The latest season of the Netflix thriller You has ignited a conversation, not just about its plot twists, but about the surprisingly widespread recognition of its protagonist, Joe Goldberg. A recent discussion on the r/YouOnLifetime subreddit highlights how the character, a serial stalker and murderer, seems to have permeated popular culture, even catching the attention of global superstar Cardi B.
The fifth and final season of You, which premiered on Netflix on December 26, 2023, and concluded on March 9, 2024, notably featured a cameo appearance by Cardi B, stemming from a series of tweets she posted in 2023 seemingly directed at Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley. This unexpected inclusion has led viewers to question just how well-known Joe Goldberg has become, and how a fictional character could garner such attention from a celebrity of Cardi B’s magnitude.
How Cardi B Became Part of the ‘You’ Narrative
The origin of Cardi B’s involvement lies in a playful exchange on X, formerly known as Twitter. In March 2023, Cardi B posted a series of tweets expressing concern about a man who resembled Joe Goldberg following her, and another stating she hoped Joe didn’t find her. These tweets quickly went viral, prompting showrunners to weave them into the narrative of Season 5. According to Entertainment Weekly, showrunners Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti saw the tweets as an opportunity to incorporate a real-world element into the show’s storyline.
“We were just so amused by it,” Gamble told Entertainment Weekly. “And we were like, ‘What if we could actually make that happen?’” The showrunners reached out to Cardi B’s team, and she enthusiastically agreed to a cameo, appearing as herself in a scene where she encounters Joe in Paris. The cameo has been described as “hilarious” by Hypebae, adding a meta-commentary layer to the show’s exploration of obsession and celebrity culture.
Joe Goldberg’s Rising Profile
The discussion on Reddit points to a broader phenomenon: Joe Goldberg’s increasing notoriety. The character, known for his charming facade and disturbing inner monologue, has become a subject of fascination and, for some, a disturbing symbol of romantic obsession. The show’s popularity, spanning five seasons, has undoubtedly contributed to this recognition. Season 5 of You was released in two parts, with the first five episodes premiering on December 26, 2023, and the final five episodes concluding the series on March 9, 2024, according to E! News.
The show’s clever marketing and social media presence have also played a role in amplifying Joe’s image. The official You accounts often lean into the character’s unsettling tendencies, creating a unique and engaging online persona. This, combined with the show’s exploration of themes relevant to contemporary society – such as social media, dating apps, and the pursuit of idealized relationships – has resonated with a wide audience.
The Final Fate of Joe Goldberg
The fifth season of You saw Joe Goldberg finally facing the consequences of his actions. The ending, as detailed by E! News, brought his story to a close, leaving viewers to reflect on the cycle of violence and obsession that defined his character. Whereas the series has concluded, the discussion surrounding Joe Goldberg and his impact on popular culture is likely to continue.
The inclusion of Cardi B’s cameo serves as a fitting meta-commentary on the show’s themes and the character’s unexpected celebrity. It highlights how even fictional characters can become ingrained in the public consciousness, prompting conversations about the dangers of romanticizing toxic behavior and the blurred lines between reality, and fiction.
As the You universe closes, the conversation about Joe Goldberg’s influence and the show’s broader impact on how we perceive relationships and obsession will undoubtedly continue. The series has left a lasting mark on the thriller genre and sparked important discussions about the dark side of modern romance.
What did you feel of Cardi B’s cameo? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow You fans!
