Ranking All 5 Seasons of 'You' from Worst to Best

Ever since Joe Goldberg made his debut in 2018, he’s been captivating viewers worldwide. Inspired by Caroline Kepnes’ novel, the series chronicles the journey of a self-proclaimed “soft-boy misogynist,” who has left a trail of destruction across five seasons as he murders and manipulates numerous individuals. Intriguingly, Joe believes he’s a savior, seeking his one true love, going to extraordinary lengths to win them over. Penn Badgley delivers an outstanding performance throughout the series that deserves all praise.

Experiencing the intricate dance of manipulation, deception, and abuse from the viewpoint of a serial abuser in this series was chilling. It masterfully demonstrated how cunning predators can disguise themselves behind a charming facade, concealing their malicious intentions and ensnaring others in their trap. As Joe, who had spent most of his life seeing himself as some kind of tragic hero, eventually falls apart, shedding the mask to reveal his true self in season five, it’s hard not to be unsettled. The moments when he fully reveals his violent side are particularly tough to stomach, as he embraces his monstrous nature without any pretense. The final season, which has sparked much debate, ultimately delivers a well-deserved comeuppance for Joe’s long-standing transgressions.

After wrapping up the tale of this sociopath, let’s delve into how each of the five seasons of the show “You” measure up against one another, arranged from least favorite to most preferred. Here they are in that order.

5
Season 4

In the fourth season, the narrative transforms your character from a known entity into a mystery to solve, or a whodunit. Having departed from Madre Linda and staging his own demise, Joe initially seeks Marienne (Tati Gabrielle) in Europe. Later, he adopts the alias of Jonathan Moore and takes up a position as a literature professor in London, mingling with an affluent circle. Despite his self-perception as an ordinary man, he is repulsed by their extravagant lifestyle, but finds himself smitten (believing it to be love) with Kate (Charlotte Ritchie). As he ponders the prospect of romance once more, there are indications that someone is plotting to implicate him in a murder.

A Predictable Twist Falls Flat

Season 4 offered a thrilling change of scenery and introduced a fresh vibe that resonated with you, yet at times, it seemed more like a separate production altogether. The new characters were amusing, but they lacked depth compared to previous seasons, appearing as simplified versions instead of complex figures. The initial murder mystery presented in the premiere was intriguing, sparking curiosity and anticipation among viewers about who might be framing Joe as the “Eat the Rich Killer.” However, this plotline became a prolonged element across the first part of the season.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always suspected that Rhys, whom Joe had been engaging with, was a manifestation of his fractured psyche. In fact, it seemed like Joe was playing a game of cat and mouse with himself. This wasn’t a shocking revelation because the hints were dropped for quite some time. Over the years, we’ve seen Joe’s mental state deteriorate, with previous hallucinations and self-conversations in earlier seasons. Even those who found this season surprising must acknowledge that after the “big reveal,” Season 4 isn’t a season I’d eagerly rewatch compared to the others.

4
Season 2

In the aftermath of Season 1’s dramatic cliffhanger, Candace (Ambyr Childers), alive and seeking revenge, appears at Mooney’s bookstore. This sends Joe scurrying out of New York City, fleeing to Los Angeles for cover. A host of new characters make their debut, including Delilah (Carmela Zumbado), Ellie (Jenna Ortega), and the unpredictable Forty (James Scully) and his sister Love (Victoria Pedretti). Joe, despite feeling out of place amidst the LA crowd sipping Moon Juice, soon finds himself back in familiar territory, pursuing his latest infatuation while leaving a trail of destruction behind.

Some Strengths But Huge Missteps

The second season of the show offered an astonishing plot twist, unveiling Love’s true personality. It excelled in blending humor, satire, drama, and suspenseful elements, making it a highly re-watchable season, though not the best one. New characters were enjoyable, but the storyline occasionally felt predictable and repetitive, with certain themes being repeated. Ellie, a beloved character, seemed to fill the role previously held by Paco (Luca Padovan) from Season 1. Similarly, Love often appeared as a substitute for Beck (Elizabeth Lail). Some viewers appreciated the flashbacks delving into Joe’s past, but they may have been overly effective in evoking sympathy for such a potentially harmful and manipulative character.

As a passionate cinephile, I must admit that the series didn’t entirely live up to expectations, particularly in its portrayal of trauma experienced by two women. In Candace’s case, the narrative painted her as manipulative and unstable instead of a victim, which made it challenging for viewers to empathize with her plight. Moreover, when Joe decides not to harm her, it seems more about his path to redemption rather than any genuine concern for her wellbeing. The mishandling of Delilah’s sexual assault storyline was equally disappointing, as the potential of her tell-all book was barely touched upon, and once again, Joe is given credit for providing her with the idea.

