You

by

After completing its fifth season, one highly popular Netflix series that fans adore has concluded its run. From the moment it debuted, You drew in audiences with its compelling combination of suspense, a protagonist’s intriguing obsessions, and numerous unsettling plot twists. The narrative surrounding Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) captivated millions of viewers globally, propelling the series to become a ratings hit. Its gripping storyline and unpredictable character developments earned it a significant cultural impact as a defining example of psychological thrillers in the streaming age. If you’ve found yourself drawn into the show and feeling a bit lost now that it has ended, don’t fret – there are numerous other stories brimming with psychological tension and morally ambiguous characters waiting for you to binge-watch.

Discover these seven captivating television series that will hook you right from the start – much like Joe does, but maybe with a more comforting vibe.

Dexter

Apart from being fixated, Joe Goldberg is a multiple murderer, and that’s what makes the series You so engaging. Given this perspective, it seems fitting to delve into the psyche of a homicidal protagonist through another captivating series like Dexter. The show (with three spinoffs) revolves around Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a forensic analyst skilled in blood spatter analysis at the Miami Police Department, who leads a secret life as a serial killer. He is influenced by the “Code of Harry,” taught to him by his adoptive father, and uses this code to justify targeting criminals who have evaded justice.

Over eight seasons, the show dives deep into the character’s psychological intricacies, examining the internal struggle between his appearance as an upstanding citizen and his hidden dark impulses. Just like how Joe evolved over time, ultimately giving in to his sinister nature. The main themes of Dexter revolve around obsession, identity, and moral ambiguity, and it differs from You primarily in the motivations – while one is fueled by a distorted pursuit of love, the other is based on a skewed notion of justice.

Dexter is available to stream on Netflix.

Barry

If you’re a fan of You seeking something with a twist of humor yet maintaining the enigmatic vibe, give Barry a try – it’s highly recommended! This series chronicles Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), a former Marine and hitman from Cleveland who ventures to Los Angeles to complete an assignment. However, his target leads him to an acting class, piquing his interest in the local art scene. From then on, Barry grapples with his criminal past as he strives for a fresh start and redemption, creating a compelling tug-of-war.

Though not widely known by all, the series titled “Barry ” has garnered significant critical acclaim and multiple awards, such as an Emmy. The narrative revolves around a character struggling to reconcile two contrasting lives, one of which involves him striving for a more ordinary existence while his past as an assassin continues to haunt him. This unique blend of dark comedy and the weighty implications of his decisions results in both intriguing and unsettling moments. If you’re looking for a story that explores the human psyche intensely but also offers some comedic relief, there is no better choice than this one.

Barry is available to stream on Max.

Killing Eve

In the series “Killing Eve,” the main focus revolves around an intense fixation, reminiscent of the novel “You“. However, what sets it apart is its increased action and intrigue. The story centers around Eve Polastri (played by Sandra Oh), a MI5 analyst who embarks on a global manhunt to apprehend Villanelle (portrayed by Jodie Comer), a ruthless assassin serving a clandestine group known as The Twelve. As the chase escalates, an unusual obsession springs up between them, causing the lines between predator and prey to fade. This intricate relationship adds an exciting twist to the show, making it particularly captivating due to their shared fixation.

As a captivated movie critic, I find myself utterly spellbound by the riveting television series known as “Killing Eve.” This mesmerizing production has garnered both Golden Globe and Emmy accolades for its extraordinary leading actresses, and it’s easy to see why. The narrative masterfully delves into the enigmatic psychologies of our two intriguing protagonists, who dance precariously on the razor-thin border separating love from violence, leaving viewers breathlessly anticipating each twist and turn.

just how far will someone go in pursuit of a dangerous desire for control and possession? This compelling exploration resonated deeply with audiences when they were first introduced to Joe in “You.

Killing Eve is available to stream on Netflix.

