Riverdale is a popular teen drama based on the characters from Archie Comics. This series is produced by the CW and gives a dark spin on the generally-cheery comic series. The show is filmed in the Vancouver area, and uses a mix of studio and location filming.
Pop’s Chock-lit Shoppe
Pop’s Chock-lit Shoppe is a popular 24 hour diner in Riverdale that the characters often visit. The diner is a backlot set on the film studio lot where Riverdale is filmed. The set is often surrounded by older cars and a Pop’s Truck as well.
In the pilot episode, production used a real location as Pop’s. It was Rocko’s Diner in Mission, BC. Much like Pop’s, this 50s style diner is open 24 hours and serves the same types of food and milkshakes. In fact, it’s about as close to a real-life Pop’s as you can get. Due to the popularity of Riverdale, Rocko’s has named their milkshakes after the various characters on the show.
Studio Facades
The studio also has several facades built in to the exterior of the Soundstage building, which can be used when needed. This includes a gas station and Reggie’s business, Mantle Motors.
Archie’s House
Archie’s house is a real house located in Vancouver. The house was chosen as it fit the style of architecture that the Andrew’s family would live in. While exterior shots were filmed here, interiors are filmed on a soundstage.
Betty’s House
Despite being portrayed to be near Archie, the house used for Betty and the Cooper family is actually about a 20 minute drive away, in New Westminster. Much like Archie’s house, the interiors of Betty’s house are filmed on a soundstage, and this house is used for exterior shots.
Veronica’s House
The building used as the Lodge Mansion is located in downtown Vancouver. The Permanent Building is a former bank, and now operates as an event venue.
Riverdale High School
Riverdale High School is actually Lord Byng High School in Vancouver. This stone building was originally opened in 1925 and is used for exterior shots.
Sheriff’s Office
The building used as the Riverdale Sheriff’s Office is actually the Post Office in Mission, BC, fairly close to Rocko’s Diner.
Mustang’s Motel
In the first season, Jughead goes to a motel looking for Mustang. The production used the City Centre Motor Motel, close to the centre of Vancouver. This roadside motel is a common filming location, and recently appeared on Disney+’s series Turner and Hooch.
Theatre from Heather: The Musical
In season 3, the characters put on a production of Heather: The Musical. These scenes were filmed at the ACT Arts Centre in nearby Maple Ridge, BC.
