YOU: Cast, Characters, and Show Guide

A character guide for Netflix, formerly Lifetime, TV Series “YOU.” Included is information about characters and noteworthy information about the series.

Title card for Lifetime's You.

Spoiler Alert: This post may contain spoilers. Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

A character guide for Netflix, formerly Lifetime, TV Series “YOU.” Included is information about characters and noteworthy information about the series.


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Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.

Images and text in this post may contain affiliate links which, if a purchase is made from those sites, I may earn money or products from the company. Most affiliate links contain an upward facing, superscript, arrow.


Penn Badgley, Gianni Ciardiello, and Aidan Wallace As Joe

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Joe

Joe is a young man with issues. Most of which deal with trust and being abused a bit growing up. Yet, he is a bit of a hopeless romantic. Problem is, his ideas of romance, and what is appropriate, stems from romantic comedies. Thus making him feel some of his actions, from stalking to violent acts, are justifiable – as long as they are for love.

Quote(s)

No matter how destroyed it seems, it can always be saved.
— Joe | You: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”


The most valuable things in life are usually the most helpless.
— Joe | You: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

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Elizabeth Lail As Beck

Beck trying to connect with Joe and get her freedom.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Beck

Beck is the focus of Joe’s affection and is an MFA student who largely is unremarkable. That is until certain events of the series spring her career forward and coerce her to take her writing more seriously than she formerly had.


Lou Taylor Pucci As Benji

Benji trying to break Joe's rose colored glasses.
Benji: She’s branded the living shit out of herself.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Benji

Benji is the man Beck has an on again and off again relationship when we are introduced to her. He doesn’t take Beck seriously but it is assumed that, because he is rich, she takes being with him – when possible – very serious.


Shay Mitchell As Peach

Peach looking towards Beck who is clearly smitten.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Peach

Arguably, Peach is Beck’s closest friend and some would say she might see Beck as more than something innocent. However, with Peach being a Salinger, yes, a Salinger, i.e. Catcher in the Rye, that is just something assumed and certainly not true. Her interest in Beck is just because she is a sweet girl, a decent writer, and certainly more trustworthy than the other girls in Peach’s friend group.

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Luca Padovan As Paco

Paco smiling.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Paco

Paco is Joe’s next door neighbor and might just be someone who helps provide a bit of insight into Joe’s childhood. Not word for word, action for action, but Paco is close enough to Joe’s life and story that he dotes on the kid. Takes him under his wing like he was his biological little brother. Thus giving Paco an escape from the domestic violence happening in his home.


Daniel Cosgrove As Ron

Ron (Daniel Cosgrove) talking to Joe.
Ron (Daniel Cosgrove)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Ron

Ron is Claudia’s on again and off again boyfriend who is abusive, controlling, and doesn’t trust Joe a bit. Maybe because he knows he could expose who he is to all of Ron’s cop friends. Yet, considering how well-connected Ron is said to be, it might not matter what Joe might say.


Victoria Cartagena As Claudia

Claudia (Victoria Cartagena) talking to Joe about Ron.
Claudia (Victoria Cartagena)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot”

Who Is Claudia

Claudia is Paco’s mom, Ron’s girlfriend, and is a nurse. She also has a bit of an issue with drugs and that has isolated her a bit from most of her family. Thus allowing Ron to have a strong grip on her life with very little able to pry him away.

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Mark Blum As Mr. Mooney

Mr. Mooney admonishing and abusing Joe.
Mr. Mooney (Mark Blum): You learn the value of these books.

First Noted In:  Season 1/ Episode 2 “The Last Nice Guy In New York”

Who Is Mr. Mooney

An old man when we meet him, barely able to do much, he is the closest thing to family Joe has. However, when it comes to Joe’s youth, there are little to no nice moments between him and Mr. Mooney who only added to Joe’s trauma.


Manini Gupta As Maddie

Maddie (Manini Gupta) talking to Joe at one of Peach's parties.
Maddie (Manini Gupta)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “The Last Nice Guy In New York”

Who Is Maddie

Maddie is a friend of Joe’s ex Candace who helps fill in some details, when Beck asks about her, late in the first season.


Reg Rogers As Professor Paul Leahy

Professor Paul Leahy (Reg Rogers) being confronted by Beck.
Professor Paul Leahy (Reg Rogers)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “The Last Nice Guy In New York”

Who Is Professor Leahy

Originally, he was Beck’s MFA professor. However, after he made a move on her, she makes the necessary moves to make it so he can’t silence her. That and so she can keep the benefits of being a TA – like cheaper rent. Leaving him to just be another creep at her university.

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Hari Nef As Blythe

Blythe questioning what Beck is doing?
Blythe: Are we really going to do that?

