You: Everything you need to know about the Netflix show
Season five was its last
Since You first hit our screens on Netflix back in 2018, the nation has been hooked on Penn Badgley (AKA Joe Goldberg's) dark secrets, impromptu killings and chilling voice overs. Understandably, fans were over the moon when the fifth season was released, especially following the chilling ending to fourth season.
But did you know the fifth season is its last? Now we've finally found out how it all ends for Joe, we take a deep dive into You seasons one, two, three, four and five. Warning: This article contains some serious You spoilers...
What is You about on Netflix?
Described by Netflix, You follows 'a dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man who goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by.'
Who plays the main character in You?
The main character in Netflix series You, Joe Goldberg, or Will Bettelheim as he goes by in season 2, is played by American actor Penn Badgley.
Penn, who was born on the 1st November 1986, is most famous for his roles in shows like Gossip Girl and movies such as Easy A and John Tucker Must Die — check out where you've seen Penn Badgley before.
How many seasons of You are there on Netflix?
There are five seasons of You on Netflix. In early 2020, bosses confirmed a third series, which was then released in October 2021, with the fourth series being confirmed at the same time. Season four was released in two parts, with Part One (consisting of five episodes) landing in February 2023, and Part Two (a further five episodes) landing a month later in March. Season five then landed on 24th April 2025, serving as the final instalment of the show.
Will there be another season?
No there will not. Season five was released in April 2025, and was the final season of the show.
On 24th March 2023, just weeks after the release of season four Part Two, Netflix announced that we would be seeing Penn Badgley reprise his role of Joe Goldberg one last time in a fifth and final season.
When was series five released?
The fifth and final season of Netflix's You landed on 24th April 2025. The news of its release date was confirmed in January of that year, with bosses sharing a new graphic for the series - with the chilling text: 'To the last breath'.
Where is it set?
As fans of the show will know, Joe Goldberg loves to travel! His story began in New York City in season one, before he moved to California, Paris and then London.
In a chilling twist, Netflix announced prior to season five's release that we would see Joe return to New York City for the final instalment of the series. As fans know, New York was where Joe's was first seen working in a book store when he met his original love, Beck.
Following the announcement of Joe's return to NYC, rumours were immediately rife amongst fans as to who he may run in to from his past. One fan speculated: 'Peaches family is waiting for him. Love’s family will see he’s alive. Dr. Nicky will get his revenge. Marrianne will get her revenge. HE WILL FINALLY RUN INTO HIS MOTHER. ……', with another fan adding: 'Paco is coming back too?'.
At the end of series three we left Joe exploring the gorgeous city of Paris, as he set out to find Marienne Bellamy - his love interest at the time. Despite plenty of Emily in Paris cross-over jokes, show writers quickly hinted that the show was heading to the UK.
Taking to the show's official Instagram, bosses hinted that we would find Joe in the familiar territory of London in the fourth season of You, sharing an image of Penn Badgley, who plays the infamous Joe, sat next to a pile of books, and writing: 'Joe’s back for a bloody good time. If his book choice tells us anything… our boy might not be in Paris anymore.'
As eagle-eyed fans can see (and those of us who know how to zoom), the actor is sat next to books such as Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist and Great Expectations - novels which are both famously set in London.
The location of season four was later revealed in the teaser trailer, confirming that we would see Joe (and his new identity, for that matter) in London!
In the first-look photos released in early December 2022, we even caught a glimpse of the lovely backdrops London has to offer.
What happened in You season 4?
Joe assumed a new identity for season four, in the form of Professor Jonathan Moore. Not only that, but the character resides in London, and we even see the brief return of Marienne Bellamy.
The ending of Part One saw Joe come to the realisation that his friend Rhys Montrose was responsible for murdering Malcolm, Simon and Gemma, and had been the anonymous messenger sending Joe ominous, disappearing texts.
At the end of the first instalment, we not only see Rhys present himself as a mayoral candidate, but we catch a glimpse of Joe returning to his former mindset and fixate on stopping him. As to where Joe/Jonathan goes from here - well, you'll have to binge watch Part Two!
