, featuring Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, Charlotte Ritchie as Kate Lockwood, and Madeline Brewer as Bronte. This psychological thriller delves into obsession, identity, and the dark side of love.){kind=link}
Created by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble.
You premiered on September 9, 2018, on Lifetime in the United States.
The fifth and final season of You was released on April 24, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Series Review
You, the hit psychological thriller from Netflix, takes viewers deep into the twisted mind of Joe Goldberg — a charming yet disturbingly obsessive man whose pursuit of love leads to manipulation and murder.
Over five gripping seasons, You evolves from a modern dating satire into a dark character study about identity, control, and moral decay.
Each season reinvents Joe’s environment — from New York and Los Angeles to London — while keeping the tension high and the stakes personal.
The performances, especially by Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti, anchor the show with emotional intensity.
While the final season drew mixed reactions, it offered closure to a hauntingly compelling journey. Stylish, provocative, and often unsettling, You is a standout thriller that critiques the darker side of romance in the digital age.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
• IMDb: 7.7/10
• Google Audience Score: 85% liked this show
You (TV Series) Actors
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg
DOB: November 1, 1986
Bio: Penn Badgley is an American actor, best known for his role as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl.
His portrayal of Joe Goldberg in You has received both praise and controversy for its dark, complicated exploration of obsession.
Known for his ability to portray both charm and danger, Penn’s work in You has made him a central figure in the world of TV dramas.
Role: Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who becomes obsessed with the women he loves, turning them into his perfect, dangerous fantasy.
Seasons & Episodes: Appears in all 5 seasons of You.
What to Expect: Expect a charismatic but deeply flawed character whose obsession leads to violent and manipulative behavior.
Favorite Things: Reading, observing people, and controlling those around him.
Notable Works: Gossip Girl, The Stepfather, Easy A.
Elizabeth Lail as Guinevere Beck
DOB: March 25, 1992
Bio: Elizabeth Lail is an American actress who gained recognition for her role as Beck in You and as Anna in Once Upon a Time.
She’s known for portraying complex female characters, often drawn into situations that expose their vulnerabilities.
Role: Beck is an aspiring writer who becomes Joe’s first obsession.
Unaware of Joe’s dark nature, her quest for love and success makes her a target of his dangerous fixation.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all episodes.
What to Expect: Beck’s arc explores the dangers of falling in love with someone who is not what they appear to be.
Her character represents innocence and tragedy.
Favorite Things: Writing, finding love, and navigating relationships.
Notable Works: Once Upon a Time, Countdown, Ordinary Joe.
Victoria Pedretti as Love Quinn
DOB: March 23, 1995
Bio: Victoria Pedretti is an American actress known for her roles in The Haunting of Hill House and You.
She quickly became one of Hollywood’s most praised rising stars, particularly for her ability to portray both horror and emotional complexity.
Role: Love Quinn is Joe’s second obsession, his wife, and the mother of his child.
Initially appearing as a perfect match for Joe, she ultimately reveals her darker tendencies, making her a match for his toxicity.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 2 and 3, all episodes.
What to Expect: Love’s character challenges Joe’s worldview.
She embodies both maternal warmth and a chilling ability to manipulate those around her.
Favorite Things: Cooking, family, and controlling the people she loves.
Notable Works: The Haunting of Hill House, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
James Scully as Forty Quinn
DOB: April 19, 1992
Bio: James Scully is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Forty Quinn in You (Season 2).
He first gained attention for his role as JD in the Heathers TV reboot and has since appeared in several television and streaming projects.
Scully trained at Otterbein University with a BFA in Acting, and he’s recognized for portraying emotionally complex characters with humor and vulnerability.
Role: Forty is Love Quinn’s brother and an aspiring screenwriter who gets involved with Joe’s chaotic life, not fully realizing the danger he’s in.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 2, all episodes.
What to Expect: Forty’s arc is one of redemption, struggle, and heartbreak as he tries to navigate his addiction and his complex family dynamics.
Favorite Things: Writing, partying, and trying to find a sense of purpose.
Notable Works: Heathers, Fire Island.
Jenna Ortega as Ellie Alves
DOB: September 27, 2002
Bio: Jenna Ortega is an American actress who began her career as a child star on Disney Channel (Stuck in the Middle) and later transitioned into more mature roles.
Her breakout performances in You and Wednesday have made her one of Gen Z’s most prominent screen talents.
Known for playing sharp, introspective, and independent characters, Ortega has received critical praise for her emotional depth and screen presence.
Role: Ellie is a teenage girl Joe befriends in Season 2, but she soon becomes aware of his darker nature.
