The twisted tale of Joe Goldberg is coming to an end. After four seasons of obsession, murder, and psychological manipulation, You Season 5 will conclude the story of television’s most charming yet terrifying antihero. Premiering on April 24, the final season promises to bring Joe’s journey full circle—returning him to New York, the city where his dark saga began.
A Full-Circle Ending for Joe Goldberg
Season 5 picks up three years after Joe (Penn Badgley) and Kate (Charlotte Ritchie) fled London for New York. Now married, the couple appears to have achieved a picture-perfect life. Kate is the powerful CEO of the Lockwood Corporation, while Joe has been embraced by the public as a devoted husband—earning the nickname “Prince Charming.” However, as fans of the series know, Joe’s past is never far behind.
The new season explores the tension between the man Joe pretends to be and the monster he truly is. Co-showrunner Michael Foley explains that bringing Joe back to New York was always part of the plan: “We loved the idea of things coming full circle for him. At the core of our final story is this dichotomy of the old and the new.”
This time, Joe isn’t hiding in the shadows. His newfound fame makes it harder for him to evade scrutiny, adding a fresh layer of tension. Justin W. Lo, another co-showrunner, notes: “One of the most fun things about this season is that Joe is actually famous. Social media is on him, and that’s something new for us to explore.”
New Threats and Old Ghosts
Despite his polished public image, Joe’s dark impulses resurface when he crosses paths with a mysterious woman named Bronte (Madeline Brewer), who challenges his privileged lifestyle. Additionally, Kate’s siblings—Teddy (Griffin Matthews), Raegan (Anna Camp), and Maddie (Anna Camp)—pose new threats, forcing Joe to confront his violent tendencies once again.
The season also introduces new characters, including Detective Marquez (Nava Mau), who could become a major obstacle in Joe’s quest to maintain his façade. With the ghosts of his past haunting him, Joe’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel.
The Creative Vision Behind the Final Season
The show’s creators always envisioned You as a five-season story. Executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter confirmed that the plan was to bring Joe back to New York for a dramatic conclusion. Sera Gamble, who co-created the series, stepped down as showrunner for Season 5 but remains an executive producer. In her place, Foley and Lo took over, ensuring a seamless transition.
Gamble reflected on her time with the series: “Making the show has been an honor and ridiculously fun. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to see the team bring Joe’s journey to its delightfully twisted conclusion.”
A Global Phenomenon Reaches Its Climax
Since its debut, You has grown into a global sensation, with each season gaining more viewers than the last. Season 4 spent five weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 and reached the Top 10 in 90 countries. Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s VP of scripted series, teased: “One thing is for sure: You are in for an unforgettable ending.”
What Lies Ahead for Joe Goldberg?
As the final season approaches, fans are left wondering: Will Joe finally face justice? Or will he find a way to escape consequences once again? With his past closing in and his dark desires resurfacing, You Season 5 is set to deliver a thrilling, unpredictable conclusion.
Penn Badgley himself hinted at the intensity of the finale: “Coming back to where it started allowed for a grounded yet spectacular finish.”
On April 24, the world will witness the end of Joe Goldberg’s bloody saga—one last ride into the mind of a killer who thought he could outrun his demons.
Brace yourselves. The end is near.