Penn Badgley will reprise his role as serial killer Joe (who could finally face justice), but there will be a change behind the scenes of the series. The series is based on the books by Caroline Kepnes and developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble.
After serving as showrunner for the first four seasons, Gamble is stepping down to focus on other projects. Executive producers Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo, who have been on the series since season one and season two, respectively, will succeed Gamble as co-showrunners. She remains involved with the series as an executive producer.
Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter of Berlanti Productions called Gamble "the most brilliant writer and partner."
“We intend to bring her every idea we can from our company for years to come,” they said before revealing that telling Joe’s story in five seasons had always been the plan. “Ever since our friends at Alloy shared Caroline Kepnes’ fantastic book, we have always conceived it as a five-season journey. We are excited to continue our relationship with Mike and Justin as they take over the reins as co-showrunners and prepare to bring Joe Goldberg home.”
The last part about Badgley’s Joe can be interpreted figuratively but also literally. The recent Part 2 of the London-set Season 4 ended with a full-circle moment for Joe who, joined by rich widow Kate, returned to New York where the series started in Season 1.
“Making the show alongside our writers, producers, directors, cast and crew has been an honor and ridiculously fun,” Gamble said. “And I feel lucky to have worked with an artist as gifted and thoughtful as Penn Badgley. I’m proud of what we’ve all accomplished and feel privileged to pass the torch,” she added before teasing You‘s upcoming final season. “I’m excited to watch and support the You team as they bring Joe Goldberg’s journey to its delightfully twisted conclusion.”
You originated on Lifetime (Ironically, Netflix had passed on the pitch for the series multiple times.) The streamer initially picked up You through its co-licensing model, taking exclusive international distribution and second window in the US. While the first season couldn’t attract wide linear audience on Lifetime, it exploded when it premiered on Netflix in December 2018.
The series, which moved to the streamer after Season 1 to become a global Netflix original, has been growing its audience over the course of its first three seasons with more hours viewed through 28 days for each season than the one before it. Season four has spent 5 weeks in the Global Top 10 English TV list, and reached the Top 10 in 90 countries.
“You became an instant sensation on Netflix with a resounding cultural impact that has grown season over season,” said Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s VP of Scripted Series. “We’re excited — and a bit terrified — to see how it all ends for Joe Goldberg, but one thing is for sure: You are in for an unforgettable ending.”
Season 4, which was released March 9, is executive produced by Berlanti, Gamble, Schechter, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo, John Scott, Foley, Neil Reynolds, Lo, Lee Toland Krieger.
Comments (0)