After five thrilling seasons, Netflix’s psychological thriller series You has officially concluded, leaving fans with a mix of nostalgia and shock. The final installment, which premiered on April 24, 2025, takes viewers back to New York City, three years after the dramatic events of Season 4. The show, based on Caroline Kepnes’ novels, continues to follow the life of Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, a character who has become synonymous with charm and danger.
In this season, Joe and his partner Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie) are trying to lead a normal life with Joe's son, Henry (Frankie DeMaio). But as is often the case with Joe, normalcy is fleeting. The couple’s peace is shattered when Kate’s Uncle Bob (Michael Dempsey) threatens to expose her involvement in a controversial pipeline project linked to childhood cancer. In a chilling turn, Joe reverts to his old ways, killing Bob to protect their lives and reputation.
As the season progresses, Joe’s violent tendencies resurface, leading him down a dark path reminiscent of the show's earlier seasons. One of the most shocking moments occurs when Joe mistakenly abducts Maddie Lockwood (also played by Anna Camp), the twin sister of Reagan, Kate’s sister. In a twisted scenario, Joe locks Maddie and Reagan in a cage, forcing them to confront each other in a deadly game.
Joe tells Maddie that she will only be freed if she kills Reagan. This harrowing choice culminates in Maddie committing the unthinkable, echoing the darker themes of the series' first season. This brutality starkly contrasts with the comedic undertones seen in earlier seasons, particularly a similar cage scene involving Sherry (Shalita Grant) and Cary (Travis Van Winkle) in Season 3, which ended on a much lighter note.
Season 5 has been noted for having the least number of deaths compared to previous seasons, but each death is laden with emotional weight. Joe’s internal struggle intensifies as he grapples with his murderous instincts while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy for his family. The season is a reflection of Joe’s evolution from a charming anti-hero to a fully realized villain, as he embraces his darker side.
Charlotte Ritchie, who portrays Kate, expressed her character's journey throughout the season, acknowledging that Kate has always been aware of Joe's true nature, albeit in denial. As the season unfolds, Kate's realization leads her to a desperate conclusion: the only way to ensure safety is to kill Joe.
In a dramatic climax, Kate confronts Joe in the basement of Mooney’s bookstore, where they become trapped in a fire. During this confrontation, Joe admits to killing Kate's father and his ex-wife, Love (Victoria Pedretti). In a twist of fate, Kate reveals she has recorded Joe’s confession, planning to send it to the authorities. This moment encapsulates the series' blend of dark humor and intense drama, with both characters recognizing the absurdity of their situation.
As the series draws to a close, Joe is ultimately locked away for life, providing a sense of closure for fans. However, the ending leaves viewers questioning the nature of justice and redemption in a world where Joe has caused so much chaos. Ritchie reflected on the mixed feelings surrounding Kate's survival, acknowledging her character's morally ambiguous actions throughout the series.
In addition to the intense plotlines, Season 5 also features a unique cameo by rapper Cardi B, who interacts with the show's universe via social media. After Joe's accidental live-streamed murder, Cardi tweets about him, showcasing the cultural impact of the character. Her involvement, though not physical, adds a modern twist to the narrative, highlighting how Joe's actions resonate beyond the confines of the show.
Despite the series' dark themes, it has managed to maintain a loyal fanbase, with critics praising the show's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. The final season has received a mixed reception, debuting with a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes, later rising to 81%. The audience score, however, stands at 63%, illustrating the divisive nature of the season's choices. Critics have noted the season as both thrilling and a fitting conclusion to Joe's twisted journey.
Penn Badgley, reflecting on his time portraying Joe, noted the character's evolution into one of the most evil roles he has played. He mentioned developing a “superhuman” ability to remain unblinking while embodying Joe’s intense demeanor, signifying the depth of his commitment to the role.
As viewers bid farewell to You, the series leaves behind a legacy of dark humor, psychological intrigue, and a protagonist who blurs the lines between charm and menace. Fans will undoubtedly miss the outrageous scenarios and high-stakes drama that defined the series, but the conclusion offers a bittersweet resolution to Joe Goldberg's chaotic life.
