Things Kids Love About Riverdale That Adults Don't Get

Whether you're a Riverdale addict or you've never seen an episode, it's impossible to deny that the series has really captured the zeitgeist. Following the adventures of Archie Comics' most famous protagonist, Archie Andrews, Riverdale has become a big hit, in part, because it refuses to conform to just one genre, instead perfectly blurring the lines among teen dramas, horror comedies, and detective thrillers. The fact that the show has a killer soundtrack, chic retro costumes, and some of the most awesome cinematography around only adds to its popularity. We suspect Riverdale favorites Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica are going to be around for a long time to come.

As Riverdale's main characters are all in high school right now, it makes sense that the show appeals to a young audience. And while there are plenty of things for mature viewers to enjoy — such as the impeccable casting of the Riverdale parents, featuring a slew of '90s heartthrob actors like Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210) and Skeet Ulrich (Scream) — inevitably, there are some aspects of the show which kids love that adults don't really get.

Cole Sprouse's Jughead Jones narrates every episode of Riverdale, and in many ways, the writer is the show's moral compass, analyzing and overseeing the town's dark deeds as they happen. Regularly playing detective alongside girlfriend Betty Cooper, Jughead isn't afraid to put himself in the way of danger if it means he might uncover a crime or solve a mystery. Basically, he will do anything for a story and has a relentless passion for uncovering the truth.

While Polygon describes Jughead as "an individual, a self-proclaimed 'edgy' teen" — something that might prompt grown-ups to roll their eyes — that's exactly what kids love about him! The excerpts of his writing, which open every episode, set the tone and tell the audience what they can expect from the gang each week. Basically, Jughead's prose is the Tumblr update of most people's dreams, and it's also the perfect excuse to keep hearing Sprouse's dulcet tones. Jughead's writing connects him to the world around him, making him infinitely more relatable to the show's audience and inspiring the next generation of writers in the process.

If a parent or guardian has ever criticized your clothing choices, then you're likely to empathize with Jughead's unusual hat. Uproxx muses, "the real mystery is why Jughead Jones is, in the 21st century, still wearing that whoopee cap," referring to the character's unmistakable style. Anyone who's bought a replica from Hot Topic will tell you why — because Jughead is the literal greatest, and his individual style is what helps him stand out from the crowd.

In fact, it's Jughead's refusal to conform to the supposed norm which makes him all the more relatable. From joining the Southside Serpents, a gang of which his father has long been a member, to living in the drive-in movie theater while he's homeless, Jughead has always been a staunch individual and survivor with a recognizable style to match. Without his iconic hat, Jughead would blend into the crowd, and that just wouldn't work. Like a suit of armor, Jug's whoopee cap is essential to his success. Plus, it gives kids everywhere the excuse to wear an unusual beanie hat and feel no shame about it.

With the inclusion of Josie and the Pussycats, it was inevitable that Riverdale would feature music, but it was unclear just how much. From Archie's dream of becoming a singer-songwriter in New York, to Veronica's solo performances at her speakeasy La Bonne Nuit, music is constantly integrated into Riverdale, but not everyone's a fan. For instance, Grazia conceded that Riverdale's "Carrie: The Musical" episode was "Not As Cringe As It Sounds," but the publication was apparently prepared to hate it, and so were a lot of grown-ups.

Meanwhile, kids can't get enough of the musical numbers, which often have a lot in common with the mash-ups from Glee but with an actual edge. At their best, Riverdale's musical episodes bring an added dimension to the show's characters and prove just how multi-faceted all of the actors are. The plot is also often advanced by its songs, and with the cast set to take on Heathers: The Musical next, fans of musical theater are in for a real treat.

Does everyone like it when characters randomly break into song? Probably not, but Riverdale has never played it safe, and that's exactly why kids love it.

Whether you think Archie should be with Veronica or Betty, or you can't get over the moment Veronica kissed Jughead, Riverdale isn't afraid to pair up a plethora of random couplings. Now that the show has been renewed for a fourth season, it's even more likely that viewers will get to see some unexpected relationships, with the possibility of brand new love interests joining the series to create havoc for the current couples. For instance, the fact that One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray is joining Riverdale this season suggests that the fledgling hook-up between Alice (Betty's mom) and FP (Jughead's dad) is about to hit a speed-bump.

If you've let out the longest sigh just thinking about the multiple partner swaps that have already taken place on the show, then you're maybe missing the point. Riverdale's many ships play into the very fan fiction that young fans are writing. "Archie and Betty or Archie and Veronica?" might just be this generation's "Joey and Dawson or Joey and Pacey?" — and that's a pretty special thing to behold

From Cheryl Blossom's red hood, to Dark Betty's webcam wig, the teen characters on Riverdale are exploring their personalities, and they're not afraid if others know it. While actress Lili Reinhart may have admitted she's not a big Dark Betty fan to People saying, "I hate that wig, I hate it. It's just uncomfortable," when the characters don costumes, the storyline is transformed. And it also gives fans the perfect excuse for cosplay, which is almost always a great decision.

The costumes the characters wear in Riverdale also prove that each of us is allowed to be complicated, surprising, diverse, and a consummate individual. It's totally okay to mix up your style if it helps you to feel more confident — whether that's by wearing a striking new wig, or trying out a brighter lip color. Plus, if Cheryl's red riding hood and bow and arrow are anything to go by, the show is slowly but surely moving into superhero territory, which is more than a little exciting. New episodes can't come soon enough.