'You' Finale Criticized Despite Series Closure

Netflix's 'You' concluded with its fifth and final season, receiving a mixed to negative critical reception and earning a 68% Rotten Tomatoes score, the lowest in the series. The season follows serial killer Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, as he returns to New York, but critics argue the show lost its satirical edge and fell into repetitive storytelling. Some reviewers praised the dramatic twists and felt the show provided a sense of closure, while others described the finale as 'borderline insulting' and 'hollow,' criticizing its failure to address Joe's actions. The absence of key character Love Quinn-Goldberg drew fan speculation, and new cast members Madeline Brewer and Anna Camp joined the series. Attempts to shift toward prestige TV were seen as unsuccessful by many, who lamented the loss of the show's campy roots. Despite some fan-pleasing callbacks, the finale is widely regarded as a disappointing conclusion to the cult favorite.