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.
- Picks up essential narrative continuity directly following the events of Growing Pains Season 4.
- Character alliances, factions, and personal loyalties undergo significant shifts under escalating stakes.
- Addresses unresolved cliffhangers and thematic mysteries introduced during previous seasons.
- Establishes the primary seasonal conflict that drives serialized character arcs toward the finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Carol's Papers
Oct 25, 1989 · 24 min
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 · 23 min
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.
Five Grand
Nov 29, 1989 · 24 min
Their grandparents give Mike, Carol and Ben $5,000 each.
The Return of the Triangle
Jan 10, 1990 · 24 min
David turns to Mike for help with Kate.
The Home Show
Jan 17, 1990 · 24 min
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 · 24 min
Ben asks permission to get his ear pierced, which leads to a serious argument between his parents.
Mike, Kate and Julie
Jan 31, 1990 · 24 min
While on a Valentine's Day dinner date with Kate, Mike runs into Julie at the restaurant.
Carol in Jail
Feb 14, 1990 · 24 min
Carol lands in jail after a minor traffic violation.
Future Shock
Feb 21, 1990 · 23 min
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 · 23 min
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 · 24 min
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 · 24 min
With Jason's wallet missing, the Seavers must rely on others to provide them with room and board while their house is being fumigated.
Ben's Movie
Apr 25, 1990 · 24 min
Ben casts a girl he likes as the lead in his home movie.
Where There's a Will
May 2, 1990 · 24 min
Jason and Mike head off together to inspect the mountain cabin Jason has inherited from his Uncle George.