Netflix released a trailer for season four a month before Part One's release, and it showed Joe as Professor Moore, who became friends with a group of socialites, which he described as the "most insane damaged people on Earth, a circle of privileged douchebags."
A trailer for Part Two was then released on 15th February.
Season four cast
You season four cast saw Penn Badgley return with his infamous role of Joe Goldberg - after all, where would the series be without him?! This season, however, he assumed the identity of Professor Jonathan Moore.
A whole host of new characters also appeared in season four, including actress Charlotte Ritchie and actor Lukas Gage.
We also saw the return of Marienne Bellamy, who is played by actress Tati Gabrielle.
Netflix began teasing new characters in You season four at the beginning of 2022. Bosses announced back in February that Euphoria star Lukas Gage had joined the cast, playing the role of a troubled ex-pat son of a wealthy businessman, named Adam.
As if that wasn't exciting enough, Netflix later revealed in March that Fresh Meat and Call The Midwife star Charlotte Ritchie would also be joining the cast of You season four, playing the role of Kate.
Check out the first-look photos for You season four which showed us the new cast, new city and another one of Joe's multiple aliases.
Filming for season 3
The third season of Netflix's You landed on the streaming service on 15th October 2021.
After filming was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, bosses confirmed in November 2020 that production had resumed.
Netflix shared a photo of the lead actor wearing a face mask that reads, 'Hello You', with the caption, 'We recommend you stay at least 6 feet from Joe Goldberg at all times. YOU Season 3 is back in production.'
We then got an even more exciting update in April 2021, when bosses confirmed filming had wrapped.
Writing on social media: 'don’t worry we have eyes on joe at all times. happy S3 wrap 🧢' (sic). The black and white image showed Penn Badgley, who plays the infamous Joe Goldberg, sitting in a chair on set marked 'STALKER'.
Is Joe's mum his neighbour in You season 3?
No! Despite a number of fans coming up with the theory that the lady at the end of You season 2 was Joe's long-lost mum, actor Penn Badgley dismissed the claims!
In the final scene during season 2, Joe chillingly narrates: ‘This is just the beginning, because this is where I had to be. Exactly where I had to be to meet you. There you were with your books and your sunshine. So close, but worlds away. I will figure out a way, a way to get to you. See you soon, neighbour.’
However, despite the wild theory being very believable, actor Penn revealed the woman is definitely not his mum. Speaking to Bustle, the former Gossip Girl actor said: "She’s definitely not his mom. I can say that."
Who is in the cast of You season 3?
In first-look photos revealed from You season 3, we see Penn Badgley appear as Joe Goldberg, along with Victoria Pedretti as Love Quinn. While fans were hoping for the return of Jenna Ortega (as Ellie Alves), we did see some new faces pop up in the cast.
Of course, popular characters Ambyr Childers (Candace Stone), James Nicholas Scully (Forty Quinn), and Carmela Zumbado (Delilah Alves), were all killed off in You season 2, therefore didn't appear in the third season. But we all love a good flashback scene, don't we?
How can I watch You?
You can stream season one, two, three, four and five on Netflix right now... That's if you have an account of course!
Now check out who is in the cast of You:
Penn Badgley (Joe Goldberg)
Staring with leading actor Penn Badgley, who plays the role of the infamous Joe Goldberg. We are first introduced to Joe as a bookworm who spends his days working in Mooney's Bookstore - however we quickly learn that he has a dark side, finding him obsessively stalking his 'love interest' Beck and murdering those who get in his way.
Prior to his leading role in You, Penn was best known for playing Dan Humphrey in hit show Gossip Girl, as well as appearing in films such as John Tucker Must Die and Easy A. As well as working on the fifth and final season of You, you can also now catch Penn co-hosting the Podcrushed podcast, alongside Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari.
Here's all of the other places you may have spotted the wonderful Penn Badgley.
Elizabeth Lail (Guinevere Beck)
Guinevere - best known as Beck - was a main character in season one, with her character meeting a tragic fate by the end of the season, and going on to appear as a guest in series two. The student and aspiring writer became Joe's first obsession, and girlfriend, in the show, and often appears as a hallucination in subsequent seasons.
