Unveiling the Exciting Prospects for You: Season 5 on Netflix

Netflix's You took an unexpected twist as Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) made the decision to return to New York after committing a series of murders in London. However, this may just be the beginning of the story.

In the beginning of season 4, Joe appeared to have his dark impulses in check as he began a fresh start. But in the latter half of the season, a plot twist revealed that Joe himself was actually responsible for the deaths he was attempting to uncover.

“It was necessary for the story to take him to this point for five episodes, where the question arises: 'Will he finally become the hero we have all been hoping for?' It would not have made any sense for Joe to suddenly become a hero," Badgley explained in an interview with British GQ in March 2023, discussing his character's initial journey. "This was the only direction the show could have taken to remain relevant, responsible, intelligent, sensitive, and authentic."

The former Gossip Girl star mentioned that You has been gradually leading up to showing Joe in a new light. Additionally, showrunner Sera Gamble hinted that this shift in narrative would continue to play a significant role in Joe's development if the show gets renewed for a fifth season.

"We have meticulously developed these characters over the course of four seasons, portraying them as extravagantly affluent. However, not all of them possess the same level of intelligence or ruthlessness," she revealed to E! News during that period. "Considering Joe's transformation into someone with boundless resources and unrestricted access, he has essentially become the very entity he once envied and harshly criticized from a distance. This evolution presents us with a myriad of fresh possibilities."

During that period, Badgley emphasized his anticipation for a definitive conclusion for the central character.

"Joe is an intriguing character because he provides the opportunity to delve into something while always having the safety cord or safety net of acknowledging his hypocrisy. I believe we all earnestly explore various aspects, but it's important to recognize that nobody has a perfect perspective. Joe, in a way, embodies these blind spots, and that's perfectly fine. Personally, I find that aspect quite appealing," explained the actor during an interview with Salon in February 2023. "Just because Joe thinks and says something, doesn't mean we agree with it. However, he does touch upon certain truths that resonate with people. For me, Joe is like a multi-faceted dice. He has too many sides and needs to embrace change."

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Everything to Know About You's Potential Season 5 on Netflix: From Story Lines to the Show's Future

Netflix's You takes a surprising twist as Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) makes the decision to return to New York following his murderous rampage in London. However, this may only be the beginning of the story.

In season 4, Joe appeared to have successfully tamed his darker side as he embarked on a fresh start. However, the latter half of the season took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Joe was actually the one responsible for the deaths he was investigating.

According to Badgley, in an interview with British GQ in March 2023, the character's initial arc had to lead to a point where the audience questioned whether Joe would become the hero they had hoped for. However, it was deemed that it wouldn't have made sense for Joe to transform into a hero. This plot twist was necessary for the show to maintain its relevance, responsibility, intelligence, sensitivity, and authenticity.

The Gossip Girl star acknowledged that You has been leading up to the audience perceiving Joe in a different manner. Additionally, showrunner Sera Gamble hinted that this narrative shift will continue to be a significant factor in Joe's development if the show gets renewed for a fifth season.

"We have spent four seasons developing these characters who have immense wealth, but not all of them possess high intelligence or ruthlessness," she shared with E! News during the same month. "If Joe encompasses all of his qualities and now has unlimited resources and access, he has become the very thing he once admired and criticized from a distance. This opens up numerous new possibilities for us."

During the interview, Badgley expressed his belief that the main character should ultimately have a specific ending. He described Joe as a tool that allows for exploration, with the added safety of knowing that he is a hypocrite. Badgley acknowledged that everyone approaches things sincerely, but nobody has a perfect perspective, and Joe's blind spots reflect that. Despite this, Badgley appreciated the complexity of Joe's character, likening him to a multi-faceted die that needs to be resolved.

Scroll down for everything we know about You's potential fifth season:

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Has 'You' Been Renewed for Season 5?

You, which aired season 4 in two parts, was renewed for a fifth and final season by Netflix.

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Who Is Returning to 'You'?

Jenna Ortega, who had a successful stint on Netflix's Wednesday, has shown interest in reprising her role for season 5.

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Who Will Be the Surprise Returning Character?

"I know you're eagerly anticipating the thrilling conclusion of You, and I want to assure you that something familiar is on the horizon," Badgley conveyed to fans during Netflix's TUDUM event in São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2023. In a pre-recorded message, he continued, "As Joe prepares to make his long-awaited return to New York, he will face a formidable opponent. However, I won't reveal their identity just yet. We're all aware of the unresolved mysteries from Joe's past. The real question is: Who are you?"

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Where Did the Story Leave Off?

Meanwhile, Marienne (Gabrielle) staged her own demise and ultimately reunited with her daughter, as Joe's obsession with her gradually waned.

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What Would the 'You' Cast Like to See in Season 5?

In March 2023, Gabrielle teased what return she hopes is in store for Marienne.

"I believe I want retribution for Marienne, but I don't believe Marienne is a vindictive individual," she exclusively shared with We. "She would seek justice because it doesn't feel right to her that he has once again escaped the consequences. It troubles her to know that he is still out there and that his sanity has completely shattered. She would fear for the safety of any other woman or person who could potentially become his next victim."

Regarding Joe's potential outcome, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star expressed, "I would truly like to see him face prosecution and be confined in a prison for the rest of his life. Because I also believe that everyone is like, 'He deserves to die.' However, death is too lenient of a punishment. If anything, it's almost a mercy. Especially for Joe."

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Would Season 5 Be the End of 'You'?

"I remember the pitch Greg had for the ending a few years ago," Badgley shared with British GQ in March 2023, discussing the future of You. "If there happens to be another season, it will undoubtedly be a spectacular finale."