Mindhunter

A series directed by David Fincher? You can expect nothing less than excellent. The show “Mindhunter,” set in the late ’70s, follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv). They venture into uncharted territory by pioneering criminal profiling. Through interviews with imprisoned serial killers like Ed Kemper and Richard Speck, they aim to decipher their motivations and behaviors in an effort to solve ongoing cases. While it may not have a fully serialized plot like “You,” it masterfully delves into the human psyche in a way that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

In this series, criminal psychology is explored from an investigative perspective, delving into the patterns and reasons behind the actions of actual murderers. The show creates a suspenseful environment and provides a chilling, detailed examination of the profiles of those who commit murder with pleasure. If the analysis of Joe’s behavior in the story wasn’t intriguing enough, Mindhunter goes deeper into the subject matter.

Mindhunter is available to stream on Netflix.

Bates Motel

Instead of remaking “Psycho,” imagine if we could create a sequel instead. The TV series “Bates Motel” functions as a modern prequel, focusing on Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) and her son Norman (Freddie Highmore). After the mysterious demise of Norma’s husband, they relocate to the coastal town of White Pine Bay and purchase an abandoned motel. As their life there unfolds, the bond between mother and son deepens into something complex and unsettling. Throughout the series, hidden truths come to light, shedding insight into Norman’s psyche as he evolves into the character from the original movie who becomes notorious for his killings.

If you’re captivated by narratives revolving around themes like obsession, identity, and troubled relationships, as seen in the series You, then prepare for an equally engrossing journey with the show Bates Motel. This series delves into the minds of complex protagonists – much like Joe who acts on past trauma with his mother, and Norman whose tale provides a closer look at his tumultuous experiences with Norma. This helps viewers comprehend Norman’s descent more deeply. The show offers a chilling, psychologically complex narrative filled with intricate characters, which is why it keeps audiences hooked.

Bates Motel is available to stream on Prime Video.

Hannibal

Reflecting on iconic characters from popular culture, Hannibal Lecter stands out as one of the most formidable villains, and now, he’s another chilling antagonist to follow after delving into Joe’s life in You. The series, titled Hannibal , unfolds the complex relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham (portrayed by Hugh Dancy) and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (depicted by Mads Mikkelsen), who covertly is a ruthless, cannibalistic serial killer. As Will delves into gruesome crimes, he inadvertently grows closer to the doctor, oblivious of his true nature. The series is celebrated for its captivating visual elements, intelligent dialogue, and an undercurrent of tension that runs deep throughout.

How far can Joe from “You” control someone? Fans are familiar with this, but when it comes to “Hannibal”, things reach unprecedented depths. The relationship between Hannibal and Will shares a similar undercurrent of tension, reminiscent of Joe’s subtle manipulation in “You”. Unlike Joe, who is motivated by a pathological desire for affection, Hannibal pursues an even more sinister ambition: total domination over his victim’s mind and emotions. If you’re seeking a series that pushes psychological tension and warped relationships to extraordinary heights, this is definitely worth watching.

Hannibal is available to stream on Prime Video.

Ozark

Ozark shares a similar theme as You, but with a unique twist: it centers around Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a Chicago financial advisor who, after being involved in a money laundering scheme for a Mexican cartel goes awry, is compelled to relocate his family to the Ozarks region of Missouri. There, he must set up an even more extensive money laundering operation to keep the cartel satisfied and protect his loved ones. The show explores questions about moral boundaries and what one should do to survive.

In you, Joe is ready to go to any lengths to safeguard his loved ones, particularly his son. Similarly, Marty from ‘Ozark’ adheres to this mindset. The series explores the intricate layers of survival within a criminal milieu, where the risks are significant and the repercussions of actions can be lethal. It centers around individuals who are prepared to make any sacrifice to shield what is most valuable to them, even if it means forfeiting their own human qualities along the way.

Ozark is available to stream on Netflix.

Read More

2025-04-30 23:11