Elizabeth also played the role of Anna in Once Upon A Time, as well as Jenny Banks in Ordinary Joe. More recently, she appeared in films such as Gonzo Girl and Five Nights at Freddy's.
Victoria Pedretti (Love Quinn)
After fleeing to Los Angeles, Joe met his brand new love interest, in the form of Love Quinn. Love ended up being just as unhinged as Joe, with a shock twist at the end of season two shaking up the pair's storyline with one another.
The same year Victoria landed the main role of Love in You, she also portrayed a member of the Manson Family in Quentin Tarantino's blockbuster, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She also starred in The Haunting of Hill House as Nell Crain in 2018, and the sequel The Haunting of Bly Manor as Dani. Other recent titles you can spot Victoria in include films Origin and Ponyboi.
Shay Mitchell (Peach Salinger)
Shay played Beck's flamboyant best friend Peach in the first season - who was also in love with Beck, however this was sadly unrequited. Peach became jealous and suspicious of Joe - and, tragically, a huge fight between the pair ended in him killing her.
Shay is best known for her starring role in Pretty Little Liars, as well as appearances in titles such as The Possession of Hannah Grace and Dollface.
Ambyr Childers (Candace)
She played the role of Joe's ex-girlfriend Candace in season one, and actress Ambyr Childers also appears in season two - however this time in real life, and not just in Joe's head. Although her character does not appear heavily throughout the show, her presence is always heavy on Joe's mind, with his dark past with her always prevalent.
Ambyr has starred in various films, but is best known for her roles in You and All My Children as Colby Chandler.
Luca Padovan (Paco)
Season one introduced us to the loveable Paco, who Joe was rather close friends with due to living across the hall from one another. Having a tough time at home due to his mother's abusive boyfriend, Joe entertained Paco with plenty of books from Mooney's.
Luca Padovan played the role of Paco, with the actor having also voiced characters in kid's shows Super Wings and The Rocketeer. He has also appeared in the TV series Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and the film No Hard Feelings.
John Stamos (Dr. Nicky)
Although his appearances were fleeting, Dr. Nicky played a pivotal role in season one as Beck's therapist - and when Joe discovered his affair with Beck, he framed him for the murders of Peach, Beck and Beck's other lover, Benji. Appearing briefly in season two, the ill-fated therapist was played by none other than Full House legend John Stamos.
John is a hugely established actor, starring in the iconic sitcom Full House, as well as shows such as General Hospital, Thieves, Jake in Progress, ER, Scream Queens, and even the rebooted Full House spin-off Fuller House.
James Scully (Forty Quinn)
Actor James Scully plays the role of Love Quinn's brother, Forty Quinn. His privileged character is confident and opinionated, whilst becoming a charming yet teasing buddy to Joe. Sadly, Forty's character didn't make it out of season two alive, after being shot by a police officer during an altercation with Joe.
James is best known for his role on You, but also had a small role in series Quantico and 9-1-1, as well as a larger role on TV shows such as Heathers and Titans.
Saffron Burrows (Dottie Quinn)
Saffron Burrows joined the show in the second season as Love and Forty's mum Dottie, who is revealed to also be a rather dodgy character. Dottie has a strained relationship with both of her children, thanks to the secret trauma they went through when they were younger.
Saffron has been in a number of high profile films over the years, but might be best known for her roles in Deep Blue Sea, Enigma, Troy, Boston Legal and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Robin Lord Taylor (Will Bettelheim)
Although the character of Will was kept quite mysterious ahead of the second series being released, upon the season's release we learned that he's a hacker who deals with 'unsavory' things. Sadly for poor Will, Joe assumes his identity for a while and becomes a victim of Joe's infamous glass box.
Robin had a small part in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Law & Order, Life on Mars, The Good Wife The Walking Dead and Gotham. In 2023, he appeared as Peter in the film The Ballad of a Hustler.
Jenna Ortega (Ellie Alves)
Jenna Ortega also joined the cast in season two, appearing as Joe's young neighbour Ellie. Ellie is the perceptive younger sister to Delilah, who picks up on Joe's suspicious behaviour - and despite him trying to act as a mentor to her, she doesn't fall for his act. Although she doesn't feature in the next two seasons, she's frequently mentioned as Joe continues to send her money, due to the guilt he feels for killing her older sister.
