You is an American psychological thriller television series inspired by Caroline Kepnes’ novels. The show was developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble and is produced by Berlanti Productions, Alloy Entertainment, and A+E Studios in partnership with Warner Horizon Television, now under Warner Bros. Television.
Series Overview
The first season, based on Kepnes’ novel You, premiered in September 2018 on Lifetime. It introduces Joe Goldberg, a charismatic bookstore manager with a sinister side, as he develops an unhealthy obsession with Guinevere Beck. The main cast includes Penn Badgley (Joe Goldberg), Elizabeth Lail (Beck), Luca Padovan, Zach Cherry, and Shay Mitchell.
Following its success, the show was renewed and moved to Netflix for its second season, released in December 2019. This season adapts Kepnes’ sequel Hidden Bodies and sees Joe relocating to Los Angeles, where he becomes infatuated with Love Quinn, portrayed by Victoria Pedretti. New cast members include James Scully, Jenna Ortega, and Carmela Zumbado, with Ambyr Childers elevated to a series regular role.
| Genre | Psychological thriller |
|---|---|
| Based on | You by Caroline Kepnes |
| Developed by |
|
| Showrunner | Sera Gamble |
| Starring |
|
| Narrated by |
|
| Composer | Blake Neely |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 40 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Production locations |
|
| Cinematography |
|
| Editors |
|
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 41–60 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Lifetime |
| Release | September 9 – November 11, 2018 |
| Network | Netflix |
| Links | |
The third season, released in October 2021, expands on Joe and Love’s marriage in a suburban setting. Newly added cast members include Travis Van Winkle, Shalita Grant, Tati Gabrielle, and Dylan Arnold, with Saffron Burrows promoted to a regular role. Netflix renewed the series for a fourth season ahead of the third’s premiere.
Fourth and Final Season
The fourth season, released in two parts in February and March 2023, shifts the setting to London, with Joe adopting a new identity and navigating elite social circles. The season stars Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, and Lukas Gage.
In March 2023, Netflix confirmed a fifth and final season of the series, promising to conclude Joe’s dark and twisted journey.
Themes and Reception
You has been praised for its gripping narrative, complex characters, and darkly satirical exploration of social media, love, and obsession, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Filming Locations
The series was filmed in multiple locations across its seasons, reflecting the geographical transitions of its plot:
- Season 1: New York City, USA, primarily in the Greenwich Village area, to depict Joe Goldberg’s life as a bookstore manager.
- Season 2: Los Angeles, California, showcasing iconic LA neighborhoods to highlight Joe’s attempt at a fresh start.
- Season 3: Madre Linda, a fictional Californian suburb, was primarily filmed in Van Nuys, California.
- Season 4: London, England. Notable locations include Kynance Mews, Lincoln’s Inn, St Pancras Station, and the historic Knebworth House. Iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and the Four Seasons Hotel also feature prominently.
Cast
The show boasts a stellar cast led by:
- Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, the protagonist with dark obsessions.
- Elizabeth Lail as Guinevere Beck (Season 1).
- Victoria Pedretti as Love Quinn (Seasons 2–3).
- Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie, and Ed Speleers in Season 4.
Supporting cast members include Shay Mitchell, Luca Padovan, and Zach Cherry in Season 1, with actors such as Travis Van Winkle and Shalita Grant joining later seasons.
Direction and Production
The series was developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, with Gamble serving as the showrunner. Directors for various episodes include Lee Toland Krieger, Silver Tree, and John Scott, among others, contributing to the show’s suspenseful tone.
Synopsis
You follows the story of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly charming individual who becomes dangerously obsessed with the women he dates. Each season delves deeper into Joe’s psyche as he relocates to different cities, adopting new identities while leaving behind a trail of chaos and violence.
