“You” returns for its fifth and final season on April 24th — and if you’re looking to refresh your memory before Joe Goldberg’s story concludes, we’ve got you covered. You has become one of Netflix’s most popular shows, with Penn Badgley’s portrayal of serial killer Joe captivating audiences for four seasons. With season 5 on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever, especially after the shocking events of season 4. Here are some key points from Season 4 to remember ahead of Season 5.
Joe Goldberg Starts Fresh in London
After the chaotic end of season 3, where Joe killed his wife, Love Quinn, and abandoned his son, Joe fakes his own death and relocates to London. There, he adopts a new identity as an English professor, Jonathan Moore. He even goes as far as mutilating himself to escape his past — a drastic change that sets up a very different direction for season 4. This isn’t the first time Joe’s had to reinvent himself; he did the same when he moved from New York to Los Angeles between seasons 1 and 2.
As is often the case with Joe, he finds himself entangled with a group of wealthy, self-centered socialites, including Lady Phoebe (Tilly Keeper), Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), and Adam (Lukas Gage). Joe critiques their shallow behavior but stays in the group — a repeating irony in You. Things take a deadly turn when the group is targeted by a mysterious “Eat the Rich Killer,” but Joe isn’t just a bystander; he gets wrapped up in the investigation and, surprisingly, even tries to protect his new friends.
The Big Twist in “You”
In a shocking plot twist, it’s revealed that Joe is actually the “Eat the Rich Killer” — something even he didn’t realize. For much of the season, Joe believes the killer is a man named Rhys Montrose, but Rhys is a hallucination, a manifestation of Joe’s fractured mind. Joe had been dissociating to the point where he wasn’t aware he was the one committing the murders.
Season 4 introduces Kate as Joe’s new love interest. At first, Kate seems different from Joe’s past obsessions — she’s smart, grounded, and more aware of her surroundings. However, as the season progresses, it’s clear that she, too, has a dark side, including a powerful and ruthless father. Kate’s complex relationship with Joe mirrors his dynamic with Love Quinn, where both parties harbor their own secrets and twisted pasts.
In a particularly dark turn, Joe frames Nadia, one of his students, after she uncovers the truth about his actions with Marienne. Nadia’s attempt to expose Joe’s secrets leads to her being wrongfully imprisoned for crimes she didn’t commit. This marks a low point for Joe, showing how far he has fallen — willing to sacrifice an innocent person to protect himself.
End of “You” Season 4
The season ends with Joe in a full psychological breakdown. He had been keeping Marienne captive, but in his delusion, he believed he had let her go. As the truth comes out, Joe’s mental state deteriorates even further. His increasing detachment from reality makes him more dangerous than ever, setting the stage for an intense season 5.
In a subplot, Lady Phoebe’s relationship with Adam unravels as Adam’s deceit and infidelity are exposed. By the end of the season, Phoebe leaves Adam behind and escapes London’s elite social circle, moving to Thailand to teach children — a much-needed fresh start.
By the end of season 4, Joe fully embraces his identity as a killer. He murders Kate’s father, Tom Lockwood, without hesitation, signaling a major shift in his character. He no longer justifies his actions; he seems to accept who he is.
“You” Season 5 Tease
In the season 4 finale, Joe and Kate move to New York City, where they reinvent themselves as a powerful couple. Joe’s public image is rehabilitated, and he now operates with Kate by his side. This sets up a terrifying new dynamic for season 5, with Joe’s dark nature no longer masked by any delusions — he’s back to being Joe Goldberg, and with Kate’s support, he’s more dangerous than ever.
As You season 5 approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Joe’s story will end. Will he finally face the consequences of his crimes, or will he continue to evade justice? One thing is certain — the series has never been darker, and the stakes have never been higher. The fifth and final season of “You” premieres on Netflix on April 24.