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Maybe”

Who Is Blythe

Blythe is everything Beck wishes she was. Someone well-traveled whose stories, written or verbalized, capture the focus of all in the room. But, despite being quite interesting to most, Blythe isn’t someone who tries to intimidate Beck. If anything, she is probably one of the most encouraging. In fact, unlike Peach and Joe, she might be the only one who pushes Beck without an ulterior motive.


Christine Toy Johnson As Professor Mott

Professor Mott (Christine Toy) during her writing session.
Professor Mott (Christine Toy)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Maybe”

Who Is Professor Mott

She replaces Professor Leahy, as Beck’s MFA professor, after Beck threatens to expose him.


Michael Park As Edward

Edward (Michael Park) watching his wife get on Beck's nerves.
Edward (Michael Park)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “The Captain”

Who Is Edward

He is Beck’s dad who she often claims is dead, but really is just dead to her. It’s because of him leaving her mom, who was left worse for wear, and for him not supporting her after an incident when she was a child. Now he seemingly has been trying to win her back, with money, for years.

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Emily Bergl As Nancy

Nancy (Emily Bergl) dressed for the renaissance festival.
Nancy (Emily Bergl)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “The Captain”

Who Is Nancy

Edward’s new wife who doesn’t really like Beck, but is very passive aggressive about it.


Mercedes Griggeth As Mia

Mia (Mercedes Griggeth) about to reveal that Beck's dad is going to cut her off.
Mia (Mercedes Griggeth)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “The Captain”

Who Is Mia

Beck’s sister in law who is a little less passive about her distaste for Beck.


Kathryn Gallagher As Annika

Annika (Kathryn Gallagher) having a chat with Joe.
Annika (Kathryn Gallagher)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 5 “Living With The Enemy”

Who Is Annika

One of Peach’s crew who has a love/ hate relationship with her. But with her being one of Beck x Joe’s biggest supporters, he befriends her and tries to use her to tame Peach. That backfires though.

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Reggie Gowland As Roger Stevens

Roger insulting Beck when she rebuffs his advances.
Roger Stevens (Reggie Gowland): Jesus, no wonder I couldn’t get through your stuff.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 5 “Living With The Enemy”

Who Is Roger Stevens

He is a literary agent who is a friend of Peach who she pushes to take an interest in Beck. Unfortunately, his attention leads to a Professor Leahy moment.


Ambyr Childers As Candace

Candace smiling and laughing.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Amour Fou”

Who Is Candace

Joe’s ex who is, or rather was, a musician. For most of the season, we’re left wondering if she is dead or alive and whether Joe took care of any and all who could question him having to do with it.


Michael Maize As Nico

Nico (Michael Maize) after pulling Joe over.
Nico (Michael Maize)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Amour Fou”

Who Is Nico

Just a Greenwich, Connecticut cop who suspects Joe is lying when he decides to take a trip up there.

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Gerrard Lobo As Raj

Raj (Gerrard Lobo) after bragging about becoming a doctor.
Raj (Gerrard Lobo)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Amour Fou”

Who Is Raj

Someone Peach tries to use to initiate a threesome between her and Beck.


John Stamos As Dr. Nicky

Dr. Nicky (John Stamos) having a therapy session with Joe.
Dr. Nicky (John Stamos)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 7 “Everythingship”

Who Is Dr. Nicky

Beck’s therapist who tries to help her understand and deal with her issues with her father as well as Joe. Someone who he ends up counseling as well, but with him not knowing Joe’s identity.


Natalie Paul As Karen

Karen (Natalie Paul) and Joe after having sex.
Karen (Natalie Paul): I love you, Joe

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 7 “Everythingship”

Who Is Karen

Claudia’s sister who ends up dating Joe for a while. Leading to Paco getting to see his aunt more than even and giving him a serious family vibe.

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Nicole Kang As Lynn

Lynn (Nicole Kang) convincing Joe into throwing a party for Beck.
Lynn (Nicole Kang)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 7 “Everythingship”

Who Is Lynn

Lynn is Peach’s other friend who Joe doesn’t really interact with as much and doesn’t have the same social media following Annika has. However, like Annika and Peach, she comes from a rich family. Also, like Annika, she has a serious love/hate relationship with Peach.


Ryan Andes As Ross

Ross (Ryan Andes) talking to Joe about finding Beck.
Ross (Ryan Andes)

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 10 “Bluebeard’s Castle”

Who Is Ross

Ross is a hired private investigator who looks into a crime which happens towards the middle of the season.


Zach Cherry as Ethan

Ethan enraptured by Blythe.

First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “The Captain”

Who Is Ethan

Ethan is the only other person we see working in Mr. Mooney’s bookstore, which Joe runs but is often not at.

Joe’s Mom (Magda Apanowicz)

Joe's Mom (Magda Apanowicz) talking to Joe before having an affair.
Joe’s Mom (Magda Apanowicz)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

Joe’s mother who would often cheat on his dad as a means to get back at him for being abusive.

