The controversial finale of Netflix’s “You” has ignited passionate debate among subscribers. After five seasons of psychological thrills and murders, Joe Goldberg’s story concludes with a prison sentence that divides fans deeply. Some viewers praise the ending as a fitting conclusion, while others criticize what they perceive as rushed storytelling and missed opportunities.
Netflix serial killer drama reaches its dramatic conclusion
After seven years of twisted relationships and calculated murders, Netflix’s psychological thriller “You” has officially ended its run. The fifth and final season, released on April 24, 2025, brings closure to Joe Goldberg’s disturbing journey of obsession and violence. The finale has sparked intense debate among the streaming platform’s subscribers, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to bitter disappointment.
The story concludes with Joe (Penn Badgley) returning to New York alongside his wife Kate and son, seemingly attempting to build an everyday life. However, his murderous tendencies resurface when he develops an unhealthy fixation on Bronte, an employee at his bookstore. This final narrative arc deliberately explores society’s morbid fascination with serial killers, challenging viewers to confront their complicity in glorifying such characters.
Unlike many antihero series that offer redemption, “You” delivers a more realistic conclusion with Joe facing legal consequences for his crimes—a divisive creative decision that has split the fanbase dramatically.
Fan reactions: from “masterclass” to “completely disappointing”
The conclusion of a popular series often generates mixed reactions, and “You” is no exception. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for passionate debates about the show’s final chapter. Opinions on X (formerly Twitter) highlight just how polarized the reception has been:
Positive reactions celebrate the finale as a cohesive and satisfying conclusion:
- “An excellent series with a consistent ending that delivers justice”
- “The final season is a masterclass in psychological thriller storytelling”
- “Perfect timing to end—one more season would have been too much”
- “Charlotte Ritchie and Madeline Brewer stole the show from Penn Badgley”
Meanwhile, critical viewers point to numerous perceived flaws in the season’s execution. Common criticisms include:
- Rushed storylines that failed to deliver meaningful character development
- Insufficient focus on Joe’s psychology during his imprisonment
- Plot conveniences that made the protagonist’s downfall seem contrived
- Unusually slow pacing compared to previous seasons
- Underutilization of the fan-favorite character Love Quinn
One particularly vocal group of fans expressed frustration with how easily Joe was deceived in the final season, arguing that it contradicted the character’s established intelligence and paranoia from previous seasons.
Spoiler alert: how Joe Goldberg’s story ends
The final season reveals that Bronte has a personal connection to one of Joe’s previous victims, Guinevere Beck. She has orchestrated an elaborate plan with other survivors to expose Joe’s crimes. This alliance of women seeking justice serves as a powerful counterpoint to Joe’s history of violence against women, creating a narrative of empowerment and accountability.
The series concludes with Joe arrested, convicted of his numerous murders, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Notably, he refuses to acknowledge his guilt even after being proven responsible—a final act of psychological denial that remains consistent with his character throughout the series.
Critic responses to the ending have been captured in the following assessment table:
| Aspect | Positive Reception | Negative Reception |
| Narrative closure | Satisfying justice for victims | Too predictable and conventional |
| Character arcs | Consistent with established traits | Underdeveloped secondary characters |
| Pacing | Thoughtful and deliberate | Unnecessarily slow and drawn out |
| Thematic resonance | Strong commentary on true crime obsession | Heavy-handed social messaging |
The broader impact of “You” on streaming culture
Currently ranking as the #1 show on Netflix France, “You” has maintained a dedicated audience throughout its five-season run. Since its debut in 2018, the series has contributed significantly to the cultural conversation about toxic relationships, obsession, and the darker aspects of romantic pursuit.
The show’s conclusion arrives when Netflix has increased its subscription prices to between €7.99 and €21.99 monthly. This price hike coincides with the platform’s strategy of concluding long-running series while developing new original content to retain subscribers.
“You” joins other Netflix original series like “Elite” that have recently concluded, with “Stranger Things” also approaching its final season. This pattern of bringing established shows to definitive endings reflects the streaming giant’s evolving content strategy as competition in the streaming marketplace intensifies.
Whether viewers found the ending brilliant or disappointing, Joe Goldberg’s journey has undeniably left a lasting impression on streaming television, prompting audiences to question their own fascination with fictional killers while delivering five seasons of psychological thrills.
