Where ‘Riverdale’ Left Its Couples at the End of Season 5
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the Riverdale Season 5 finale “RIVERDALE: RIP (?)”]
Life in Riverdale is changing, and we don’t just mean from the bomb (!) Hiram (Mark Consuelos) left under Archie’s (KJ Apa) bed on his way out of town for his exile… or whatever’s going on in the promo for the five-episode event, “Rivervale,” kicking off Season 6 on November 16.
After a time jump at the beginning of Season 5 to take the teens into their adult years (and past college), everyone was pretty much drawn back to Riverdale. And yes, some things were different (like Archie and his friends ending up becoming the fire department) and sure, by the finale, it had been decided that the town would now be governed by a committee, but what stays the same is that the relationships are very, very complicated.
And sure, at one point, it looked like we might just end up with the same couples from high school — Archie and Veronica (Camila Mendes), Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) — but by the finale things had taken a turn. Below, we recap who’s together, who’s not, and who’s at least starting something heading into Season 6.
Riverdale, Season 6 Premiere, Tuesday, November 16, 9/8c, The CW
Veronica & Archie
Status: Broken up
The two tried to make it work again, even as her marriage wasn’t officially over, but decided they wanted different things. Plus, she was planning to move back to New York while Riverdale remains his future. But with her staying in town now, it’s hard to say they’re truly over for good.
Betty & Jughead
Status: Broken up
Betty and Jughead’s relationship fell apart before they went off to college after he found out about her and Archie. Then came that voicemail he left her while drunk in New York. The two were back to investigating together near the end of Season 5, but both are now involved with other people. But we find it hard to imagine that Riverdale won’t, in some way, revisit their romantic relationship at some point in the future.
Cheryl & Toni
Status: Broken up
Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) and Toni’s (Vanessa Morgan) relationship didn’t make it past high school, and right now, Cheryl seems a bit more focused on the sins of the past and making Archie, Betty, and Jughead pay for what happened with their ancestors.
Betty & Archie
Status: Together
After briefly trying a friends with benefits relationship earlier in the season, Betty and Archie seemed to move on to strictly friends without any benefits. But in the finale, they decided to not only revisit crossing that line but doing so as an actual relationship. That bomb under his bed did prevent them from taking off more than Archie’s shirt, but will this time be what puts an end to the start-and-stop of their relationship?
Veronica & Reggie
Status: Unknown
The two have been working together since he walked away from working for her father, and now they’re planning to open a casino in Riverdale — even without the committee’s approval. They kissed in the finale, but we’ll have to wait to see if that blossoms into a relationship.
Jughead & Tabitha
Status: Together
After she asked him to be her fake boyfriend for a dinner with her parents, the two got together. They even went on a date in the finale, during. which they talked about living together (already?!).
Toni & Fangs
Status: Together
In definitely surprising news, they are not only raising a baby (without Kevin, as originally planned) but also dating and ruling the Serpents together.
Alice & Frank
Status: Possibly dating in the future?
As Frank (Ryan Robbins) checked if Alice (Mӓdchen Amick) was getting out of the house after losing her daughter Polly, she said she was trying to, and asked: “Why do you have something in mind?” As the only two adults really hanging around town full-time, it’s not surprising.
Conversation30 Comments
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C
man i was really rooting for Bughead. I really loved the chemistry between Betty and Jughead. Something about them solving crimes together, dating, everything. I wish it lasted longer. Archie's had his chance,and he's always gone back to Veronica.
I doubt Archie/Betty will work.. but oh well.
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G
I started watching season 5 literally only for bughead, now I'm sad.
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C
BUGHEAD 4 LIFERSSSSSS THEY R MEANT TO BE AND WE ALL KNOW THAT
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G
I stopped watching the show because I was rooting for bughead. It's not the same, I don't like it not one bit , I tried but I literally csnt get thru it. Jug and Betty they're chemistry is so fun, solving crimes together , I also love Alice and fp, I'm done with Riverdale.
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G
Bring back Bughead. Betty and Jughead are perfect together, they are meant to be together till the end. Bring them back together!!!!
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B
They should theyre relationship out in season 6 they seem right for each other i do not like barchie at all it does not seem wright
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R
I'm upset Toni and Fangs ended up in a relationship🥸
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G
I think they should put Archie and Veronica back together, Betty is lovely but she has a naughty side and doesn’t belong with Archie. Jughead however kept Betty on the right path and they should be together.
Veronica and her daddy should have their relationship back.
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C
nooooooooo we need betty and jughead. their literally soul mates same w Cheryl and toni and v and reggie
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G
THIS TICKS ME THE HECK OFF BUGHEAD SHOULD STILL BE TOGETHER I HATE THAT THEY WRECKED IT
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O
Well all of the couples are done with their perspective romancing people , and have moved on and oh!!! I’ve been missing varchie and Bughead reunion and also choni’s reunion too , maybe in season 7 they might be together again I am hoping that it’ll happen sometime soon though.
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B
I am shocked i was bughead all the way i thought they would end up together😢
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G
Archie and Cheryl should be hittin skins.
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G
Bring back Archie and Josie! That was my favorite
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G
I think bug had to be together I mean they brought down the Stoneys solved murders I mean they’re perfect for each other and Cheryl and Tony should totally get back together and I’m really angry that Tony ended up with fangs
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B
She is literally a confirmed lesbian
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G
maybe, but I think Archie and V
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R
Yeah ur totally right they better get back together in s7
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R
Same I agree I hope there back together in season 7
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R
Yeah I loved Toni and Cheryl
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R
I totally agree
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R
I agree I luv bughead so much I don’t like Archie and Betty theat much I wish all the couples from the previous season got back together
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R
SAME
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P
Was I the only one shipping fangs x Kevin?
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G
Toni and Fangs shouldn't be together...I watched for Barchie or Bughead...
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P
nope not haha
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B
That is what i wanted all the way is bughead
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G
I agree
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R
Obvi this isn’t like the comics but I’m kinda ok with Barchie only because I’ve always wanted them to end up together
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O
Barchie is endgame!
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