You – Season 4: A New City, A New Identity, Same Obsession

The fourth season of You marks a bold new chapter in Joe Goldberg’s story. After three seasons of obsession, murder, and twisted romance in the U.S., Joe leaves his old life behind — or at least tries to. Set in London, You Season 4 explores Joe’s attempt to reinvent himself while being haunted by his dark past and dangerous habits.

Plot Summary

At the end of Season 3, Joe fakes his death after killing his wife, Love Quinn, and abandons his son, Henry, hoping to start fresh in Europe. Season 4 begins with Joe living in London under the new identity of Professor Jonathan Moore, a literature teacher at a prestigious university.

He’s determined to stay out of trouble — no more stalking, no more murders. But as always, trouble finds him first. Joe becomes entangled with a circle of wealthy socialites, including Kate, a sharp and guarded art gallery director who captures his attention, and Malcolm, her arrogant boyfriend who introduces Joe to his elite group of friends.

Things spiral quickly when Malcolm is found dead, and Joe becomes caught in a murder mystery — except this time, he’s not the only killer. A mysterious figure, known as the “Eat the Rich Killer,” begins targeting members of London’s upper class, and Joe is forced into a dangerous game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth.

Two-Part Release Format

Netflix released You Season 4 in two parts:

• Part 1 (Episodes 1–5): Focuses on Joe’s life as Professor Moore, his interactions with the elite London circle, and the emergence of the Eat the Rich Killer.
• Part 2 (Episodes 6–10): Delves deeper into Joe’s psychological unraveling, shocking twists about who the real killer is, and how far Joe’s delusions can go.

The second half shifts tone from a murder mystery to a psychological thriller, revealing how Joe’s fractured mind blurs the lines between reality and obsession.

Key Characters

• Joe Goldberg / Jonathan Moore (Penn Badgley): The anti-hero trying to suppress his murderous tendencies, but still struggling with obsession and control.
• Kate Galvin (Charlotte Ritchie): A smart, independent woman who challenges Joe’s usual “type” and becomes his love interest.
• Rhys Montrose (Ed Speleers): A charismatic author and political hopeful who befriends Joe — and plays a major role in the season’s central mystery.
• Nadia Farran (Amy-Leigh Hickman): Joe’s bright student who grows suspicious of him and becomes a key figure in the second half.

Themes and Tone

Season 4 shifts the series from romantic obsession to psychological suspense and moral conflict. Instead of simply watching Joe chase a new love, we see him haunted by his past actions and forced to confront what he’s become. The London setting gives the show a darker, more refined tone — with gothic streets, academic backdrops, and high-society drama replacing the suburban chaos of Season 3.

This season also plays with the whodunit format, adding an Agatha Christie–style murder mystery twist that keeps viewers guessing. The tone is slightly more self-aware and satirical, poking fun at the rich elite and Joe’s false sense of morality.

Ending (Spoiler-Free Overview)

Without spoiling specifics, the final episodes reveal major psychological twists about Joe’s identity, his capacity for denial, and how deeply his obsession runs. By the end of Season 4, Joe seems more powerful and dangerous than ever — fully embracing the darker parts of himself that he once tried to hide. The closing scenes set up a chilling new direction for potential future seasons.

Critical Reception

You Season 4 received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the change in format and Penn Badgley’s performance, calling it one of the most complex portrayals of Joe yet. Some fans missed the romantic obsession element that defined earlier seasons, but many appreciated the fresh, mystery-driven approach and psychological depth.

Final Thoughts

You Season 4 proves that even as the setting and style change, Joe Goldberg remains one of TV’s most compelling villains. The season dives deeper into his fractured psyche, showing how impossible it is for him to escape who he truly is. With its mix of dark humor, mystery, and psychological horror, this chapter stands out as both a reinvention and an evolution of the series.