Joe Goldberg’s story is coming to an end. Netflix has renewed You for a fifth season, which will be the final chapter of the popular thriller from Warner Bros. Television and studio Berlanti Prods. Penn Badgley will be back, reprising his role as serial killer Joe (who may finally be brought to justice), but there will be a behind-the-scenes change in the series being developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble based on Caroline’s Alloy books became Kepnes. Primetime Panic
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After serving as showrunner for the first four seasons, Gamble resigns to focus on other projects. Her executive producers Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo, who have been involved with the series since Season 1 and Season 2 respectively, will replace Gamble as co-showrunners. She remains involved with the show as an executive producer.
Berlanti Prods.’ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter called Gamble “the most brilliant writer and partner”.
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“We intend to bring her every idea we can from our company for years to come,” they said, before revealing that the plan had always been to tell Joe’s story in five seasons. “Ever since our friends at Alloy shared Caroline Kepnes’ amazing book, we’ve always conceived it as a five-season journey. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Mike and Justin as they take the reins as co-showrunners and prepare to bring Joe Goldberg home.”
The last part about Badgley’s Joe can be interpreted figuratively as well as literally. The latest part 2 of the London-based season 4 ended with a moment that came full circle for Joe, who, along with rich widow Kate, returned to New York where the series began in season 1.
“Making the show alongside our writers, producers, directors, cast and crew has been an honor and a lot of fun,” said Gamble. “And I’m fortunate to have worked with an artist as gifted and thoughtful as Penn Badgley. I’m proud of what we’ve all accomplished and privileged to pass the torch on,” she added, before teasing You’s upcoming final season. “I look forward to watching and supporting the You team as it brings Joe Goldberg’s journey to its delightfully twisted ending.”
You originated on Lifetime (Ironically Netflix had left the field for the series several times). The streamer initially picked you up via its co-licensing model, taking on exclusive international distribution and a second window in the US. While the first season failed to attract a wide linear audience on Lifetime, it exploded when it premiered on Netflix in December 2018.
The series, which switched to streaming after Season 1 to become a global Netflix Original, has grown its audience over the course of its first three seasons with more hours of viewing in 28 days for each season than the previous one. The fourth season spent 5 weeks in the global top 10 of the English TV chart and reached the top 10 in 90 countries.
“They became an instant sensation on Netflix, with a resounding cultural impact that has grown season after season,” said Peter Friedlander, VP of Scripted Series at Netflix. “We’re excited – and a little scared – to see how it all ends for Joe Goldberg, but one thing is for sure: you’re in for a memorable ending.”
Season 4, which released March 9th, is produced by Berlanti, Gamble, Schechter, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo, John Scott, Foley, Neil Reynolds, Lo and Lee Toland Krieger.