Newhart: 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 Newhart 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
Co-Hostess Twinkie
Sep 29, 1986
Dick is stuck with a perky, brainless co-hostess for his new program 'On the Town'. Meanwhile, Larry and the Darryls name their new pig 'Miss Stephanie' much to the real Stephanie'
Camp Stephanie
Oct 6, 1986
Stephanie has her hands full when she temporarily leads a group of 'Ranger Girls'. While Steph tries to teach them about coming-out parties and makeup, the girls want to learn surv
High Fidelity
Oct 20, 1986
Dick endures the townspeople's pity when Joanna and new friend Hal are suspected by everyone of having an affair.
Desperately Desiring Susan (1)
Oct 27, 1986
Michael becomes enamored with temporary office secretary Susan.
Desperately Desiring Susan (2)
Nov 3, 1986
Michael struggles with his desire for Susan, versus his passion for Stephanie.
Thanksgiving for the Memories
Nov 24, 1986
The Newhart family travels to Vanderkellen mansion for Thanksgiving, but is forced to leave prematurely when Stephanie finds her parents threw away her favorite toy.
Utley, Can You Spend a Dime
Dec 1, 1986
Dick convinces a reluctant George to live a little and spend some of his $50,000 fortune. Meanwhile the town believes Dick to be destitute after a check bounces due to a bank error
Sweet and Sour Charity
Dec 8, 1986
Dick and Joanna have an opportunity to shed their 'town newcomer' status when Dick's asked to run a fundraiser for the local library. Dick, the former advertising executive, finds
Everybody Ought to Have a Maid
Dec 15, 1986
Stephanie worries she might lose her job after she breaks a toe and her temporary replacement is 'better than Mary Poppins'.
Saturday in New York with George
Dec 22, 1986
Dick and George attend a literary party in New York. Dick worries that George won't fit in with the high class partygoers and is stunned and jealous when George is the life of the
Love Letters in the Mud
Jan 5, 1987
Michael helps Larry court the girl of his dreams. Joanna holds Dick responsible for his actions in her dream.
First of the Belles
Jan 12, 1987
Dick's old college sweetheart visits the inn for a weekend of skiing, leaving Joanna worried that Dick may want to rekindle an old flame.
It's My Party and I'll Die if I Want To
Jan 19, 1987
Cousin Ned Vanderkellen's 100th birthday party goes smoothly... until Cousin Ned drops dead.
Chimes They Are a Changin'
Jan 26, 1987
George sets out to repair the town's cracked bell tower, even after the town votes him down. Michael rents The Wizard of Oz to overcome his fear of wind.
Unfriendly Persuasion
Feb 2, 1987
Dick tries to help Joanna overcome her fear of eye doctors. George feels slighted by Stephanie after she blows him off in favor of shopping.
Jail, Jail, the Gang's All Here
Feb 9, 1987
Larry, Darryl & Darryl ask Dick to represent them after they're arrested for kidnapping a neighbor's cow.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Loudon
Feb 16, 1987
Dick gains an unwanted reputation as an acerbic wit after verbally assaulting an inept guest.
Fun with Dick and Joanna
Feb 23, 1987
Dick and Joanna find that spontaneity isn't all it's cracked up to be after Dick's spontaneous plans land them in a fleabag motel for the worst night of their lives.
Night Moves
Mar 9, 1987
Dick tries to find someplace to sleep after Joanna throws him out.
Harris Ankles PIV for Web Post
Mar 16, 1987
Michael interviews for a network job. George finds a 'Duck Rock'.
Good-Bye and Good Riddance, Mr. Chips
Apr 6, 1987
Dick enrolls in a typing class, only to find that the teacher, Mr. Brooney, is the same tyrant he had for a sixth-grade teacher.
Much to Do Without Muffin
Apr 13, 1987
Michael is lost when Stephanie goes away for the weekend. Desperate, he goes to a Beaver Lodge dinner with George and is the life of the party.