Netflix’s “You” is coming to an end after its fifth and final season, which has just been announced less than a month after the conclusion of the fourth season. The show, based on the book series by Caroline Kepnes, has become a fan favourite, thanks in no small part to the thrilling performances of its star, Penn Badgley.
The showrunner for the first four seasons, Sera Gamble, is stepping down for the final outing to focus on other projects. Show writers and executive producers Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo will serve as co-showrunners in her place.
“We are so incredibly grateful to Netflix and Sera and everyone that has been a part of this show from the beginning. Sera is the most brilliant writer and partner and she will remain a key part of the ‘You’ family as an executive producer,” co-developers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter said in a statement.
“Making the show alongside our writers, producers, directors, cast and crew has been an honour and ridiculously fun,” Gamble said in a statement. “And I feel lucky to have worked with an artist as gifted and thoughtful as Penn Badgley. I’m proud of what we’ve all accomplished and feel privileged to pass the torch. I’m excited to watch and support the You team as they bring Joe Goldberg’s journey to its delightfully twisted conclusion.”
Badgley stars as Joe, a seemingly normal bookstore manager with a twisted view of romance, who develops intense, possessive obsessions with various women. He is the only constant cast member of the series, as Joe constantly moves locations each season to escape his various crimes. Season 4 also starred Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, and Lukas Gage.
“Season 1 of ‘You’ debuted September 2018 as a Lifetime original series, receiving little fanfare. Lifetime passed on a second season shortly afterward, and Netflix acquired the series and added it to their platform in December that year, where it became a word-of-mouth sleeper hit,” the statement reads.
Since then, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, and fans have been eagerly anticipating each new season. “You” has consistently been one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, and it has spawned countless memes and social media conversations.
In an interview with IndieWire, Badgley hinted that Season 5 would likely be the show’s last, saying that the creators of the show had planned for the series to conclude then. Fans will no doubt be sad to say goodbye to Joe Goldberg, but they can rest assured that the series will go out with a bang.
With its gripping storytelling and talented cast, “You” has become a modern classic in the thriller genre. As we await the final season, we can only imagine what twists and turns await us in the twisted world of Joe Goldberg.
