The final season of Netflix’s thriller series You has been released, and it’s generating a mix of excitement and criticism among fans and critics alike. Released on April 24, 2025, the fifth season marks the end of Joe Goldberg’s (Penn Badgley) tumultuous journey, which began in 2018 on Lifetime before finding its stride on Netflix.
Based on the novels by Caroline Kepnes, You follows Joe, a charming but dangerously obsessive man who becomes fixated on the women he falls in love with. As he moves from New York to Los Angeles and eventually to Europe, each season introduces new romantic targets, including Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle). This final season introduces Bronte (Madeline Brewer), an aspiring writer who becomes Joe's new love interest, complicating his already chaotic life.
Critics have been vocal about the show's decline in quality, with Season 5 receiving a Rotten Tomatoes score of 71%, the lowest in the series. In comparison, previous seasons scored as follows: Season 1 - 94%, Season 2 - 89%, Season 3 - 93%, and Season 4 - 92%. Audience scores have also dropped, with Season 1 at 82% and Season 4 at a mere 62%. This downward trend has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
Rebecca Nicholson of the Guardian commented, “You used to be fun, at least, a guilty-ish pleasure, aware of its own over-the-top silliness... But as the seasons have ticked away, the satire has seeped out, leaving a mess of its own making that it tries, and inevitably struggles, to clear up.” Emily Baker from iNews.co.uk noted that “five series in the writers have run out of inspiration,” suggesting that the season feels predictable and lacks the creativity that once defined the show.
Despite the critiques, some fans remain engaged. Lacy Baugher of Paste Magazine stated, “You Season 5 will almost certainly disappoint, frustrate, and delight long-time fans in equal measure.” Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant found enough twists to keep audiences engaged, even if some character actions were frustrating. Others, like Rihaana Stark from Geeks Of Color, called it “a treat for fans of neuroticism and romance alike,” praising the season's twists.
The fifth season begins with Joe back in New York, where his wife Kate (Charlotte Ritchie) has become CEO of the Lockwood Corporation. As Joe attempts to navigate his life while hiding his dark past, he meets Bronte, who is later revealed to be Louise Flannery, a friend of Beck’s. As the season progresses, Bronte teams up with an online forum looking to expose Joe’s past crimes.
In a shocking turn of events, Bronte confronts Joe about his past, pulling a gun on him and demanding he confess to killing Guinevere Beck. The tension escalates when Joe, in a moment of desperation, admits to breaking her ankle to keep her from escaping. As the season reaches its climax, Bronte shoots Joe in the groin as police sirens approach, leading to his arrest.
In the finale, Joe faces the consequences of his actions. He is sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Beck, Love Quinn, Benji Ashby, and Peach Salinger. The narrative takes a leap forward, showcasing the aftermath of Joe's crimes. Bronte, who has reissued Beck’s novel, reveals her commitment to seeking justice for Joe’s victims. Meanwhile, Kate survives the inferno at Mooney’s bookstore and becomes the legal guardian of Joe’s son, Henry.
The final moments of You show Joe in solitary confinement, reflecting on his actions. He receives a fan letter that prompts him to declare, “maybe the problem is you,” implicating the audience in his narrative. This closing line leaves viewers questioning their own fascination with Joe's story.
Fans have taken to social media to express their mixed feelings about the finale. Some found the ending satisfying, while others felt it was a fitting conclusion to a series that had become increasingly absurd. Comments like, “The ending scene is the biggest YES there ever was,” and “Joe deserves that ending tbh,” highlight the divisive nature of the finale.
With the conclusion of You, viewers are left to ponder the complexities of morality and obsession that the series explored. As the credits roll, the fate of Joe Goldberg serves as a reminder of the consequences of his actions, leaving fans to reflect on the dark themes that permeated the show.
As Netflix bids farewell to this beloved yet controversial series, the question remains: will audiences find a new obsession to fill the void left by Joe Goldberg, or will they be left longing for the thrill of his twisted escapades?