3
Season 5

In Season 5, Joe finds himself basking in a luxurious Manhattan lifestyle as a doting husband and father, reunited with Henry. Thanks to his wife’s immense wealth, he can once again live under his true identity. His past as a murderer, even the parts Kate remains unaware of, have been erased. A skilled PR team has transformed Joe into a charming prince in the public eye. However, his marriage starts to crumble when he justifies his violent tendencies, convincing himself that being a killer is virtuous. Eventually, Bronte, another enchanting free spirit, captures his attention.

A Mess at the Beginning, But a Fitting Ending

Initially, the current season seemed complicated and overstuffed, yet it was thrilling to witness the series return to its origins in New York. Initially, it was disheartening as it seemed to be following a familiar pattern and rehashing tired tropes. However, around halfway through, viewers discover Bronte’s or Louise Flannery’s true identity, which significantly alters the narrative. Brewer portrayed her character with captivating mystery. Many viewers were annoyed by her developing genuine feelings for Joe, but they fail to comprehend that her role is to demonstrate how skillful manipulative men are at twisting your perception and clouding your judgment.

Among the highlights of the season, it was truly exciting to see Marienne (Amy-Leigh Hickman) and Nadia make their comeback in an episode named “Trial of the Furies.” The most poignant and impactful scene was undoubtedly Marienne’s heartfelt speech to Bronte. Kudos go to Anna Camp for her remarkable dual portrayal, embodying two distinct characters, the twins who couldn’t be more different. The cherry on top was witnessing Joe’s comeuppance – a life of solitude, confined within bars for eternity, devoid of love, just as Love had predicted in her final moments. It’s worth noting that Henry has come to terms with his true nature, thanks to the warnings given by Love before she passed away. To top it all off, the break of the fourth wall at the end was a clever wink to viewers who tend to romanticize and be captivated by killers.

2
Season 3

In the second season’s finale, the revelation of Love being pregnant miraculously spared her life as Joe came close to killing her. They subsequently relocated from Los Angeles to Madre Linda, a town near San Francisco, and settled into their new home in Season 3. The series delves into their lives as parents in this idyllic suburb. Despite his disdain for Love due to their similar personalities, Joe is resolved to make their relationship work for the sake of their child. However, things take a turn when he becomes infatuated with their neighbor. Predictably, Love eliminates the competition, but their marriage deteriorates even more when Joe deceives Marienne into an affair.

A Refreshing Look Into the Suburbs

Season 3 offered a refreshing overhaul within the tranquil backdrop of suburban neighborhoods with white picket fences. By placing Joe in an alien setting, the show’s dynamics and tempo were effectively altered, resulting in a captivating and addictive season. It was fascinating to witness two psychopaths maintain a façade for their neighbors while attempting to raise a child together. Viewers were delighted by the opportunity to delve into not only Joe’s tumultuous emotions but also Love’s, who proved to be a much more captivating character compared to her spouse. Watching Love on screen was exhilarating. Rather than simply mirroring Joe’s eccentricities, she was more impulsive and brutal, making for an engaging viewing experience.

This year’s highlight was its deep exploration of the characters, particularly the evolving relationship between Love and Joe. The intense portrayal of their domestic life created a compelling drama. It was fascinating to observe how they navigated the restrictions of upper-class suburbia. Moreover, the introduction of fresh characters, the charismatic Conrad duo – Sherry (played by Shalita Grant), a superficial influencer mom, and Cary, self-styled as the “Master of Self-Optimization” – added an enjoyable element to the series. These two characters certainly have the potential to lead their own spin-off series.

1
Season 1

Everything begins when Joe, the longstanding manager of Mooney’s bookstore, encounters Guinevere Beck. From the moment they meet, Joe is captivated by her, taking note of her passion, beauty, and authenticity. The situation seems like it could be a romantic comedy setup, but this tale deviates from the norm. It soon becomes clear that Joe exhibits sociopathic traits. As his obsession with Beck deepens, he resorts to stalking, gathering information about her life and tracking her movements. He meticulously plans to win her affections through various manipulations, burglaries, and even murder. When Beck realizes the truth about Joe, he confines her in a glass-enclosed hideout that he describes as “cozy.” Eventually, he ends up taking her life.

Unrivaled Magic

Among all seasons, the one that unveiled the enigmatic “goblin with a friendly facade but craving power” is undeniably the finest. It laid the foundation for the subsequent series, yet none can match its chilling, terrifying essence. When it debuted, You embarked on a daring quest to create a distinct atmosphere and draw viewers into the mind of a seemingly harmless but extremely dangerous man. With its intriguing narratives and numerous surprises, Season 1 became incredibly hard to resist. Viewers were left guessing how far Joe would push the boundaries, and when they believed there was no more shock in store, they were proven wrong.

Among all of Joe’s romantic infatuations across the series, his chilling slide into obsession during the first season is unquestionably the best. There was a certain captivating quality about witnessing the troubled main character for the first time in action. The initial season was also packed with intriguing characters, such as Shay Mitchell’s Peach Salinger, and Joe himself put it: Beck will always be the one he can’t escape from.

2025-04-27 20:03

Ranking All 5 Seasons of ‘You’ from Worst to Best