Jenna has appeared in many huge TV shows and films in her time, such as Iron Man 3, Elena of Avalor, Stuck in the Middle and CSI: NY. Since appearing in You, Jenna has landed some huge roles in multiple high profile films and TV shows - most notably, Scream and Scream VI, the Beetlejuice sequel and the smash-hit Netflix series Wednesday.
Carmela Zumbado (Delilah)
Actress Carmela Zumbado took on the role of investigative journalist Delilah, and it didn't take her long to realise something is rather off and sinister about Joe. Sadly, as Delilah tries to uncover the truth about Joe, Delilah meets a tragic fate and becomes another victim of the serial killer.
Carmela had previously starred in shows such as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and NCIS: New Orleans, and more recently has appeared in Chicago P.D., Power Book IV: Force and the rebooted series of iCarly.
Tati Gabrielle (Marienne Bellamy)
Marienne is the librarian who is introduced in season three, who Joe works alongside and soon develops an infatuation with. Her relationship with Joe is complex - initially wary of him, however their connection deepens and Joe becomes obsessive over her ongoing court case with her ex over their child. The season ends with Joe setting out to find Marienne, after she runs away due to learning the scary truth about him.
The character is played by the wonderful Tati Gabrielle, who is known for playing powerful characters on shows such as The 100 and Netflix hit The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She also appeared alongside Tom Holland in the blockbuster hit film Uncharted.
Dylan Arnold (Theo Engler)
Theo Engler is a college student, who lives next door to Joe and Love in season three with his step-dad and his wife Natalie. Sadly, Natalie is killed by Love pretty early on, and unaware of this, Theo begins to have an affair with her. In an attempt to 'protect' Love from Joe, Theo becomes wrapped up in the pair's dark storyline.
Dylan Arnold plays the role of Theo, and prior to this was best known for his role as Noah in the After film franchise. Dylan has also appeared in shows such as Into the Dark and Trish & Scott, and films such as Halloween Kills and the 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer.
Shalita Grant (Sherry Conrad)
Sherry Conrad is the 'Momfluencer' next door, befriending Joe and Love and boasting her lavish picture-perfect suburban life - including her meticulously curated social media presence. With a 'mean girl' aura about her, it's fair to say Joe and Love feel pretty uneasy around her - culminating with Sherry and her husband finding out the pair's dark secret, and reaping the consequences. Thankfully, however, Sherry and her husband make it out of season three alive, and find great success when telling their survival story.
Shalita Grant plays the role of Sherry, who has led a very successful career in television. Having appeared in various shows since 2010, Sherry landed the part of Andie Roberts in the popular TV series Bones in 2014, before appearing as a series regular (Aurelia Johnson) in Mercy Street from 2016, as well as famously playing Sonja Percy in NCIS: New Orleans from 2015-2018. Other titles Shalita has appeared in include Santa Clarita Diet, with Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, as well as Search Party and Abbott Elementary.
Travis Van Winkle (Cary Conrad)
Cary is the eccentric husband of Sherry Conrad, the influencer neighbour to Joe and Love, who runs his own supplement company. After discovering Joe and Love's dark secret while attending a rather intimate couples' dinner party at their home, Travis almost meets a grim fate, however manages to escape and live to tell the tale.
Cary is played by Travis Van Winkle, an American actor who is perhaps best known for his starring role in the film Accepted, back in 2006. He also starred at Lt. Danny Green in the TV series The Last Ship, from 2014-2018, as well as featuring in other titles such as Instinct, Good Sam and FUBAR. In 2024, he featured in the film Road House.
Charlotte Ritchie (Kate Galvin)
Kate Galvin entered the show in season four, as Joe relocated to the UK. Kate is a successful art dealer with a mysterious past and icy demeanour. Becoming Joe's love interest for the season, their relationship becomes complicated as they both have hidden secrets - however the pair end the season with marriage plans.
Charlotte is best known for her role as Oregon in Channel 4's series Fresh Meat, and Alison Cooper in Ghosts. She has also appeared in TV shows such as Siblings, Raised by Wolves, Call the Midwife, Dead Pixels and Feel Good, as well as playing Barbara in the 2023 film Wonka.
