Netflix's You Season 5, starring Penn Badgley, marks the end of Joe Goldberg’s twisted journey through love, obsession, and violence. Premiering its finale on April 24, 2025, the psychological thriller attempts to bring closure to a story that once captivated millions — but instead delivers a farewell that's sadly predictable and uneven.

A Look Back: From Thrilling to Predictable

When You first debuted in 2018, it redefined psychological thrillers. Joe Goldberg, the seemingly charming bookstore manager with a dangerously obsessive side, was an anti-hero viewers loved to hate. The show’s earlier seasons were gripping, shocking, and often addictive.

However, as the years passed, the innovation that once fueled the series dwindled. Season 5 makes it clear: Joe's character, much like the show’s formula, has run its course.

Plot Overview: Joe Goldberg’s Final Chapter

Season 5 finds Joe married to Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie) and raising his son, Henry, in New York City. They aim for a fresh start, but ghosts from Joe's past — including acquaintances of Guinevere Beck and Dr. Nicky — refuse to let him escape unscathed.

His life is further complicated when he meets Bronte (Madeline Brewer), a fiery playwright who reignites the dangerous patterns Joe was desperate to leave behind. Meanwhile, family secrets from Kate’s side surface, adding more strain to their already fragile relationship.

Joe’s struggle to balance his public image and his inner demons culminates in a dramatic, though somewhat foreseeable, final confrontation.

Performances: Penn Badgley Holds It Together

Penn Badgley remains the heart of You. His nuanced portrayal of Joe — a man whose idea of love is tragically distorted — is still hypnotic. Badgley effortlessly swings between vulnerability and menace, reminding audiences why they found Joe so compelling, even when his actions were indefensible.

The supporting cast, particularly Charlotte Ritchie and the actresses portraying Kate's sisters, brings some much-needed vitality. However, even strong performances can’t fully mask the season’s repetitiveness.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong central performance by Badgley.

• Emotional depth in Joe’s internal conflict.

• A few well-executed twists and character arcs.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable storylines with minimal suspense.

• Overcrowded narrative with too many subplots.

• Lacks the sharp, shocking edge that defined earlier seasons.

Despite moments of brilliance, the season often feels like a diluted version of its former self, cycling through old patterns without offering new insights.

Final Verdict: Was It a Fitting End?

You Season 5 tries to humanize Joe without fully redeeming him — an ambitious task that only partially succeeds. While long-time fans may appreciate the emotional closure and finality, casual viewers might find the season sluggish and repetitive.

The finale circles back to New York, where Joe no longer hides behind a facade. Instead, he embraces his public persona, almost daring the world to uncover his darkness. The show ends with Joe locking eyes with the audience, suggesting that the real monster might not just be him — but also us, for watching.

It’s a haunting, if slightly heavy-handed, way to end a show that once danced so elegantly between thrill and discomfort.

⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Where to Watch:
You Season 5 is streaming now on Netflix, with all ten episodes available.