You Won’t Believe How Netflix’s YOU Seasons Rank From Worst to Best!

This list contains spoilers!

Summary

You Season 5 wraps up Joe’s saga in a concise and satisfying way, ending the show with a bang.
Season 1 introduces Joe’s spiral into madness with a solid start, but lacks some realism and character development.
Season 2 has perfect pacing, building on the best elements of the show, leading to a chilling final reveal.

In a fitting end, the charming yet deadly protagonist returns one last time in Netflix’s “You”, wrapping up the series in style. Known for its gripping thriller plotlines that delve deep into the unusual and taboo, the show doesn’t shy away from graphic violence and mature themes. Spanning five seasons filled with shocking, unforeseen turns that have captivated audiences over the past seven years, the final season neatly ties up all loose ends in a satisfying conclusion, ending Joe’s journey on a high note.

From a comprehensive viewpoint, it’s challenging to find flaws in any of the series’ seasons. Each season boasts its unique strengths and scenes that gleam brilliantly, creating a captivating viewing experience that is equally memorable and tantalizing from the opening credits to the final scene. However, it’s essential to note that certain episodes, storylines, and seasons surpass their counterparts, offering an even more immersive and refined television thriller. These exceptional segments leave viewers craving for more.

5. Season 4

The Weakest Of The Bunch But Still Just As Thrilling

Following numerous violent acts, Joe decides to travel overseas to escape the carnage and suffering. However, even in this new setting, he can’t seem to avoid trouble as his actions lead to bloodshed again. Despite creating a convincing new identity and trying to fit in with a different group, his dark side resurfaces quickly. The series excels in many areas, one of which is character development. All characters are extremely annoying, wealthy socialites who almost seem to be inviting their own murders, providing a mix of humorous moments amidst the violence.

The surprising revelation lies in the fact that Rhys, whom Joe had thought to be the real murderer, was in reality a character Joe himself conjured up. This means the actual perpetrator was significantly nearer to Joe’s personal space. The twist was shocking, but it left a bitter taste and shifted an otherwise believable and slightly psychotic series into a tale that veered towards the fantastical rather than staying grounded in reality. Additionally, the pace of the storytelling felt uneven during the first part of the season, although the latter episodes picked up speed somewhat, it came too late. With so many characters to tie up and resolve, the conclusion felt rushed. Despite being a decent season overall, it fell short compared to its predecessors in terms of quality.

4. Season 1

A Solid Start That Keeps Things Simple

In the first season of “You”, we’re introduced to Mr. Goldberg and his gradual descent into madness and homicide. It was an excellent launch, providing viewers with a front-row seat as Beck becomes Joe’s initial target for stalking. The suspense and intensity build steadily, neither rushing nor dragging, maintaining a smooth pace from start to finish. Right away, it’s clear that Joe will go to any lengths to get what he wants, including shedding some blood – at times, a significant amount.

Although the series maintained a constant level of enjoyment, certain plot twists seemed somewhat unrealistic or implausible, such as Joe’s knack for moving around unnoticed. Additionally, the narrative often centered heavily on Joe, with a multitude of characters present but receiving less development. This concentration on him and his morally questionable actions can become repetitive, especially considering the numerous other intriguing storylines unfolding concurrently. It would have been beneficial to delve deeper into the backgrounds and motivations of secondary characters, enhancing the drama and providing additional reasons for their actions. However, despite these shortcomings, it’s an impressive foundation for a promising series with plenty of potential for more engaging suspense in the future.

3. Season 3

More Tension Than Ever Before

Following an unexpected turn of events in the second season, the third installment appears set to carry on the narrative. Previously estranged lovers, Love and Joe, have found contentment as a married couple with a newborn infant, seemingly living their dream life. However, this series is notorious for avoiding happy endings, and it doesn’t take long for Joe to revert to his old self and jump back on the psychological rollercoaster he had just disembarked. With fresh neighbors and a new environment, the same emotional turmoil continues to plague them both. The relationship between these two deteriorates dramatically, leading to a tragic end for Love and an emotionally charged departure for Joe.

Glancing at the series as a complete work, it’s quite impressive. However, upon closer examination, things seem to unravel rather swiftly, especially considering the two preceding seasons were filled with death and manipulation. Entering another season along the same lines began to feel monotonous and predictable, as many of the twists were either easily predicted or didn’t live up to the shock value of earlier seasons. When characters known for their wicked deeds are unexpectedly portrayed as ordinary, kind-hearted citizens, it becomes challenging to accept their actions without questioning. The finale felt more like a strategic move by a villain rather than a stroke of good fortune. Nevertheless, season three manages to touch on several compelling themes and offers numerous standout moments, making it an engaging viewing experience overall.

2. Season 5

A Fitting End In A Neat And Tidy Bow

In simple terms, the fifth season serves as the finale for the series, providing a fitting conclusion that ties up loose ends nicely. While it might have been enjoyable to see more of Joe’s character, this point in the storyline feels like a natural stopping place. The show wraps up beautifully, with Joe and Kate moving back to New York, their relationship out in the open for all to see. Just like any other season of You, normalcy is attempted as an attempt to suppress his inner demons, but as usual with Joe, the good slips away and old ghosts reappear, causing him to lose grip on reason and stability.

Despite the season being generally strong, there are areas where it could have been even better. Some parts seemed to be trying to deliver a moral message, yet they ended up falling flat. The show’s intention appears to be commenting on our perception of characters like Joe and reflecting real-world relationships, but the character portrayals often felt heavy-handed and obvious. Furthermore, while the series is renowned for its unexpected twists, some aspects have become predictable this season, which might not entirely be the show’s fault but rather a consequence of being so well-known for subverting expectations.

1. Season 2

The Perfect Pacing

Season 2 offers an outstanding sequel to the original narrative, further enhancing what makes You captivating and distinctive. As Joe discards his past and adopts a new identity as Will, he finds himself integrating into a fresh community of individuals, ranging from colleagues to acquaintances, to intriguing love interests with an amusingly peculiar name. The portrayal of love in this series is skillfully constructed, boasting numerous layers of complexity and challenges, which serve as a backdrop for Joe’s chaotic existence. As the audience anticipates the inevitable demise of their relationship due to Joe’s instinctive killer tendencies, their romance unfolds in a poignant manner that echoes the fragility of their bond.

As a passionate fan, I must admit that while there are some similarities between season one and two, the second season managed to carve out its unique narrative by skillfully developing both the storyline and characters. It’s an extension of the original tale, yet it doesn’t stray too far into uncharted territory. The tension leading up to the climactic revelation was masterfully built, leaving viewers utterly unprepared for what was to come. The ending episode was as nerve-wracking and captivating as the events unfolding within it. Joe’s true nature becomes even more vivid, and he continues his destructive path among a fresh batch of memorable characters, some of whom linger long after their tragic demise. In my opinion, season two sets a new benchmark for thriller shows, but it’s not a runaway winner – rather, it builds upon the first season to create a sequel that makes perfect sense and raises the bar for future episodes in the series.

2025-04-29 18:40