Community season 5

{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}

{{short description|Season of television series}}

{{Infobox television season

| season_number = 5

| bgcolour = #bcad8e

| image = Community S5 DVD.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| caption = DVD cover

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| network = NBC

| first_aired = {{Start date|2014|1|2}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2014|4|17}}

| num_episodes = 13

| episode_list = List of Community episodes

}}

The fifth season of the television comedy series Community premiered on January 2, 2014, and concluded on April 17, 2014. The season consists of 13 episodes and aired on NBC on Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET as part of the network's "Comedy Night Done Right".{{Cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/18/nbc-yanks-ironside-community-to-premiere-january-2-chicago-p-d-january-8/210019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021032645/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/18/nbc-yanks-ironside-community-to-premiere-january-2-chicago-p-d-january-8/210019/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2013|title='Ironside' & 'Welcome to the Family' Canceled by NBC; 'Community to Premiere January 2, 'Chicago P.D.' January 8|work=TV by the Numbers|first=Sara|last=Bibel|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=October 18, 2013}}{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/05/12/nbc-fall-schedule-2013/ |title=NBC fall schedule reveals big moves |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=James |last=Hibberd |date=May 12, 2013 |access-date=May 16, 2013 |archive-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504183517/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/05/12/nbc-fall-schedule-2013/ |url-status=live }} The season features the return of series creator Dan Harmon as showrunner, as well as the exit of cast members Donald Glover and Chevy Chase from the series. John Oliver returned as Ian Duncan after a two-year hiatus. Jonathan Banks made his introduction to the series as Buzz Hickey, a criminology professor.

NBC announced the series' cancellation in May 2014,{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/09/community-cancelled-by-nbc|title=Community Cancelled by NBC|last=Goldman|first=Eric|work=IGN|date=May 9, 2014|access-date=May 9, 2014|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030201/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/09/community-cancelled-by-nbc|url-status=live}} but in June 2014, Yahoo! announced it had commissioned the show's sixth and final season to be streamed online on Yahoo! Screen.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/community-returning-yahoo-season-6-797816/ |title='Community' Revived To Air On Yahoo In Fall With 13 Episodes |publisher=Deadline |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=June 30, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2014 |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701160941/http://www.deadline.com/2014/06/community-returning-yahoo-season-6/ |url-status=live }}

Cast

{{See also|List of Community characters}}

=Starring=

=Recurring=

=Guest stars=

{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|

}}

Episodes

{{See also|List of Community episodes}}

{{Episode table|caption=Season five episodes|background=#bcad8e |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |prodcode= |prodcodeR={{cite web |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/964379/community/ |title=Community |website=Writers Guild of America |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219044249/https://directories.wga.org/project/964379/community/ |url-status=live }} |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 85

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Repilot

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Dan Harmon & Chris McKenna

|Viewers = 3.49{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/06/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-two-and-a-half-men-the-millers-adjusted-down/226379|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107010125/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/06/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-two-and-a-half-men-the-millers-adjusted-down/226379/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'The Taste' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' Adjusted Down|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Bibel|first=Sara|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=January 6, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|2}}

|ProdCode = 501

|ShortSummary = Jeff returns to Greendale a year after graduation to research a potential lawsuit after his practice goes under. While doing this, he finds out what has happened to his friends within the study group since his departure.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 86

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Introduction to Teaching

|DirectedBy = Jay Chandrasekhar

|WrittenBy = Andy Bobrow

|Viewers = 3.49

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|2}}

|ProdCode = 502

|ShortSummary = Jeff begins his teaching job at Greendale and is shown the ropes by Professor Hickey, with whom he shares an office. While Jeff learns to adjust to the expectations of being on staff, Abed convinces the rest of the study group to take Professor Garrity's new class on whether Nicolas Cage is "good" or "bad".

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 87

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Basic Intergluteal Numismatics

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Erik Sommers

|Viewers = 3.58{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/10/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-up/228284|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110235254/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/10/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-up/228284/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 10, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Up|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 10, 2014|access-date=January 10, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|9}}

|ProdCode = 505

|ShortSummary = Jeff and Annie try to solve the case of the Ass Crack Bandit, who drops coins into people's pants. Though the suspect is quickly caught, Jeff believes that perhaps the real Bandit is still at large. Meanwhile, the team receives bad news about Pierce Hawthorne.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 88

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Cooperative Polygraphy

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Alex Rubens

|Viewers = 3.07{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-no-adjustment-for-the-michael-j-fox-show-or-community/230099/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119201019/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-no-adjustment-for-the-michael-j-fox-show-or-community/230099/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; No Adjustments for 'The Michael J. Fox Show' or 'Community'|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=January 17, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|16}}

|ProdCode = 503

|ShortSummary = The study group undergo a polygraph test as part of the conditions of Pierce's will, but it soon turns sour as the group's secrets come to light, and Troy makes a major decision in order to satisfy the conditions of the bequeathing.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 89

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Geothermal Escapism

|DirectedBy = Joe Russo

|WrittenBy = Tim Saccardo

|Viewers = 3.02{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/24/thursday-final-ratings-the-vampire-diaries-reign-adjusted-down/231817|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127014316/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/24/thursday-final-ratings-the-vampire-diaries-reign-adjusted-down/231817/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 27, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Reign' Adjusted Down|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Bibel|first=Sara|date=January 24, 2014|access-date=January 24, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|23}}

|ProdCode = 504

|ShortSummary = To honor Troy's last day at Greendale, Abed organizes a campus-wide game of "The Floor Is Lava."

