Town-04-Betty-Archie-Jughead-Veronica-Kevin "Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town" Tessa Leigh Williams Antonio Negret April 15, 2020
THE RIVERDALE HIGH VARIETY SHOW — After the previous debacles of "Carrie: The Musical" and "Heathers: The Musical," Kevin decides to revive Riverdale High’s tradition of hosting a variety show. But when Mr. Honey forbids him from performing a number from "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," Kevin and the gang rally against their principal — each by performing a number from "Hedwig," turning the variety show into a full-fledged musical that reflects the students’ inner lives and struggles. And amidst all the drama, one forbidden "showmance" begins to blossom.
18 RD-Promo-4x18-Lynchian-14-Archie-Betty "Chapter Seventy-Five: Lynchian" Ariana Jackson & Brian E. Paterson Steve Adelson April 29, 2020
SIMPLER TIMES — Jughead and Charles follow a new lead after the contents of the latest videotape takes a sinister turn. Meanwhile, Kevin, Reggie and Fangs take their latest business venture to the next level, while Cheryl and Veronica's maple rum business faces a new threat. Finally, Archie and Betty contemplate their next steps.
19 RD-Promo-4x19-Killing-Mr-Honey-02-Archie-Reggie-Veronica-Cheryl-Kevin-Betty-Jughead "Chapter Seventy-Six: Killing Mr. Honey" James DeWille & Ted Sullivan Mädchen Amick May 6, 2020
MADCHEN AMICK DIRECTS THE EPISODE — After receiving a letter from the University of Iowa asking him to submit a story, Jughead works on a twisted tale about the gang’s revenge fantasy against Principal Honey for all the ways he’s ruined their senior year.

Press Release[]

THE CW NETWORK PICKS UP TEN CURRENT SERIES FOR 2019-2020 SEASON

Network Gives Early Renewals for Next Season to "Arrow," "Black Lightning," "Charmed," "DC's Legends of Tomorrow," "Dynasty," "The Flash," "Legacies," "Riverdale," "Supergirl" and "Supernatural"

January 31, 2019 (Burbank, CA) — The CW Network has given early renewals to ten of its primetime series for the 2019-2020 season, it was announced today by Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW, during the network's session at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena.

"This season, we expanded our primetime schedule to six nights with the addition of Sunday -- which has been an unqualified success for the network, our affiliates and our advertisers. In addition to growing our schedule across the week, we also continue to add more year-round programming. The early renewal of these signature CW series gives us a head start on laying out the 2019-2020 season, and this is just the beginning," said Pedowitz. "These shows provide a strong foundation for our multiplatform programming strategy, and we look forward to building on this with even more returning and new shows as we approach the May upfront."

The series being ordered for the 2019-2020 broadcast year include second seasons of The CW's freshman hits CHARMED and LEGACIES, as well as new seasons of ARROW (Season 8), BLACK LIGHTNING (Season 3), DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW (Season 5), DYNASTY (Season 3), THE FLASH (Season 6), RIVERDALE (Season 4), SUPERGIRL (Season 5), and SUPERNATURAL (Season 15). Specific premiere dates for each series will be announced at a later time.[5]

Production Notes[]

  • Luke Perry and Ashleigh Murray did not return as series regulars due to Perry's death and Murray crossing over to Katy Keene.
  • Filming began on July 8, 2019, and was initially scheduled to end on April 4, 2020.[6]
  • On March 11, 2020, production was shut down indefinitely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Only 20 of the 22 scheduled episodes had been produced.[7]

Trivia[]

  • Season 4 takes place during the gang's senior year and consist of several small flashbacks.[9]
  • Season 4  feature Riverdale's first Halloween episode, which is episode 4, which aired October 30, 2019.[10]
    • They're trying to get clearance to have Cheryl and Toni dress as DC comic book characters.
    • It was confirmed at NYCC that Cheryl would be dressed as Poison Ivy and Toni as Harley Quinn.[11]
    • There is also a death during the episode.
  • Much like Season 2 and Season 3, Season 4 includes another full-fledged musical episode.[12]
  • The Core Four started a band named the Archies, with Archie as lead guitar/lead singer, Jughead on drums, Betty on tambourine, and Veronica on the keyboard.[13]
    • There's also a Battle of the Bands episode.[14]
  • Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed a crossover between Riverdale and Katy Keene.[15]
  • The Farm storyline wrapped up in episode 3 of the season.[16]
  • There was going to be a prom episode, however, it was retooled to be the premiere for the fifth season because of COVID-19. [17]  [1]
  • Hiram's mother appeared this season.[18]
  • FP's father appeared this season.[19]
  • Regarding a potential crossover with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa states that he's "trying to make it happen" and is "seeding hints left and right, and you'll see more of them this year".[20]
  • One of Riverdale's biggest influences is Twin Peaks, and they're considering doing a David Lynchian episode.[21]
  • Cheryl's arc, which they've been building from the pilot -- saying goodbye to her brother -- climaxes in episode 9.[22]
  • The writers have discussed the possibility of Jughead "handing over the Serpents to Toni" this season.[23]
  • Charles Smith is not a villain of this season, he’s not looking for anything else, he’s not another Chic situation, he’s the real deal.[24]
  • A crossover occur between Riverdale and Katy Keene. A day ahead of the Riverdale spinoff's premiere in February, Veronica took a trip to New York for a college interview, and while she's there, she'll be visiting her old friend, Katy Keene, and the two went on a shopping spree.[25]

Gallery[]

Images[]

Videos[]

References[]

  1. 'Riverdale' Renewed for Season 4 by The CW - Comicbook
  2. The CW - 2019 Fall Premiere Dates - SpoilerTV
  3. Riverdale Season 4 Synopsis - The CW Press Site
  4. ‘Riverdale’: Timothy Webber Cast As Jughead’s Grandfather, Forsythe Pendleton Jones I Exclusive - Decider
  5. CW Renews 10 Shows - SpoilerTV
  6. SEASON 4: RIVERDALE Starts Filming New Season in Vancouver in Early July - Hollywood North
  7. Riverdale Shuts Down Production on Season 4 After 'Team Member' Comes in Contact With Coronavirus Patient - TV line
  8. Season 4 Finale Confirmation - Ted Sullivan (@karterhol) - Twitter
  9. Riverdale stars tease season 4's central mystery: 'Each flashback tells us a little more' - Entertainment Weekly
  10. Halloween Episode Confirmation - Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) - Twitter
  11. Choni's Halloween Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  12. Musical Episode Confirmation - Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) - Twitter
  13. Battle of the Bands Episode Confirmation - Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) - Twitter
  14. Battle of the Bands Episode Confirmation - Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) - Twitter
  15. Crossover Episode Confirmation - Meg(alodon) Vick (@MeggoInc) - Twitter
  16. ‘Riverdale’: Everything We Learned About Season 4 From San Diego Comic-Con - Decider
  17. Prom Episode Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  18. Hiram's Mother Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  19. FP's Father Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  20. RD/CAOS Crossover Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  21. Twin Peaks Influence Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  22. Cheryl's Arc Confirmation - Alex Zalben @ NYCC (@azalben) - Twitter
  23. Serpent Leader Confirmation - Nora Dominick @ NYCC (@noradominick) - Twitter
  24. Lili Reinhart Interview for Riverdale at Comic-Con SDCC 2019
  25. Katy Keene Is Heading to Riverdale For a Crossover Before It Premieres - E! News
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