The fifth and final season of You ends with Joe Goldberg finally facing the consequences of his crimes. After a series of murders, lies, and obsessions, Joe is arrested, convicted, and sentenced to multiple life sentences in prison. He is isolated, unable to form any human connections, which is portrayed as a fate worse than death for him

. At the start of the finale, Joe and Bronte are on the run from New York City, but their relationship deteriorates as Bronte reveals her true intentions and eventually tries to take Joe down. The season concludes with Joe incarcerated, while other characters move on with their lives: Kate survives and hands over her corporation to her brother, who turns it into a nonprofit; Marienne pursues her art; and Bronte escapes Joe’s influence and leads the re-release of Beck’s book without Joe’s edits

. Joe’s final moments emphasize his refusal to fully accept responsibility, instead blaming society and his fans for his actions, highlighting the show’s commentary on toxic misogyny and the glamorization of serial killers