Critics Slam ‘You’ Finale as ‘Insultingly Rubbish’

LOS ANGELES, CA — The fifth season of Netflix’s thriller series “You” launched on April 24, 2025, but critics are expressing disappointment over its conclusion. This season sees Penn Badgley reprise his role as Joe Goldberg, returning to New York City with his wife Kate Lockwood, played by Charlotte Ritchie. The season picks up three years after the cliffhanger ending of Season 4.

Joe is now a public figure, having regained custody of his son Henry (Frankie DeMaio). However, the familiar pattern of Joe falling for another woman reemerges, this time with Brontë (Madeline Brewer), an aspiring playwright who captivates him. Critics note that the season struggles with its tone, swinging between satire and traditional thriller.

“Once a ludicrously fun guilty pleasure, the finale is so bad that it’s offensive,” remarked a reviewer from The Independent, echoing sentiments from various critiques that awarded the series only two stars. It was deemed “insultingly rubbish” with signs of muddled storytelling and repetitive plot twists.

While some viewers continue to champion Joe as a complicated anti-hero, the finale raises questions about his morality. Critics argue that the show’s attempt to balance Joe’s charm against his violent tendencies has become problematic and unconvincing. Though early seasons were engaging, the later installments have struggled to maintain momentum.

As the series aims to recapture the dark humor of its first season, it falls short, with reports indicating the critical response focuses heavily on its perceived failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion. “You,” which has entertained audiences for four previous seasons, is now closed out with mixed reviews, suggesting a lack of clarity in the narrative and dissatisfaction among its fan base.

With the release now available for streaming on Netflix, devotees are left wondering if the iconic character of Joe Goldberg will ever face true consequences for his actions, or if he will escape justice once again.