Riverdale deals with some heavy topics, from murders to cults, so it's nice to be reminded that it's all scripted. Behind the scenes, the cast and crew often get up to some fun and mischief. They seem to be pretty good friends and certainly know how to keep the set lighthearted when filming some of the darker scenes.
Of course, these are professional actors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have some moments of fun between takes or in the hair and makeup department. Here are 10 of the best behind the scenes photos from Riverdale, featuring all of your favorite cast members.
The Core Four At Pop's
This is a shot that many fans will recognize. From the show's early days, before things got too twisted, the core four (Betty, Archie, Jughead, and Veronica) were just a group of four friends who only wanted to enjoy a milkshake at Pop's.
The four friends are cheerful as they share a laugh at the iconic set of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe, looking in on the diner from outside. It appears that the core four is as close in real life as they are in the series.
The Parents Of Riverdale
Isn't it nice to see these parents getting along for once? They rarely appear in a scene all together, but it looks like they had a great time filming the episode "The Midnight Club."
Pictured: Matthew Yang King, who plays Reggie's father; Robin Givens, the former Mayor McCoy; the Lodges, played by Mark Consuelos and Marisol Nichols; Betty's mom, or Mädchen Amick in real life; Skeet Ulrich who plays FP Jones; Penelope Blossom's Nathalie Boltt; and, of course, the late Luke Perry.
KJ Apa And Cole Sprouse's Friendship
This happy snap of Sprouse hugging his red-headed friend protectively (albeit with an almost wicked smirk) reflects the actors' relationship perfectly.
KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse look very comfortable with each other and they know full well that fans go crazy over their bromance or any glimpse of it they can get -- like in this photo. Hopefully, though, they're better friends to each other in real life than they are on-screen.
The Cooper Family (Extended)
While these four don't always get along on the best of terms on-screen, it's nice to see that these actresses are friends in real life, keeping things pretty lighthearted. From left to right: Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper); Mädchen Amick (Alice Cooper); Madelaine Petsch (Cheryl Blossom); Tiera Skovbye (Polly Cooper).
To clarify this tangled mess of a family: Betty is Alice's daughter, Polly's sister, and Cheryl's cousin (third, to be exact). Cheryl and Betty are aunts to Juniper and Dagwood, who are the children of Polly and the deceased Jason, who was Cheryl's twin brother.
KJ Apa Carries Lili Reinhart Across Set
The Red Paladin, the vigilante ... Archie Andrews goes by many monikers in Riverdale (ignoring "Archiekins" and whatever else Veronica calls him) and it appears that the actor who plays him can be just as chivalrous off-screen.
Was it a rainy day? Was the ground muddy? Was he just being nice? Why does he look so annoyed at the person behind the camera? Either way, Reinhart looks pretty pleased as her castmate carries her across the set.
Lili Reinhart Does Her Makeup
Maybe not everyone was a huge fan of the whole Dark Betty era, but she certainly did a nice job of her makeup. Lili Reinhart, it turns out, is a pretty decent makeup artist. Madelaine Petsch even features her skills in one of her YouTube videos.
Here, Lili Reinhart applies or touches up her makeup before a scene, while Cole Sprouse is ... checking his teeth in the mirror? But wait ... it gets better.
Lili Reinhart Does Cole Sprouse's Makeup
Here, Reinhart does Cole Sprouse's makeup in the trailer on set. Their swimming costumes match those their characters wear in the scene where Veronica and Jughead kiss in the episode "The Hills Have Eyes."
The kiss is supposed to clear the air between the four friends and eradicate any lingering jealousy that anyone may have over Archie and Betty's kiss. Maybe it clears the air for the characters, but fans were left feeling a little uncomfortable. Thankfully, this behind the scenes moment is a lot lighter than the awkward scene that these two are preparing for.
Lili Reinhart and Luke Perry
This photo has quickly become a popular behind the scenes shot of the cast of Riverdale. Luke Perry, who played Archie's dad, was a mentor to many of the show's younger actors, obviously including Lili Reinhart.
Reinhart has paid tribute to the late actor a few times since his tragic death. This is one of the photos the actress shared. Both look genuinely happy and comfortable in each other's presence.
Camila Mendes In A Wedding Dress
Fans were quick to come up with a whole array of theories about the wedding dress Camila Mendes wears in this photo when promotional material of the wedding scene was released ahead of the second season's premier.
Archie's dad, it turns out, is having a dream (or nightmare?) about Archie and Veronica getting married (it's cut short by the Black Hood: wedding crasher). Mendes is glowing in the dress, but wait ... it gets better ... again.
Lili Reinhart Is The Photographer Of Camila Mendes' Wedding Photoshoot
Where to even begin with this one? The fact that this is best friend goals, how natural Camila is as a model, or how happy (and gorgeous) she looks in this gorgeous wedding dress?
Ever the supportive best friend, Lili Reinhart takes a flattering photo of Mendes as she poses on set. This shot is only one of a series of many different poses the actress takes up in Veronica's dress.