Series finale date and episode
Riverdale, the teen drama based on the Archie comics, aired its series finale on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The conclusion was the 19th episode of the sixth season, titled "Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven: The End." Air date: November 16, 2022 Episode: Season 6, Episode 19 Network: The CW This finale wrapped the show’s seven-season run that began in January 2017.
Season-by-season progression
The series progressed through six full seasons before the finale. Seasons 1 through 4 followed a mostly linear release schedule, with new episodes arriving in the fall and winter. Season 5 was affected by the pandemic, causing delays and a split broadcast. Season 6 was shortened and aired in 2022, culminating in the series finale in November.
Pilot and early seasons
The pilot episode premiered on January 26, 2017, and established the core ensemble and tone for the series. Early seasons built a strong audience through mystery-driven storytelling and modernized takes on Archie characters.
Later seasons and pandemic impact
Starting with Season 5, production and air dates shifted due to COVID-19. Season 6 was reduced in episode count and aired in 2022, leading to the planned series conclusion in November.
Notable details about the finale
The finale was promoted as a capped series event, with endgame storytelling that addressed long-running arcs. Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and the writers framed it as a complete conclusion, resolving central mysteries and character journeys. The episode combined present-day drama with nods to the comics and earlier seasons.
Comparison of Riverdale seasons and finale timing
| Season | Episodes | Original run start | Original run end | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | January 26, 2017 | March 30, 2017 | Series premiere |
| 2 | 22 | October 11, 2017 | May 16, 2018 | Midseason finale introduced darker tone |
| 3 | 24 | October 10, 2018 | May 22, 2019 | First true season finale |
| 4 | 19 | October 9, 209 | May 15, 2020 | Season ended early due to production halt |
| 5 | 12 | January 18, 2021 | June 14, 2021 | Pandemic-delayed season with split schedule |
| 6 | 12 | August 25, 2021 | November 16, 2022 | Shortened season; series finale aired |
Where to watch and availability
Riverdale is available on Netflix in many regions and on The CW app and website with recent episodes. The full series, including the finale, can be streamed on Netflix depending on regional licensing. Physical release options include DVD and Blu-ray sets for collectors.
Final season details
Season 6 served as the shortened last season, with 12 episodes airing from August 2021 to November 2022. The extended gap between Episode 12 in 2021 and the finale in 2022 was due to pandemic-related production scheduling and The CW's adjusted fall lineup. The finale provided closure for core mysteries while leaving certain character stories open to interpretation.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Riverdale start? The series premiered on January 26, 2017.
- How many seasons does Riverdale have? Riverdale ran for six seasons.
- What was the last episode title? The series finale was titled "Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven: The End."
- Did Riverdale get a proper ending? Yes, the finale resolved major plotlines and was framed as the intended series conclusion.
- Are spin-offs or continuations planned? No official continuations have been announced that continue the Riverdale narrative as of 2022.
Quick facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series finale air date | November 16, 2022 | Network press release and episode listing |
| Final episode title | Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven: The End | The CW episode guide |
| Number of seasons | 6 | The CW and Netflix series metadata |
| Series premiere date | d>January 26, 2017The CW press release and episode listing | |
| Final season | Season 6 (2021–2022) | The CW schedule and renewal announcements |