What do a bookstore stalker, obsessive love and a string of ominous voiceovers have in common? They’re all essential ingredients of Netflix’s smash psychological thriller “YOU.” Since its debut in 2018, the show has captured audiences with its chilling narrative and charismatic villain, Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley.
And with unforgettable roles across multiple seasons — from the show's chilling beginnings to its dramatic conclusion — it’s clear that without UNCSA, there is no ‘YOU.’
Here’s a look at the Fighting Pickle alumni who helped bring the series to life.
Known for her breakout role in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” and the horror hit "Five Nights at Freddy’s,” viewers will instantly recognize School of Drama alumna Elizabeth Lail (H.S. ‘10, B.F.A. ‘14) as Guinevere Beck, the object of Joe Goldberg’s obsession in season one and the character whose story launched the cultural obsession with “YOU.” Her tragic arc set the tone for the psychological stakes the series would maintain through every season.
Elizabeth Lail as Beck in season one of "YOU," sitting thoughtfully by a window. / Photo: Netflix.
School of Design & Production alumna Lisa Merik (B.F.A. ’98) served as Assistant Art Director in the first season of “YOU,” helping to establish the show’s now-iconic visual tone. From the moody bookstore interiors to the unnerving urban aesthetic that mirrors Joe Goldberg’s psyche, Merik’s behind-the-scenes artistry contributed to the immersive atmosphere that captivated viewers from the very beginning. Her talent for visual storytelling has also shaped other acclaimed series, including HBO’s “Succession” and Amazon Prime’s “Fallout.”
Introduced in season three as Theo Engler, Drama alumnus Dylan Arnold (B.F.A. ‘16) plays the charming, troubled college student who develops a dangerous crush on Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti). His performance and charged storyline made his character stand out and Arnold’s screen presence, honed at UNCSA, earned him widespread acclaim and a fast-growing fanbase. Known for his roles in “Halloween” (2018), “After We Collided,” and most recently Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Arnold continues to prove his range and rising star power across genres.
Dylan Arnold as Theo in season 3 of "YOU," standing by a white fence with flowers. / Photo: John P. Fleenor/Netflix
In season four, Drama alumna Anna Camp (H.S. ‘00, B.F.A. ‘04) makes a splash as she portrays both Raegan and Maddie Lockwood, twins who are in-laws to the main character, Joe. Known for her versatility in projects like “Pitch Perfect” and “True Blood,” Camp flexes her dramatic muscles in “YOU,” adding sharp charisma to the series’ ensemble in its final stretch.
Anna Camp as Reagan and Maddie Lockwood in YOU, holding a lit match in a dimly lit room. / Photo: Clifton Prescod/Netflix
With the curtain closing on “YOU,” we celebrate the roles these alumni played in making the series unforgettable. Catch the final season of “YOU” streaming now on Netflix.
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April 25, 2025