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Delilah (Carmela Zumbado)

Delilah (Carmela Zumbado) showing Joe his apartment.
Delilah (Carmela Zumbado)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

The building manager of Joe’s home that doesn’t necessarily trust him or see him as a good guy. Also, she is a reporter who often handles celebrity gossip and scandals.

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Ellie (Jenna Ortega)

Ellie (Jenna Ortega) flirting with Joe.
Ellie (Jenna Ortega)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

Delilah’s little sister who is an inspiring filmmaker and acts as season 2’s Paco.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Calvin (Adwin Brown)

Calvin (Adwin Brown) interviewing Joe.
Calvin (Adwin Brown)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

One of Joe’s bosses who he rarely sees or interacts with but, of what we see from Calvin, it seems Forty likes giving him anxiety.

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Forty (James Scullt)

Forty (James Scullt) introducing himself.
Forty (James Scullt)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

Love’s twin brother who once was considered an up and coming filmmaker. However, his addictions ruined his career and since becoming sober he has struggled with returning to prominence.

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Love (Victoria Pedretti)

Love (Victoria Pedretti) shopping.
Love (Victoria Pedretti)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

Joe’s love interest in season 2 who is a widow with a very dependent brother in Forty and who loves to bake.

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Will (Robin Lord Taylor)

Will (Robin Lord Taylor) imprisoned by Joe.
Will (Robin Lord Taylor)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 1 “A Fresh Start”

Will is a hacker that Joe encountered that, originally, was going to help him make a new identity. However, Joe decided, rather than wait for Will to do a proper job, he’d just take Will’s identity and lock him up.

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Jasper Krenn (Steven W. Bailey)

Jasper (Steven W. Bailey) discovering Will is in a cell.
Jasper (Steven W. Bailey)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 2 “Just The Tip”

A Russian mobster who Will owed money to that becomes Joe’s problem due to Jasper assuming Joe is Will.

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Rufus (Jeremy Kent Jackson)

Rufus (Jeremy Kent Jackson) assuming Joe has shown up to have sex.
Rufus (Jeremy Kent Jackson)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 2 “Just The Tip”

One of Will’s drug dealers who Joe encounters while trying to get money that Will owes Jasper.

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Lucy and Sunrise (Marielle Scott & Melanie Field)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 2 “Just The Tip”

Two of Love’s friends who are engaged to be married.

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Additional Information

  • Lucy is a major talent broken in Hollywood and Sunrise a mommy blogger.

Gabe (Charlie Barnett)

Gabe (Charlie Barnett) teasing Love.
Gabe (Charlie Barnett)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 2 “Just The Tip”

Love’s longest friend who might be gay, but brings many women pleasure through his fingers.

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Henderson (Chris D’Elia)

Henderson (Chris D'Elia) on social media saying "Fuck Cancer"
Henderson (Chris D’Elia)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 2 “Just The Tip”

A popular comedian who is a cancer survivor and a noted pervert.

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Joe’s Dad (Billy Lush)

Joe's Dad (Billy Lush) before torturing Joe to learn what his mom did for four hours.
Joe’s Dad (Billy Lush)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 4 “The Good, The Bad, The Hendy”

Joe’s abusive father who represents the worst of Joe from his insecurities to belief there is nothing wrong with torture to get the truth.

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The Cop (Danny Vasquez)

The Cop (Danny Vasquez) talking to Delilah after them having sex.
The Cop (Danny Vasquez)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 4 “The Good, The Bad, The Hendy”

Delilah’s f*** buddy who gives her advice on how to handle her desire to expose Henderson as a pervert.

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Ellie’s Friend (Reid Miller)

Ellie's Friend (Reid Miller) talking about Joe and calling him a Zaddy.
Ellie’s Friend (Reid Miller)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 4 “The Good, The Bad, The Hendy”

Ellie’s partner in crime when it comes to life and film – but mostly her alibi when she doesn’t want Delilah knowing what she is doing.

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Ray (Michael Reilly Burke)

Ray (Michael Reilly Burke) talking to his son.
Ray (Michael Reilly Burke)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 5 “Have A Good Wellkend, Joe”

Love and Forty’s father who inherited riches and has very little desire to continue to finance Forty’s dreams – especially in entertainment.

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Dottie (Saffron Burrows)

Dottie (Saffron Burrows) talking to her daughter.
Dottie (Saffron Burrows)

Character Introduction

First Noted In:  Season 2 Episode 5 “Have A Good Wellkend, Joe”

Love and Forty’s mother who came from nothing but, thanks to her husband, owns a chain of market stores and is able to use her charm to make her and Ray a beloved couple.

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James (Daniel Durant)

James (Daniel Durant) talking to Love.
James (Daniel Durant)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 6 “Farewell, My Bunny”

Love’s deceased husband.

