"Archie’s speech here isn’t just him throwing out a few words in the finale, it’s arguably – particularly if you are a Barchie ‘shipper – the whole emotional arc of the show [...] by placing that scene where director/writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa does in the finale, it’s a clear indicator of the relationship’s importance to the show, and the characters’ importance to each other. So is Barchie endgame in the 'real' world? No. But if you want to follow the emotional thread of the series, Barchie is endgame. If you want them to be."
— Archie and Betty in Riverdale's series finale: ‘Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Seven: Goodbye, Riverdale' (aired on August 23rd, 2023)