Ellie’s street-smart personality offers a stark contrast to Joe’s manipulative demeanor.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 2, recurring (6 episodes).
What to Expect: Ellie adds a youthful, honest element to the otherwise dark story. Her character is resilient and not easily manipulated by Joe.
Favorite Things: Hanging out with friends, social media, and staying true to herself.
Notable Works: Wednesday, The Fallout, Scream VI.
Tati Gabrielle as Marienne Bellamy
DOB: January 25, 1996
Bio: Tati Gabrielle is an American actress best known for her roles in The 100 and You.
Known for playing smart, strong women, Tati’s portrayal of Marienne Bellamy continues to impress audiences with its depth.
Role: Marienne is a librarian and Joe’s obsession in Season 3. She’s smart, resilient, and not easily manipulated, making her one of Joe’s more formidable romantic interests.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, Recurring (7 episodes).
Season 4, Guest in 4 episodes (Appears in a total of 11 episodes across both seasons.)
What to Expect: Marienne’s character explores themes of survival, independence, and confronting Joe’s manipulative tendencies.
Favorite Things: Reading, seeking peace, and keeping her distance from toxic relationships.
Notable Works: The 100, Uncharted, Kaleidoscope.
Shalita Grant as Sherry Conrad
DOB: August 28, 1988
Bio: Shalita Grant is an American actress, best known for her role in NCIS: New Orleans and her comedic portrayal of Sherry Conrad in You.
Her character adds a unique blend of humor and tension to the series.
Role: Sherry is a socialite who becomes entangled in the chaos of Joe and Love’s suburban life.
Her character adds a lighter, albeit complex, dimension to the show.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, recurring in 7 episodes.
What to Expect: Sherry brings levity to the otherwise dark atmosphere of You, while also exposing the superficial nature of the affluent community Joe and Love inhabit.
Favorite Things: Attending social events, maintaining her social status, and keeping up appearances.
Notable Works: NCIS: New Orleans, Search Party.
Travis Van Winkle as Cary Conrad
DOB: November 4, 1982
Bio: Travis Van Winkle is an American actor known for his roles in Transformers and You.
His portrayal of Cary Conrad in Season 3 of You brings a fresh, intriguing perspective to the story.
Role: Cary is a tech entrepreneur and one of Joe and Love’s neighbors.
His role highlights the tensions and underlying drama in the perfect suburban neighborhood.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, recurring (8 episodes).
What to Expect: Cary is both a reflection of Joe and Love’s lives and a representation of the problems that arise when secrets and lies build up.
Favorite Things: Social media, luxury, and success.
Notable Works: Transformers, The Last Ship, Friday the 13th.
Dylan Arnold as Theo Engler
DOB: February 11, 1994
Bio: Dylan Arnold is an American actor known for his roles in Halloween Kills and You.
His performance as Theo adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the show.
Role: Theo is Love Quinn’s lover in Season 3. He becomes a key player in the escalating drama between Joe and Love.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, recurring (7 episodes).
What to Expect: Theo’s involvement adds more emotional depth to the conflict between Joe and Love.
His character is torn between loyalty and personal desires.
Favorite Things: Family, studying, and striving for self-worth.
Notable Works: Halloween Kills, After, Oppenheimer.
Michaela McManus as Natalie Engler
DOB: May 20, 1983
Bio: Michaela McManus is an actress known for her roles in Law & Order: SVU and The Village.
She brings a grounded quality to her character in You.
Role: Natalie is Joe and Love’s neighbor in Season 3, whose involvement with the Quinn family escalates the tension.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, recurring (6 episodes).
What to Expect: Natalie adds complexity to the Quinn family drama, becoming a key figure in their unraveling.
Favorite Things: Career, family, and keeping a sense of normalcy.
Notable Works: One Tree Hill , Law & Order: SVU.
Ben Mehl as Dante Ferguson
DOB: N/A
Bio: Ben Mehl is an actor who has appeared in a variety of roles, with his portrayal of Dante in You gaining notable attention.
Role: Dante is part of the suburban drama surrounding Joe and Love, adding to the growing tension in Season 3.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 3, recurring (4 episodes).
What to Expect: Dante’s character adds complexity to the dynamics of Joe and Love’s suburban life, adding more interpersonal drama.
Favorite Things: Enjoying the comforts of suburban life, being involved in community events, and maintaining a sense of order in his life.
Notable Works: The Good Wife, My Christmas Guide.
Chris D’Elia as Henderson
DOB: March 29, 1980
Bio: Chris D’Elia is an American actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in Undateable and his stand-up comedy.
His portrayal of Henderson in You is marked by dark humor and a menacing undertone.
