Netflix shares behind-the-scenes farewell to Joe Goldberg after You’s final Season

Joe Goldberg ( Image via Netflix )
Joe Goldberg ( Image via Netflix )

The last chapter of You has officially closed, and Netflix has given us one last look at the journey behind the camera. A month following the premiere of season 5 on April 24, 2025, the platform posted a behind-the-scenes clip celebrating the end of shooting. The clip captures the emotional goodbye from the set, with Penn Badgley at its center as he shoots his last scene as Joe Goldberg—a character who's been both iconic and unsettling throughout the series' five-season history.

Dubbed a bittersweet goodbye, the atmosphere on set gives a sense of closure, sincerity, and low-key celebration. In an emotional moment, Badgley walks towards the cast and crew to deliver a speech, thanking them for years of labor and dedication. It's not a flashy and over-the-top farewell, but a genuine one, defined by thankfulness, handshakes, and final glances around a set that previously brought Joe Goldberg's world to life.


A lasting speech and a silent exit from the sets of You

Penn Badgley's farewell was not subtle, one could say it was anything but. In Netflix's making-of video, Badgley addresses the production staff following the taping of his final scene, thanking every individual for their diligence in bringing You to the screen. The on-camera moment between scenes is a highlight of the making-of clip. It is not only the end of a character's journey but the end of a long-term collaboration between the actor and the production firm.

Badgley's oration is sincere, and though the actual words aren't completely quoted in the video, his tone is one of profound respect for behind-the-scenes work. The camera stays on him as he speaks, and crew members listen intently. It's an intimate moment from a show that, for all its darkness, obviously had built strong bonds on set.


Joe Goldberg's last chapter in You comes to an end behind bars

With Season 5, You officially brings Joe Goldberg's journey to a close. The last season finishes with Joe behind bars, finally putting an end to his extensive history of manipulation, violence, and stalking. This finale offers closure to the storyline that numerous fans theorized around for years.

The finale is not shot for shock but for a circular resolution. Joe gets his comeuppance in a way that's both in character and narratively coherent. This conclusion is augmented by the behind-the-scenes footage, which presents a team closing not only a season but a multi-year creative endeavor.


Madeline Brewer returned as Bronte in season 5 of You

Season 5 also saw the return of well-known faces, most prominently, Madeline Brewer, reappearing as Bronte. Brewer's return is one of several aspects intended to serve as a wrap-around to Joe's previous chapters. Her character helps close out Joe's story, although specifics on how she contributes are kept spoiler-free in the Netflix sendoff video.

Although the goodbye footage doesn't feature Brewer specifically, she does appear throughout the season, proving that the show tries to be faithful to wrap things up with continuity and not leave loose ends.


A farewell without flash or hype

The Netflix video is subtly understated. There's no sweeping drama score or narration—just the background noise of a set shutting down and one of the lead actors saying thanks. The platform seems to have deliberately posted it after some time since the season finale, giving fans a last glimpse without reviving promotional energy.

The video steers clear of spoilers and doesn't tantalize with upcoming content. It's presented as a finality to the creation process. This restrained approach maintains respect for the ending of the narrative and provides openness to fans who have been with the show since the start.


Last thoughts from the cast and creators of You

While only Penn Badgley appears on camera, the looks of the cast and crew imply a collective sentiment. Some are embracing one another, while others take pictures of the last set. The mood in general is one of subdued celebration—no choreographed goodbyes or forced group photos, just ending a chapter.

The long-time producers and cast are inferred through the images, though they are largely off in the distance. Sera Gamble, who showed the majority of the show and took a break during Season 5, also came on board as an executive producer. You's finale captures the intention behind the show ending, rather than by attrition.


Netflix's behind-the-scenes goodbye to You says it all: Joe Goldberg's tale is done, and the group that brought it to life is moving forward with thanks and finality. With Penn Badgley's closing monologue and an unruffled stroll through the set, the scenes close the curtain not only on a character but on a show that kept its tone and mission intact until the end.

Also read: You Season 5: The saddest storyline isn’t about love, and that’s what makes it unforgettable

Edited by Nimisha