[This article contains spoilers for Gossip Girl.]
Unexpected Crossovers: Penn Badgley Meets Kristen Bell
In a surprising twist that might not have landed on anyone’s 2025 bingo card, Penn Badgley, known for his role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s thriller series You, has stepped into the realm of comedy by lending his voice to a scene in the show Nobody Wants This, which stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. With the fifth and final season of You debuting next month, this crossover creates an interesting blend of genres and fanbases.
Shared Histories and Connections
The connections extend beyond mere voiceovers. Badgley once portrayed Dan Humphrey in the iconic teen drama Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012, where Bell famously served as the show’s narrator. In a further twist of fate, Brody is married to Leighton Meester, who played the beloved character Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.
Badgley’s Nostalgic Tribute
In a video shared on Netflix’s official Instagram account, Badgley channels his character with the iconic opening greeting, “Hello, Upper East Siders. You know you love me.” He humorously reflects on the finale of Gossip Girl, revealing that Bell had lent her voice to his character and commenting, “Sorry, spoiler alert! I thought I would repay the favor.” He artfully adds a narrative twist to a scene in Nobody Wants This, specifically an endearing ice cream date between the characters played by Bell and Brody.
Highlighted Scene: Ice Cream and Ambiguous Feelings
In this memorable moment, Badgley narrates, “You can’t be serious eating ice cream together,” as the couple strolls along the sidewalk. He elaborates, “I know the friend zone is usually a cold, dark place suitable for frozen delicacies to bury your feelings in by the shovelful, but this is torture.” The monologue blends humor with poignancy, exploring the complexities of friendship and unspoken attraction.
He continues, painting a vivid picture of emotional turmoil: “It’s tragic, I know, but how can I let you go when I know you might feel the same? Of all the ways to weaken a woman’s resolve, I would not have considered ice cream as a method. Yet, the way you take charge, your eyes piercing into mine, makes me certain that what I want isn’t just friendship. What I want is Adam Brody.”
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds, Netflix teases fans with the caption, “nobody wants YOU. xoxo, Joe Goldberg.” Nobody Wants This has already been confirmed for a second season, while the concluding season of You is set to premiere on Netflix on April 24, creating a buzz among viewers eager for both nostalgia and fresh content.