YOU Season 4 is out-of-control. It’s a whole new game and a complete twist on the highly addictive Netflix series. Known for intense violence and racy scenes, is YOU Season 4 appropriate for teenagers? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its TV-MA rating, in my YOU Season 4 Parents Guide and Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for your family. As always, no spoilers!
Netflix’s YOU Season 4 Parents Guide + Review
YOU season 4 has adopted Netflix’s latest trend in releasing the series in two parts. Part one will premiere on February 9th, while the second will be available March 9th. I’m personally not a fan of this, as I like to be able to binge one series at time.
When we last saw Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), he was causing one heck of a mess in Madre Linda. After faking his own death, Joe has uprooted his life to London. There he has a new identity as Professor Jonathan Moore.
YOU season 4 introduces a new eclectic group of friends which Joe surrounds himself with. They’re some of London’s richest people and each of them brings something new to the table.
It was revealed in the part one trailer, that Joe appears to have a stalker who knows his true identity. Talk about a whole new ballgame! Joe is convinced it’s one of his new “friends,” as others from his group start being murdered in what they’re calling the “Eat the Rich Killer.” It’s a race against time for Joe before the truth is revealed.
Turning YOU season 4 into a whodunit type of murder mystery storyline was a fun way to switch things up. In fact, for awhile I was really enjoying the change. However, when all things were said and done, I was left underwhelmed this season. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy season 4, I just feel it was lacking when compared to previous seasons.
With that being said, nothing can be taken away from Penn Badgley’s performance. He is truly a brilliant actor being able to showcase the many different dimensions of Joe Goldberg.
IS YOU SEASON 4 FAMILY FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:
Netflix’s YOU Season 4 has a TV-MA rating for language, sex, substances, suicide, and violence. There are 10 episodes in the entire fourth season, each averaging 50 minutes in duration. If you’re familiar with the popular series, then it’s no secret that the writers don’t hold anything back. YOU is raw, it’s brutal (quite literally), it’s toxic, it’s a disturbing mess. And while I would consider this season to be the most mild of the four, it’s still very much not suitable for family viewing. Here’s what parents need to know about YOU season 4.
Language
If it’s a profane word, you can almost guarantee it will be heard in YOU. The series is exceptionally crass, and really lets it all out. There are a plethora of “F bombs,” amongst many, many others.
Violence
YOU season 4 is heavy on the violence. I’d consider it on par in relation to other seasons. Although this season has a different spin on things, it’s certainly no less violent. There are numerous murders, some very graphic and bloody. If you’re not a fan of gore, you might find yourself turning your head at times. Some scenes can be very disturbing.
Mature Content
There is A LOT of substance abuse in YOU season 4. I would say it is much more heavily focused than previous seasons. Joe has a new bunch of friends and they are constantly partaking in recreational drug use. Alcohol is also excessively consumed, and characters are drunk on a frequent basis.
Sex has always been a main theme in YOU. Surprisingly, the overly graphic sex scenes from previous seasons have taken a huge step back. Season 4 doesn’t come close to what has been the recurring theme.
Suicide is another them in the fourth season, as well as negative thoughts and feeling as if the world would be a better place without you in it.
Age Recommendation
YOU season 4 is not meant for tweens, teens, and kids. There is nothing family friendly about this series. YOU’s TV-MA rating is spot on and should only be viewed by adults.
Overall Thoughts
YOU season 4 takes everything you thought you knew about the series, and turns it upside down. The writers tried a whole new spin on things, and while some things worked, others left me disappointed. I appreciate where they were trying to go, but I think they took a wrong turn.
Will there be a YOU season 5? While no definite announcement has been released, I could see the series going either way. There is definitely room for more of the story, however, the writers could also easily end it. Only time will tell.
Will YOU be watching? YOU season 4 part one premieres on Netflix February 9, 2023 and part two drops on March 9, 2023.
YOU Season 4 Synopsis
Now living in London, Joe ties to lay low and resist old habits…until he’s forced to tie up loose ends and bond with a circle of wealthy socialites.
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