Joe Goldberg Returns to NYC for Final Season of ‘You’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley, is making his much-anticipated return to New York City in the final season of ‘You,’ which kicks off on April 24, 2025. Now a recognized figure in the literary elite, Joe grapples with both his past and his identity as he navigates his privileged life.

In this new chapter, Joe has left his old life behind, moving from a struggling bookstore employee with a hidden criminal past to becoming a seemingly devoted husband and father. With his marriage to Kate Lockwood, played by Charlotte Ritchie, Joe is embraced by Manhattan’s elite. “Joe doesn’t feel great about anything, really. He’s trying to stomach being one of the 0.01%, a billionaire,” Penn Badgley told Tudum, reflecting on his character’s inner conflict.

The Upper West Side’s air of wealth and entitlement sharply contrasts Joe’s roots, compelling him to seek solace in downtown Manhattan and Mooney‘s Bookstore, a place that embodies his past. Here, he meets Bronte, played by Madeline Brewer, who represents a freer, more authentic side of Joe. “Downtown represents the darker, truer part of Joe,” said co-showrunner Michael Foley.

This season promises intrigue and high stakes, with Joe attempting to balance his newfound status with the dark impulses that have previously driven him. As Badgley puts it, “In the beginning of Season 5, he has accepted those dark parts of himself.” However, Joe soon realizes that the facade of an ideal life may be more fragile than he believed.

Joining Badgley and Ritchie in this high-stakes drama are a host of fresh faces and returning characters that will challenge Joe’s new narrative. Kate Lockwood, the CEO of Lockwood Corporation, is on a mission to change the family’s philanthropic strategy amidst contentious family dynamics. “This whole season is about redemption and change for Kate,” Ritchie stated, highlighting her desire to redefine business ethics in her family.

Kate’s half-brother, Teddy, portrayed by Griffin Matthews, brings street smarts and authentic loyalty, positioning him as a crucial ally for Kate amidst internal family strife. “He is street smart and has learned everything from the streets,” Matthews remarked. While sibling rivalry is rife, Kate’s twin sisters, Reagan and Maddie Lockwood, played by Anna Camp, introduce additional layers to the family drama, with Reagan’s dislike for Kate’s leadership driving tension.

The series has previously delved into Joe’s turbulent relationships, most notably with his son, Henry. In Season 5, Henry, now attending a posh private school, is part of Joe’s complicated life. Badgley notes that while Joe attempts to provide Henry with stability, the wounds from previous trauma pose ongoing challenges.

As viewers anticipate the unveiling of new relationships and conflicts that could threaten Joe’s engagement with his ideal life, the season is designed to keep fans on edge until the final moments. “What happens when Prince Charming turns back into a frog?” Badgley teased, hinting at the dramatic potential of Joe’s evolution.

As the countdown to the premiere begins, Netflix promises a thrilling finale to Joe Goldberg’s story, full of twists, betrayals, and confrontations that fans have come to expect from this gripping series. The fifth and final season features ten episodes, all available to stream simultaneously on its release date, allowing for binge-watching.