Riverdale: 22 Flimsy Excuses The Show Has Used To Get Archie's Shirt Off

KJ Apa's bare chiseled torso is as frequent a sight on Riverdale as a Pop's milkshake. With the CW drama returning for Season 5 this Wednesday at 8/7c, we're looking back at the most ridiculous excuses the show has come up with so far to get Archie's shirt off. (And yes, that means lots and lots of shirtless Archie photos. You're welcome.)

Building a Fourth of July parade float (Season 4, Episode 1)

Yes, everyone else working on the float has their shirts on. No, that's not a complaint.

Sudsing up at a car wash fundraiser (Season 4, Episode 3)

Veronica Lodge knows how to give the people what they want — and so does Riverdale.

Getting a tattoo (Season 3, Episode 1)

You know, you could've just rolled up your sleeve, Archie.

Burning his clothes in a bonfire to cover up his friend's "murder" (Season 3, Episode 22)

He had to take his clothes off! His shirt was evidence!

Entering a steam room to challenge Hiram to a fight (Season 3, Episode 21)

No, he couldn't have waited until Hiram had left the gym. This was urgent.

Treating more wounds... from a bear attack (Season 3, Episode 9)

"Oh, that darn bear got me right on the pecs and abs! What are the odds?"

Hauling bales of hay (Season 3, Episode 7)

Well, it's nice to see he's wearing protective gloves, at least.

Getting tied up and branded by a sadistic prison warden (Season 3, Episode 5)

Hey, Warden Norton! Don't deface that beautiful body, you jerk!

Streaking! (Season 3, Episode 4)

OK, technically, this was a flashback to Archie's dad Fred streaking in high school — but that body still looks awfully familiar.

Fighting in a bare-knuckle, underground prison fight club (Season 3, Episode 3)

This strange plot development ensured that Archie had his shirt off for the better part of Season 3. (And for that, we're thankful.)

Driving down to the old swimming hole (Season 3, Episode 1)

Is there a law against driving shirtless? Even if there is, we'll make an exception in Archie's case.

Doing angry pull-ups in the garage (Season 2, Episode 15)

As one does.

Sipping margaritas in a hot tub (Season 2, Episode 14)

How were four teenagers allowed to spend a weekend at a luxurious cabin in the woods with alcohol and no adult supervision? Um, who cares?

Basketball team tryouts (Season 2, Episode 11)

When it's shirts versus skins, you already know which side Archie Andrews is on.

Playing guitar in his underwear (Season 2, Episode 8)

Did you know that Archie writes all his songs in his underwear? You did, didn't you?

Treating wounds (Season 2, Episode 4)

Veronica looked all too happy to patch Archie up after he got into a scuffle with the Southside Serpents, didn't she?

Showering off the blood after his father Fred was shot (Season 2, Episode 1)

A dramatic scene, to be sure... but Riverdale still found time to linger on Archie's bare torso.

Having a sleepover with Jughead (Season 1, Episode 11)

It gets very warm in Archie's attic bedroom, apparently.

Getting drunk and partying (Season 1, Episode 10)

Because we all like to unwind by taking off our shirts and popping open a brew with our bros — and even putting on a pig mask, maybe.

Training for football tryouts (Season 1, Episode 5)

Before he took up boxing full-time, Archie threw punches at a heavy bag to get ready for football season — because, yeah, he really needs to get into better shape.

Toweling off in the locker room (Season 1, Episode 3)

Sure, it makes sense that Archie would be sans clothes here... but that doesn't really explain why Riverdale decided to set at least a dozen scenes in a men's locker room over the years.

Taking a nighttime jog (Season 1, Episode 2)

After tossing and turning in bed (shirtless) and texting Betty (shirtless), Archie ran over to Miss Grundy's to talk... and whoops, he forgot to put on a shirt!