"Chapter One: The River's Edge" is the pilot and first episode of the first season of the American television series Riverdale, based on the characters by Archie Comics, revolving around the character of Archie Andrews, portrayed by KJ Apa, and his life in the small town of Riverdale while exploring the darkness hidden behind its seemingly-perfect image. The episode was written by series creator and Archie Comics' chief creative officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and was directed by Lee Toland Krieger. The pilot was first screened at the Warner Bros. Television panel at San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2016. It originally aired on The CW on January 26, 2017, and according to Nielsen Media Research, was watched by 1.38 million viewers. Plot On the Fourth of July, twins Cheryl and Jason Blossom are rowing down Sweetwater River in the town of Riverdale when their boat capsizes. Cheryl is found on the banks, but tells the authorities that Jason is missing, presumably drowned. As the new school year approaches, Jason's disappearance weighs on the minds of the citizens of Riverdale, with the exception of Veronica Lodge, who has just moved to Riverdale from New York City with her mother Hermione after her father Hiram is arrested for embezzlement. Veronica integrates herself into Riverdale High, becoming fast friends with fellow sophomores Betty Cooper and Archie Andrews. Archie is struggling to juggle his passions for music and football, as well as his dedication to his father's construction company, while Betty is navigating her romantic feelings for Archie, as well as the whims of her controlling mother, Alice. Veronica convinces Betty to try out for the cheerleading team, the River Vixens, which are captained by Cheryl. Cheryl uses the audition to bully Betty, but after Veronica stands up for her friend, both girls make the team. As the authorities continue to investigate Jason's disappearance, Archie tells his music teacher, Miss Grundy, that they should report the gunshots that they heard while they were on the river banks. Miss Grundy refuses, saying that reporting what they know to the authorities would only reveal their illegal affair. Archie, Betty, and Veronica attend the back-to-school dance together, and Veronica persuades Betty to admit her feelings to Archie. Archie, still grappling with his relationship with Miss Grundy, does not respond. The gang reconvenes at the Blossom mansion for a game of seven minutes in heaven, in which Archie and