NewsRadio: 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 NewsRadio 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
Bill Moves On
Sep 23, 1998
The news crew copes with the loss of their good friend, Bill, after he dies of a heart attack.
Meet The Max Louis
Oct 7, 1998
Jon Lovitz joins the cast as Max Louis, hired because of a connection to Bill. The idea of "Y2K" wreaks havoc at the office.
Lucky Burger
Oct 14, 1998
It comes out that Max doctored his resume; Lisa goes undercover at a restaurant.
Noise
Oct 21, 1998
Dave learns he has high blood pressure, causing Joe to install a sound machine. Matthew becomes motherly toward Max, after a conversation with Beth.
Flowers for Matthew
Oct 28, 1998
Joe creates a "smart drink" with extreme results; Lisa becomes Max's confidante.
Jail
Nov 4, 1998
After a case of mistaken identity, Jimmy is sent to jail. His vice president, Johnny, takes over.
The Lam
Nov 11, 1998
Lisa admits her attraction to Johnny; Dave must exploit their relationship to protect Jimmy.
Clash of the Titans
Nov 24, 1998
Jimmy is freed from prison, only to realize that Johnny has stolen his empire.
Boston
Dec 9, 1998
Dave tries to tape a message for students at his alma mater; Lisa tries to cure her speech impediment.
Spooky Rapping Crypt
Dec 15, 1998
Beth wants to start profit-sharing; Matthew thinks of abuse after undergoing hypnosis.
Stinkbutt
Jan 5, 1999
Dave fights to hang Joe and Beth's strange painting in the lobby; Matthew starts dressing like Lisa.
Apartment
Jan 12, 1999
Dave and Lisa fight for an apartment, which Max decides he wants; Joe and Beth "fix up" the show's website.
Towers
Feb 2, 1999
Matthew's 30th birthday causes him to adopt the persona of an 18 year old. Lisa protests Jimmy's plan to build a 200 story skyscraper.
Hair
Feb 9, 1999
Jimmy's fear of hippies causes him to blow a big deal; Max and Beth spoil Lisa's dog.
Assistant
Feb 16, 1999
Lisa's new assistant turns Joe and Dave into rivals; Max complains about the lack of sofa in the men's room.
Wino
Feb 23, 1999
The formerly evil Johnny Johnson returns to the station, now a homeless wino, to claim Lisa's hand in marriage. Lisa finds it hard to resist Johnny... despite his noxious odor.
Wedding
Mar 2, 1999
Lisa gets married to Johnny, despite Dave's attempt to talk her out of it.
Ploy
Mar 9, 1999
Max pretends to quit to hopefully get Beth to beg him to stay. When the ploy fails, Dave has to swallow his pride to get Max back. Lisa's new hyphenated last name, Miller-Johnson,
Padded Suit
Apr 13, 1999
Dave vents aggression on the staff, threatening to fire someone. Matthew wears a padded suit to learn Joe's karate-like martial art, Joe-jitsu. Mr. James leads a crusade against Mo
Freaky Friday
Apr 20, 1999
Jimmy and Matthew switch places for a day, with life altering results. Dave bans Max from the breakroom.
Retirement
Apr 27, 1999
Mr. James announces that he's selling the station and retiring to New Hampshire. Dave believes it's a ploy. Lisa organizes a retirement party to convince Mr. James to stay.
New Hampshire
May 4, 1999
Jimmy returns to finalize the sale of the station and tries to persuade one staff member to relocate to New Hampshire with him.