As You bids farewell with its fifth season, fans are left with a palpable absence of Joe Goldberg, a character who has dominated the Netflix thriller landscape. The concluding season intricately wove together psychological and dramatic elements, ultimately delivering a satisfying closure for the complex narrative that has intrigued viewers from the outset. Moreover, familiar faces from the previous seasons returned, providing a sense of nostalgia as the story reached its culmination.
Nevertheless, with the end of Joe’s journey, there is no prospect of new tales featuring this contentious anti-hero. Fortunately, there exists a multitude of captivating series akin to Netflix’s psychological drama, ready to fill the void left by You. These alternatives boast similar cast members, explore comparable themes, and often mirror critical story arcs, ensuring a rich viewing experience that resonates with aspects of what made You so compelling.
10 Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Penn Badgley’s Notable Performance
Penn Badgley, who astutely portrays Joe, first garnered fame as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl. This iconic series chronicles the lives of wealthy teenagers at an elite Manhattan high school, whose secrets are unveiled by an anonymous blogger, known as “Gossip Girl.”The quest to uncover the blogger’s identity immerses viewers in a world of intrigue and privilege.
In Gossip Girl, Dan represents an aspiring poet and an outsider—charming yet genuine, contrasting sharply with Joe’s darker tendencies. This show may forgo the psychological depths explored in You, but Badgley’s engaging presence ensures it’s worth a watch.
9 Hannibal (2013-2015)
A Unique Take on Horror
While primarily a thriller, the chilling themes in You often veer into psychological horror, much like Hannibal. This critically acclaimed series centers on FBI investigator Will Graham, whose relationship with the notorious Dr. Hannibal Lecter reveals dark and twisted dimensions of their characters. Compellingly portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, Lecter is not only a cannibalistic serial killer but serves as a master manipulator, mirroring some of Joe’s darker traits.
Canceled after its third season, Hannibal delves into the psyche of murderers, offering an unsettling yet fascinating perspective on manipulation, echoing the themes of You with a more sinister edge.
8 Bates Motel (2013-2017)
Reimagining Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Bates Motel chronicles his formative years in a contemporary setting. This gripping series explores the tragic dynamics between Norman and his mother, revealing the gradual descent into madness that shapes him into the infamous murderer familiar to horror fans.
With a narrative that expertly examines mental illness alongside toxic relationships, Bates Motel resonates with the exploration of unhealthy bonds seen in You. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore deliver standout performances that illuminate the complexities of their relationship, serving horror through a fresh lens.
7 The Watcher (2022-present)
A Gripping Mystery Inspired by Real Events
The stalker premise that defines You is similarly echoed in The Watcher, albeit through a more traditional storytelling approach. Loosely based on true events, this series follows a family tormented by cryptic letters from a mysterious stalker, unraveling their lives in Westfield, New Jersey.
Though it takes a different angle on the stalker narrative, The Watcher effectively sheds light on the persistent nature of threats. The blend of family drama with mystery adds depth, making it an engaging watch, particularly with the confirmation of a second season.
6 Dead to Me (2019-2022)
A Dark Comedy on Toxic Friendships
At the heart of You is the exploration of toxic relationships, a theme that Dead to Me also tackles but through a comedic lens. The series chronicles a budding friendship between Jen and Judy, two women brought together in a grief support group. Unbeknownst to Jen, Judy harbors a devastating secret—accidentally causing Jen’s husband’s death.
Though it leans more towards comedy, this series offers insightful commentary on the perils of unhealthy relationships, melding humor with poignant reflections on friendship and grief. Christina Applegate’s performance stands out, marking her final role in live-action before stepping back due to health reasons.
5 The Following (2013-2015)
Kevin Bacon in a Heart-Pounding Thriller
Like Joe’s admirable yet flawed nature, The Following explores similar themes through the lens of crime. Starring Kevin Bacon as FBI agent Ryan Hardy, the series revolves around capturing Joe Carroll, a serial killer who has orchestrated a cult of murderers. This gripping narrative draws parallels with You‘s later seasons, contemplating the morality of its characters.
Originally conceived as part of the Scream franchise, it evolved into a unique show that intricately weaves themes of criminal adoration and cult mentality, enhancing its relevance to fans of You.
4 The Sinner (2017-2021)
An Anthology of Human Darkness
You reflects elements of anthology series by framing various narratives around different characters, anchored by a single constant—Joe. The Sinner mirrors this format, focusing on detective Harry Ambrose as he navigates the complexities of heinous crimes committed by seemingly ordinary individuals.
The depth of despair revealed in the crimes resonates with the emotional weight presented in You. The seamless structure enhances viewer engagement, much like Joe’s character evolution across seasons.
3 Sweetpea (2024-present)
A Darkly Comic Examination of Vice
Joe’s dark persona finds a contemporary reflection in Sweetpea, where Ella Purnell’s character, Rhiannon, succumbs to her societal disdain by becoming a serial killer. The series follows her journey of crime and concealment after her father’s death, providing a disillusioned commentary on human nature.
The show promises intrigue with the announcement of a second season, helping to encapsulate the darker facets of crime similar to You, as Rhiannon navigates her emotional and moral dilemmas.
2 Barry (2018-2023)
A Darkly Comic Reflection of Morality
Joe’s belief in the justification of his actions parallels the character of Barry, portrayed by Bill Hader. An assassin seeking redemption through acting, Barry’s life spirals as his past catches up with him, leading to darker revelations that mirror Joe’s chaotic existence.
Despite starting as a dark comedy, the series intensifies, revealing an unsettling portrayal of morality and consequence similar to the themes explored in You, where humor intertwines with horror.
1 Dexter (2006-2013)
The Enigmatic Anti-Hero with a Moral Code
While Joe defends his heinous acts through love, Dexter Morgan adheres to a strict code as a forensic analyst by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. He targets those who have evaded justice, paralleling Joe’s morally ambiguous motivations.
Beneath Dexter’s surface lies an inner monologue that echoes Joe’s psyche, drawing viewers into the complexities of his dual existence while intertwining various character arcs throughout its seasons.
For fans of You, these series not only provide entertainment but also invite contemplation of the darker aspects of human nature. Each show presents unique perspectives on morality, relationships, and the psychology of crime, making them worthy successors to fill the void left by Joe Goldberg.