Lukas Gage (Adam Pratt)
Adam was another addition in season four, with him being the ex-pat son of a wealthy businessman. He's an entrepreneur and a gambler, who fails to meet the standards of his respected family.
Played by Lukas Gage, fans will recognise him from his roles in the popular television shows Euphoria and The White Lotus. On top of appearing in those huge titles, he has also had roles in shows such as Angelyne and Fargo, as well as an episode of rebooted season of Gossip Girl.
Tilly Keeper (Lady Phoebe)
Although Lady Phoebe was introduced to us in season four as a bit of a naive socialite, she soon proves to have her wits about her. Lady Phoebe begins the season in a relationship with Adam, however we soon see the breakdown of this and Phoebe begin to branch out on her own.
Tilly Keeper is a British actress, who plays the role of Lady Phoebe. Although her role in You may be considered her breakout to international recognition, she is widely known in the UK for her role as Louise Mitchell in EastEnders. She has also appeared in films such as Marooned Awakening and R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned.
Ed Speleers (Rhys Montrose)
Rhys is a rather deceptive character in You, being charming and charismatic, putting on a facade of being a good guy. An author and hopeful politician, Rhys appears to be friendly with Joe at first, however as the season progresses, a much darker and ruthless side of him is revealed.
Ed Speleers is an English actor, who has appeared in many titles over the years. Perhaps most known are his roles in the 2006 film Eragon, and the TV series' Outlander and Downton Abbey. In 2023, he appeared in the series Star Trek: Picard, as well as recently starring alongside Lindsay Lohan in the 2024 film Irish Wish.
Amy-Leigh Hickman (Nadia)
Nadia is one of Joe's students in season four, with him teaching Literature at Darcy College in London. The character is incredibly intelligent, so it came as no surprise when she began to notice Joe's sinister behaviour - and, similar to those that preceded her, this ultimately lead to a pretty dark fate. After finding out the truth about Joe, Nadia is threatened by him and is forced to watch his tragic murder of her friend, Edward.
Nadia is played by Amy-Leigh Hickman, who is known for her appearance in the huge Tracey Beaker spin-off shows, such as Tracy Beaker Returns, The Dumping Ground Survival Files and The Dumping Ground. She also played the role of Linzi 'Star' Bragg in EastEnders, as well as landing roles in the largely successful shows Ackley Bridge and Our Girl.
Madeline Brewer (Bronte)
A fresh face for season five, Madeline Brewer joins the cast in the role of Bronte. As we know, season five will see joe return to his original setting of New York, with Bronte's being: 'An enigmatic and free-spirited playwright who comes to work at Joe Goldberg's new bookstore'.
Madeline is widely known for her incredible roles in high-profile shows such as The Handmaid's Tale, Orange Is The New Black and the film Hustlers.
Anna Camp (Reagan and Maddie Lockwood)
Anna Camp is set to feature in the fifth and final season of You, with her role announced in March 2024. Although we don't know much about the plot, or location, of the upcoming new season, we do know that Anna will be playing the role of twins Reagan and Maddie Lockwood, Joe's new sisters-in-law.
Anna has had a hugely successful career on-screen, perhaps most notably her role as Aubrey Posen in the a cappella movie trilogy Pitch Perfect. On TV, Anna has played main roles in series such as True Blood and The Mindy Project, as well as portraying memorable recurring roles in shows like Mad Men and The Good Wife. As for movies, she has appeared in critically acclaimed films like The Help and Café Society.
Griffin Matthews (Teddy Lockwood)
Griffin Matthews is another addition to the season five cast, announced alongside Anna Camp. He will play the role of Teddy Lockwood, the 'snarky yet loyal brother-in-law of Joe Goldberg'. Netflix describe the character as bringing 'authenticity and empathy to a family for whom such things are a foreign concept'.
Griffin is an actor, writer and director, who has had a fruitful career on stage and screen. He has had roles in shows such as Dear White People and The Flight Attendant, as well as Cashmere Mafia, Weeds and the film Your Place or Mine.
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