Penn Badgley returns as Joe Goldberg in the final season of You, set to premiere on Netflix in late 2024. With Charlotte Ritchie back as Kate and more twists ahead, Season 5 brings Joe back to New York—where it all began. Will justice finally catch up to him? Expect new characters, psychological battles, and a dark conclusion to this gripping series.
Release Date: When Will It Premiere?
Netflix has confirmed that You Season 5 will release in 2024, although an exact date has not yet been announced. Production officially began in early 2024, after being delayed due to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023. Given the usual post-production timeline and Netflix’s scheduling habits, the show is expected to premiere in late 2024 or early 2025.
As the final chapter, fans can expect a high-stakes, tightly written season that brings a satisfying (and possibly shocking) conclusion to Joe Goldberg’s saga.
Returning Cast: Who’s In You Season 5?
A few key cast members have been confirmed for Season 5, with potential surprises in store. Here’s a breakdown of confirmed and likely returns:
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg
Unsurprisingly, Penn Badgley reprises his role as the central anti-hero. Joe has evolved from a creepy bookstore clerk in New York to a globe-trotting serial manipulator, and Season 5 brings him full circle—back to the city where it all started.
Joe’s final act may involve confronting the consequences of his actions, but knowing You, it won’t be that simple.
Charlotte Ritchie as Kate Lockwood
Introduced in Season 4, Charlotte Ritchie’s character Kate, a successful art gallery director and daughter of a billionaire, becomes Joe’s new romantic partner by the end of the season. Together, they return to New York, this time with power, wealth, and influence.
Kate’s role in Season 5 is likely to be significant, possibly serving as either Joe’s final partner—or his undoing.
Tati Gabrielle as Marienne Bellamy (Unconfirmed but Likely)
Marienne survived Joe’s attempt to trap her in Season 4, thanks to the clever intervention of Nadia. While her arc seemed to conclude with her escape and reunion with her daughter, the series may bring her back to help expose Joe.
Marienne represents a thread of justice still left hanging, and her return could play a vital role in the final season’s resolution.
New Cast Members (To Be Announced)
As with every season, You introduces a new ensemble of characters. In Season 5, we can expect new faces from New York’s high society and underground world—likely posing threats, challenges, or temptations for Joe.
Netflix has yet to reveal official new cast announcements, but more details are expected soon.
Plot: What Will Happen in You Season 5?
Season 5 picks up after Joe and Kate return to New York. After eliminating Rhys Montrose and faking a clean narrative for the media, Joe now enjoys the resources and protection of Kate’s elite world. For the first time, he’s not hiding—he’s embraced his darkness and woven it into a new public identity.
Here’s what we might expect in the upcoming season:
Full Circle: Return to New York
From Season 1’s bookstore romance to Season 5’s high-society thriller, Joe’s return to New York brings his journey full circle. The city holds memories of Beck, Peach, and his earliest crimes. Being back may force him to confront his past—or open up new doors for destruction.
Inner Demon: The Battle Within
Season 4 introduced a split-personality arc, where Joe battles a projection of himself in the form of Rhys. While Rhys is now dead, the internal war within Joe remains unresolved. Season 5 could delve deeper into Joe’s fractured psyche, possibly leading to a breakdown or a final confrontation with his conscience.
Justice and Revenge
Multiple characters have survived Joe’s terror and may seek revenge. Marienne and Nadia are top contenders. Additionally, authorities in multiple countries now have trails (if not full evidence) of Joe’s misdeeds. Whether justice comes in the form of law enforcement, vigilante revenge, or Joe’s own guilt, reckoning is inevitable.
What the Creators Have Said
Showrunner Sera Gamble stepped down for Season 5, with Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo taking over as co-showrunners. The creators have emphasized that this will be a “satisfying” and “earned” ending.
Penn Badgley has also hinted that the show will explore whether Joe deserves redemption—or something far worse. In a 2023 interview, he suggested that the final season may not let Joe get away with everything:
“He’s gotten away with too much. There’s a reckoning coming.”
Fan Theories: How Will You End?
As fans wait for official plot details, many theories are floating around about how You might end. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Joe Gets Caught (Finally)
This is the most obvious (and desired) outcome. Whether it’s through Nadia, Marienne, or an old detective connecting the dots, Joe’s crimes could finally be exposed. The twist? He might welcome punishment as a form of escape from his inner torment. - Joe Dies
A classic Shakespearean tragedy ending. Joe could die at the hands of a survivor, law enforcement, or even by suicide in a final moment of guilt. It would be fitting for a character who has spent five seasons dodging justice. - Kate Turns on Joe
Though Kate seems loyal, she’s smart, resourceful, and not naive. She could learn the truth and orchestrate Joe’s downfall using her wealth and influence. - Joe Becomes the Monster Publicly
Some theorists predict that Joe could go fully public as a powerful villain, no longer pretending to be a good man. With Kate’s backing, he might even become a public figure—dangerous, untouchable, and hiding in plain sight.
Episode Count & Format
While Netflix hasn’t confirmed the number of episodes, previous seasons have ranged from 10 to 11 episodes. Given that this is the final season, expect a more focused arc with possible extended runtimes for the finale.
Where to Watch
You Season 5 will stream exclusively on Netflix. You can catch up on Seasons 1–4 now, which are already available globally.
Final Thoughts: The End of an Era
You has captivated viewers with its dark themes, unpredictable twists, and Penn Badgley’s hauntingly charismatic performance. As we head into the final season, expectations are high for a conclusion that brings both closure and shock.
Will Joe finally face the consequences of his actions, or will he find a new way to slip through the cracks? One thing is certain—You Season 5 will be a must-watch event for fans of psychological thrillers, character studies, and morally complex storytelling.
