The twisted journey of Joe Goldberg is about to come to an end. Netflix confirmed in March 2023 that You, the psychological thriller that has captivated audiences worldwide, will return for its fifth and final season.
Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s vice president of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada, said in a statement, “You became an instant sensation on Netflix with a resounding cultural impact that has grown season over season. We’re excited—and a bit terrified—to see how it all ends for Joe Goldberg, but one thing is for sure: ‘You’ are in for an unforgettable ending.”
What’s to Come in the Final Season
In the previous season, viewers were introduced to a new side of Joe (Penn Badgley) as he tried to break free from his violent past. Living abroad under the alias Professor Jonathan Moore, Joe initially appeared to escape his dark tendencies, only to be dragged back into his old ways. As the series wraps up with its final season, fans are wondering how Joe’s story will come to a close.
Who’s Returning for Season 5?
Badgley will reprise his role as Joe Goldberg, the calculating, unpredictable antihero. Charlotte Ritchie will also return as Kate, Joe’s current love interest. A new addition to the cast is Madeline Brewer, who plays Bronte, an “enigmatic and free-spirited playwright” who joins Joe’s new bookstore. Anna Camp and Griffin Matthews will join the ensemble as Reagan and Teddy Lockwood, Joe’s twin sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, respectively.
There’s been speculation that some former characters will return for the final season. Showrunner Sera Gamble teased the possibility, revealing that they had tried to get Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, who played Ellie in season 2, to come back. However, her schedule prevented it. “Any character who’s not dead who knows anything about Joe is fair game,” Gamble added, hinting at potential surprises for long-time fans.
The Show’s Full Circle Return to New York City
In a fitting turn of events, season 5 will bring Joe back to New York City, where it all began in season 1. This return to the iconic location will allow Joe to confront his past, perhaps facing former victims and dealing with the fallout of his previous actions.
What Will Happen in the Final Season?
Although Netflix has yet to release an official plot for season 5, Badgley hinted at what fans can expect. He stated that the season is building toward a “greater resolution” for Joe. With Joe now possessing a level of wealth and power he has never had before, it seems his journey will take a terrifying new direction.
“With Love [Victoria Pedretti], he technically had wealth and was adjacent to some power, but he hated it and didn’t take it for his own. Now, he seems to be embracing it,” Badgley explained. This change in Joe’s character suggests that season 5 will explore his internal evolution as he grapples with the consequences of his past and newfound resources.
New Showrunners for Season 5
Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo are stepping in as the new showrunners for the final season, taking over from Sera Gamble. Gamble, who co-created the series, expressed her gratitude in a statement: “It’s been an honor and ridiculously fun making the show. I’m excited to watch and support the You team as they bring Joe Goldberg’s journey to its delightfully twisted conclusion.”
Filming Updates and Trailer Tease
Filming for season 5 began in March 2024, with Badgley sharing a photo from the set in New York City. The actor also posted a video on TikTok in August 2024 to mark the end of filming. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details as Netflix teases the final season.
In January 2025, Netflix released the first teaser for You season 5. The clip shows Joe walking through Mooney’s Bookstore, reflecting on his dark history while revisiting key moments and victims from previous seasons. His voiceover sends a chilling message to fans, hinting at the tragic conclusion to his story: “Goodbye, you.”
When Will YOU Season 5 Premiere?
The final season of You is set to premiere on Netflix on April 24, 2025.
Why Is YOU Ending?
Badgley explained to British GQ that the show’s finale has been carefully planned. After the shocking twist in season 4, the series is building toward its ultimate conclusion. “This is the only place the show could have ever gone and remain relevant, responsible, and intelligent,” he said.
Gamble also hinted at new possibilities for Joe’s story, especially given his increased wealth and power after teaming up with Kate. “Joe has unlimited resources now, and it gives us a lot of new opportunities,” she said.
As fans eagerly await the final chapter, one thing is clear: You will leave viewers on the edge of their seats as Joe Goldberg faces the consequences of his past—and possibly the end of his reign.
