Growing Pains: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Growing Pains Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Carol's Papers
Oct 25, 1989
An angry Jason confronts Ben and Mike, who gives conflicting versions of how Ben came to sell Carol's old term papers to students at Dewey High -- and to date a seductive 18-year-o
Coughing Boy
Nov 1, 1989
Mike is over the moon when he attends an open casting session and wins a part on a TV cop show -- and crushed when his single line is cut in the editing.
The Home Show
Jan 17, 1990
The Seavers' reception to raise money for a free mental-health clinic spells disaster when they forget the date of the party and must scramble at the last minute for a caterer.
Jason vs. Maggie
Jan 24, 1990
Ben asks permission to get his ear pierced, which leads to a serious argument between his parents.
Mike, Kate and Julie
Jan 31, 1990
While on a Valentine's Day dinner date with Kate, Mike runs into Julie at the restaurant.
Future Shock
Feb 21, 1990
Chrissy becomes a teenager in Maggie's dream, which is influenced by her fear of being an older parent in a sea of youngsters taking their kids to preschool.
Cheating
Mar 14, 1990
Ben weighs the pros and cons of cheating after he learns the tricks of the test-passing trade from sly schoolmate Vito.
Mike the Director
Mar 21, 1990
In a moment of introspection as he prepares to graduate, Mike wrestles with self-doubt about his ability as a director.
Weekend at Mike's
Apr 4, 1990
With Jason's wallet missing, the Seavers must rely on others to provide them with room and board while their house is being fumigated.
Where There's a Will
May 2, 1990
Jason and Mike head off together to inspect the mountain cabin Jason has inherited from his Uncle George.