She also portrays the recurring role of Ethel Muggs in the CW teen drama series Riverdale (2017–2023).

She formerly worked at a movie theater in her hometown of Roswell, Georgia,[6] but quit in order to focus on acting.

[7] Purser made her acting debut in the Netflix science fiction drama series Stranger Things.

She portrayed the character Barbara Holland, an intelligent and outspoken girl, who is the best friend of Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer).

[8][9] This role brought Purser to international fame,[10][11] and earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.