Role: Henderson is a famous comedian who becomes one of Joe’s targets in Season 2.
His predatory behavior makes him a significant antagonist.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 2, recurring (6 episodes).
What to Expect: Henderson represents the darker side of fame, showing how the world of entertainment can harbor toxic, dangerous figures.
Favorite Things: Comedy, fame, and using his position to manipulate others.
Notable Works: Undateable, The Good Doctor, Whitney.
More Actors
Season 1 (2018) – New York Beginnings
• Luca Padovan as Paco
• Zach Cherry as Ethan Russell
• Shay Mitchell as Peach Salinger
• Ambyr Childers as Candace Stone
• John Stamos as Dr. Nicky
• Kathryn Gallagher as Annika
• Nicole Kang as Lynn
• Daniel Cosgrove as Ron
• Victoria Cartagena as Claudia
• Mark Blum as Mr. Mooney
• Hari Nef as Blythe
• Natalie Paul as Karen Minty
• Lou Taylor Pucci as Benji Ashby
Season 2 (2019) – A New Life in Los Angeles
• Carmela Zumbado as Delilah Alves
• Robin Lord Taylor as Will Bettelheim
• Marielle Scott as Lucy
• Melanie Field as Sunrise
• Charlie Barnett as Gabe Miranda
Season 3 (2021) – Suburban Secrets in Madre Linda
• Saffron Burrows as Dottie Quinn
• Scott Speedman as Matthew Engler
• Shannon Chan-Kent as Kiki
• Christopher Sean as Brandon
• Christopher O’Shea as Andrew Tucker
• Bryan Safi as Jackson Newhall
• Mackenzie Astin as Gil Brigham
• Ayelet Zurer as Dr. Chandra
Season 4 (2023) – A European Whodunit
• Charlotte Ritchie as Kate Galvin
• Tilly Keeper as Lady Phoebe
• Amy-Leigh Hickman as Nadia Farran
• Ed Speleers as Rhys Montrose
• Lukas Gage as Adam Pratt
• Stephen Hagan as Malcolm Harding
• Adam James as Elliot Tannenberg
• Aidan Cheng as Simon Soo
• Niccy Lin as Sophie Soo
• Eve Austin as Gemma Graham-Greene
• Ozioma Whenu as Blessing Bosede
• Sean Pertwee as Vic
• Ben Wiggins as Roald Walker-Burton
• Dario Coates as Connie
• Brad Alexander as Edward
• Alison Pargeter as Dawn Brown
• Greg Kinnear as Tom Lockwood
Season 5 (2025) – The Final Chapter in New York
• Madeline Brewer as Brontë / Louise Flannery
• Anna Camp as Raegan and Maddie Lockwood
• Griffin Matthews as Teddy Lockwood
• Frankie DeMaio as Henry Goldberg
• Nava Mau as Detective Marquez
• Natasha Behnam as Dominique
• b as Phoenix
• Pete Ploszek as Harrison
• Tom Francis as Clayton
• Michelle Hurd as Dr. Val
• Heidi Gardner as Kim Kramer
• Michael Dempsey as Uncle Bob / Buffalo Bob Cain
FAQ – You (TV Series)
Is You based on a book?
Yes, the series is based on the novels by Caroline Kepnes.
Is there a Season 6 of You?
No, You concluded with its fifth and final season.
Where can I watch You?
You is available for streaming on Netflix.
What genre does You fall under?
You is primarily a psychological thriller, with elements of drama and romance.
Is You suitable for all audiences?
The series is rated TV-MA and is intended for mature audiences due to its content.
What makes You unique?
You offers a deep dive into the mind of an anti-hero, challenging viewers to question morality and the nature of obsession.
How many seasons does You have?
The series has five seasons, each delving deeper into Joe’s psyche and the consequences of his actions.
What is You about?
You is a psychological thriller that follows Joe Goldberg, a charming yet dangerous man whose obsessions lead to manipulation and murder.
The series explores themes of love, identity, and the dark side of human nature.
Who stars in You?
Penn Badgley stars as Joe Goldberg. Other notable cast members include Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, and Tati Gabrielle.
Conclusion
Netflix’s You is a rare psychological thriller that blends romance, suspense, and horror into a uniquely compelling narrative.
Across its five seasons, it explores the deeply flawed psyche of Joe Goldberg while holding a mirror to society’s obsession with love, identity, and appearances.
Though the final season sparked mixed reactions, the series as a whole remains a gripping, genre-defining tale marked by sharp writing, unforgettable performances, and dark social commentary.
For fans of thrillers with complex characters and moral ambiguity, You delivers an addictive and thought-provoking experience.