Sienna Stone | Writer
May 8, 2025
Famous Netflix original show You features Joe Goldberg, a New York resident with an intense passion for murder and obsession in the name of love. As currently one of the top ten most-watched shows on Netflix globally, how did its final season serve fans?
The answer is disappointing. An addicting plotline of a reimagined Bonnie and Clyde brought the show to its peak during season two. With Joe married to Love and complete trust with one another’s secrets of violent inclinations, viewers mourn the downfall of the show since such the era of such an iconic couple.
However, season five showcased the final episodes of the show and immediately upon sight of Joe’s new love interest, Bronte, drove watchers to express their dissatisfaction with the casting online. Beyond the annoyance of her character, most ridicule on TikTok by comparing the actress’ looks to that of Rumpelstiltskin from Shrek.
This backlash is extremely harsh on actress Madeline Brewer, who commented on understanding criticism of her character but is hurt by the attacks on her appearance. Despite whatever negative reactions individuals possess toward Bronte, they should separate the character from the actress who was just doing her job in her own best effort.
Personal insults like these may be due to a large factor attracting You’s fanbase being the appeal of Penn Badgley, the actor that plays Joe. Junior Avery Santore explained that “the main character is known for being really hot” and that she has “heard more about him than the actual plot of the show.”
Because of this, it is possible that those anticipating the final season of You held too high of expectations. It seems near impossible for the storyline to end with the satisfying last romance of a character that somehow was able to outcompete the beloved love interests of the other seasons. Especially when fans still dwell on Love Quinn, who junior MJ Shalvoy claimed “is the best character of the entire show.”
Is it still worth a watch? If you haven’t already given the show a watch, you are missing out on a combination of a similar plot to Dexter with the heartthrob actor that gained recognition and started his career back in Gossip Girl. Anyhow, it is worth a watch to wrap Joe’s extensive search for love and the crime he was willing to commit to find it.
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