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Milo (Andrew Creer)

Milo (Andrew Creer) getting into Joe's face.
Milo (Andrew Creer)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 2 Episode 7 “Ex-istential Crisis”

One of James’ best friends who, since James’ death, has consistently been one of Love’s rebounds.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Marienne (Tati Gabrielle)

A librarian in Joe’s new neighborhood who, while hiding her personal struggles, takes note of her neighbors and the excess and ignorance they enjoy. All the while, she is just trying to make a better life for her kid than what she had.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In Season 3

Quotes & Gifs

How Does Season 1 End For The Characters of Netflix’s You? (Spoilers)

You Alternative Title Card

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How Does Season 1 End For Joe

With Joe using Beck’s short story to redirect any focus there could be on him, he finds himself going back to having a normal life. Well, one with a bit more heartbreak and distrust, but he is still willing and able to love again.


How Does Season 1 End For Beck

Beck is murdered by Joe after discovering what he has done, for her he says, throughout the season.


How Does Season 1 End For Benji

Benji is Joe’s first official victim and is murdered for how he treats Beck and because of what he did to some kid a few years ago.

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How Does Season 1 End For Peach

Joe murders Peach, and makes it look like a suicide, after she catches him stalking Beck, her thinking she is stalking him, and she tries to kill him with a gun.


How Does Season 1 End For Paco

After Joe protects him from Ron, and his mother gets better, Paco finds himself about to start a brand-new life.


How Does Season 1 End For Claudia

After Ron leaving her alone, for good, she decides to move to California with Paco to get a fresh start.

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How Does Season 1 End For Mr. Mooney

Mr. Mooney being given something to drink by Joe.

With him having a stroke, while Joe was going through it over Candace, Mr. Mooney remains a shadow of his former self. Just sitting in a chair waiting to die.


How Does Season 1 End For Maddie

Maddie is alive, despite her being a means of crafting suspicion about what Joe may or may not have done when it comes to Candace.


How Does Season 1 End For Professor Leahy

After Beck is no longer under his tutelage, we don’t see or hear from him again. So, it might be safe to assume he is still working at the university and being a creep.

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How Does Season 1 End For Blythe

She is used by Joe to publish Beck’s final short story and ends up being the reason Joe is free. Also, she likely is still happily dating Ethan.


How Does Season 1 End For Professor Mott

Likely she is alive and well. She never really got caught up in Beck’s drama and was barely in the first season.


How Does Season 1 End For Ethan

He is a bit sad over Beck’s death but is learning to move on.

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How Does Season 1 End For Edward

The last we see of Edward is him trying to reconcile with Beck the same episode we meet him. But it seems safe to assume he is mourning his daughter.


How Does Season 1 End For Nancy

We only see Nancy the episode we meet her but with a child on the way, and Beck gone, she may be secretly happy.


How Does Season 1 End For Mia

It’s hard to say since we only see her in the episode she was introduced and outside of being a low-key brat, nothing is really said about her. So, let’s assume she is alive and well. Probably happy Beck can’t drain the family’s bank account.

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How Does Season 1 End For Annika

Though it isn’t clear if she ever recovered from the racially charged video Peach put out, she does join the chorus of damning Beck’s accused killer. Thus, once again, her finding herself to be Joe’s closest ally.


How Does Season 1 End For Roger Stevens

Likely he is still doing drugs, making deals, and using his power to take advantage of young writers.


How Does Season 1 End For Candace

Candace revealing she is alive.

We learn Candace is alive and well. On top of that, not afraid of Joe what so ever for she approaches him to talk.

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How Does Season 1 End For Nico

Likely Nico is the one who points Ross in the right direction, despite not getting much to go on when on his own. But this is an assumption for after double checking if Joe was lying to him about owning Mr. Mooney’s car, it could be that was it for him and he moved on with his life.


How Does Season 1 End For Raj

After Peach penetrates him and has her fun night with him, we don’t see or hear from him again.


How Does Season 1 End For Dr. Nicky

With Beck’s short story, written to try to appease Joe, made into what many see as fact, plus Joe planting her body and the box which led to Beck learning the truth, he has gone to jail. He has gone to jail for all the murders we saw Joe do.

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How Does Season 1 End For Ron

Joe kills him when it seems like he may hurt Paco.


How Does Season 1 End For Karen

After Joe cheats on her, with Beck, and breaks up with her, she decides to leave all of Joe and Claudia’s drama behind. Not before warning Beck she may end up like Candace though.


How Does Season 1 End For Lynn

With us not really learning anything about Lynn, all we can assume is she is mourning Beck like everyone else.

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How Does Season 1 End For Ross

While he thinks Beck’s story is BS, it isn’t made clear if Peach’s family agrees with why their daughter was killed. So whether he is still on that case is up in the air.


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