Last updated on: October 8, 2025
You remember when one job can totally overhaul someone’s life? For Charles Melton, that job was Reggie Mantle in Riverdale. Prior to that, no one knew his name. Afterwards? Suddenly he was everywhere—on our televisions, in magazines, on our social media feeds.
And in all seriousness, it isn’t surprising. He’s got the sort of charisma that makes you pause from scrolling, sit up straight, and wonder, “Okay, who is this guy?”
Charles’s journey is interesting because it feels relatable in a weird way. He didn’t just land in Hollywood out of nowhere. He worked his way up, starting with modeling gigs, auditioning, and eventually landing his big break. His career is proof that sometimes the thing you least expect—like taking over a role someone else started—can open the biggest doors.
So today I’m going to take you through the five TV shows that defined Charles Melton’s career. Some are no-brainers, some are stinkers, but collectively they’re the tale of a kid who grew up in a small town and became one of the hottest names in Hollywood today.
Who is Charles Melton?
Let’s take a step back before we dive into the shows.
Charles Michael Melton was born in Juneau, Alaska, in 1991. He was raised in Manhattan, Kansas—not the first place that comes to mind when you think of would-be Hollywood actors. His heritage is actually really unusual: he’s of Korean and Cherokee descent, and he’s always been candid about how much that influenced him.
Before acting, he actually modeled for big brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Kenneth Cole. Picture it: runways, fashion shoots, the works. But acting was always calling to him.
In 2014, he started getting small roles here and there. Nothing too flashy, but enough to get him noticed.
Then came Riverdale. Ross Butler, the original Reggie Mantle, had to leave for another project, and suddenly Melton had a shot. Taking over a role mid-series isn’t easy—you’re stepping into someone else’s shoes, and the audience already has an opinion. But Charles? He didn’t just step in. He owned it. And that move catapulted him from “that model who’s trying acting” to a household name.
Why Fans Adore Him on Television
Now here’s the thing: Charles Melton is not famous because he’s handsome (although, let’s be honest, that doesn’t hurt). People respond to him because he’s real. He has this combination of humor, charm, and raw emotion that makes you think, “Yeah, I know a guy like that.”
When I initially saw him playing Reggie, I figured he’d just be the typical jock character—the one who tosses footballs and makes wisecracks. But as the seasons progressed, he added more depth to Reggie. You could see his conflicts, insecurities, and loyalty. It’s that layering that makes him pop.
And it’s not limited to Riverdale. He’s demonstrated that he can change gears—from the eerie atmospheres of American Horror Stories to even an unexpected WWE SmackDown cameo (yes, really). That versatility is what will keep viewers hooked.
And he’s on social media, communicating with fans, sharing behind-the-scenes moments. That interaction? It counts. It’s the reason individuals don’t only watch his shows—but cheer him on.
The Top 5 TV Shows of Charles Melton
1. Riverdale (2017–2023)
If we’re keeping a list, Riverdale must lead the way. No question. The show took the squeaky-clean Archie Comics we grew up with and transformed them into a dark, brooding teen soap opera of secrets, love triangles, and outrageous plot twists.
Charles joined in Season 2 as Reggie Mantle. And seriously? He aced it. Reggie was the quintessential high school jock—arrogant, athletic, and snarky. But Charles added humor, vulnerability, and depth.
Without Riverdale, Charles would still be limited to small roles. But thanks to the show’s international popularity, he became a breakout star.
2. American Horror Stories (2021)
Whereas Riverdale brought him to the world, American Horror Stories proved he could do more.
This spin-off of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story gave Charles the chance to step into a creepy, twisted anthology series. From teen drama to horror—quite a leap. But Charles didn’t just survive—he flourished.
This role showed audiences that he wasn’t just a teen drama specialist. He could carry darker, more dramatic performances that surprised everyone.
3. American Horror Story
Before the spin-off, Charles also had a guest role in the original American Horror Story.
It wasn’t a huge part, but if you know AHS, you know that even the smallest roles can have impact. This was Charles taking a risk early in his career—a bold choice, given the show’s intensity and unpredictability.
Think of it as a musician experimenting with a new genre before releasing a full album. It gave us a taste of his range and set the stage for American Horror Stories.
Charles Melton’s Impact on Television
Looking back, it’s amazing how much Charles has already contributed to television:
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Riverdale gave us a fan-favorite Reggie Mantle.
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American Horror Stories showcased his range.
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Guest spots and specials highlighted his versatility and personality.
But beyond roles, his biggest impact is representation. As a Korean-American and Cherokee actor, Charles brings diversity to primetime television. For young viewers, seeing someone who looks like them on screen is powerful.
What’s Next for Charles Melton?
Though TV launched him, Charles is now breaking into film.
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The Sun Is Also a Star showed him as a romantic lead.
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May December earned him critical acclaim.
He’s no longer just “that Riverdale guy.” He’s building a lasting career.
Will he return to TV? Probably. With streaming platforms constantly seeking diverse, talented actors, it’s only a matter of time before he takes on new roles.
For now, though, it’s exciting to watch him transition into bigger projects.
Conclusion
Charles Melton’s story is like a classic Hollywood tale—hard work, a big break, and the kind of talent that keeps audiences coming back.
His five standout TV moments—Riverdale, American Horror Stories, American Horror Story, Riverdale Specials, and WWE SmackDown—each reveal a different side of him.
Together, they paint the portrait of an actor who takes risks, stays authentic, and leaves a footprint.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Charles Melton is more than a TV actor. He’s proof that when you combine talent with realness, you don’t just play roles—you create lasting impact.
And honestly? I can’t wait to see what he does next.