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 90

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Analysis of Cork-Based Networking

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Monica Padrick

|Viewers = 3.01{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/31/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-taste-vampire-diaries-parks-the-millers-elementary-reign/233436|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181716/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/31/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-taste-vampire-diaries-parks-the-millers-elementary-reign/233436/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 2, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'The Taste', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Parks & Recreation', 'Two and a Half Men' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers', 'Elementary', & Reign' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 31, 2014|access-date=January 31, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|1|30}}

|ProdCode = 506

|ShortSummary = Annie and Hickey embark on a mission to start improving Greendale, but it soon turns into a labyrinthine chain of favors. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang help set up a dance, and Abed connects with a fellow student.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 91

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Dan Guterman

|Viewers = 2.56{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/02/28/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-scandal-greys-anatomy-american-idol-the-millers-adjusted-down/240897/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304072855/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/02/28/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-scandal-greys-anatomy-american-idol-the-millers-adjusted-down/240897/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Scandal', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'American Idol' & 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=February 28, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|2|27}}

|ProdCode = 507

|ShortSummary = Jeff helps Dr. Duncan try to win over Britta's affection. Abed and Hickey face off after Abed accidentally ruins some of Hickey's drawings, and Chang finds himself in the middle of a ghostly mystery.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 92

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = App Development and Condiments

|DirectedBy = Rob Schrab

|WrittenBy = Jordan Blum & Parker Deay

|Viewers = 2.79{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/07/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-once-upon-a-time-in-wonderland-parks-and-recreation-the-millers-two-and-a-half-men-adjusted-down/242882/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308030753/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/07/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-once-upon-a-time-in-wonderland-parks-and-recreation-the-millers-two-and-a-half-men-adjusted-down/242882/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 8, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Once Upon A Time in Wonderland', 'Parks and Recreation' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' & 'Two and a Half Men' Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=March 7, 2014|access-date=March 7, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|3|6}}

|ProdCode = 508

|ShortSummary = The introduction of an app that allows people to rate others causes the campus to devolve into a caste-based society.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 93

|EpisodeNumber2 = 9

|Title = VCR Maintenance and Educational Publishing

|DirectedBy = Tristram Shapeero

|WrittenBy = Donald Diego

|Viewers = 2.77{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/14/thursday-final-ratings-hells-kitchen-parks-and-recreation-reign-the-crazy-ones-two-and-a-half-men-and-the-millers-adjusted-down/244699/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235140/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/14/thursday-final-ratings-hells-kitchen-parks-and-recreation-reign-the-crazy-ones-two-and-a-half-men-and-the-millers-adjusted-down/244699/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Parks and Recreation' & 'Scandal' Adjusted Up; 'Reign', 'The Crazy Ones', 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Millers' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=March 14, 2014|access-date=March 14, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|3|13}}

|ProdCode = 509

|ShortSummary = Jeff, Shirley, and Hickey discover a large stash of unused textbooks, but soon turn on each other when deciding the best way to sell them. Meanwhile, Annie and Abed decide they need a new roommate, and play an old-west themed VCR game to decide between Annie's brother Anthony or Abed's girlfriend Rachel.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 94

|EpisodeNumber2 = 10

|Title = Advanced Advanced Dungeons & Dragons

|DirectedBy = Joe Russo

|WrittenBy = Matt Roller

|Viewers = 3.32{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/21/thursday-final-ratings-the-vampire-diaries-american-idol-hells-kitchen-parenthood-adjusted-up/246755/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322001439/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/21/thursday-final-ratings-the-vampire-diaries-american-idol-hells-kitchen-parenthood-adjusted-up/246755/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries', 'American Idol', 'Hell's Kitchen' & 'Parenthood' Adjusted Up Plus Final NCAA Tournament Numbers|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=March 21, 2014|access-date=March 21, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|3|20}}

|ProdCode = 510

|ShortSummary = The study group organizes a game of Dungeons & Dragons so that Prof. Hickey can reconnect with his estranged son, Hank (David Cross).

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 95

|EpisodeNumber2 = 11

|Title = G.I. Jeff

|AltTitle = Government Issue Jeff

|DirectedBy = Rob Schrab

|WrittenBy = Dino Stamatopoulos

|Viewers = 2.50{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/04/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-scandal-american-idol-the-millers-the-crazy-ones-elementary-adjusted-do/251096/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071710/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/04/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-scandal-american-idol-the-millers-the-crazy-ones-elementary-adjusted-do/251096/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Scandal' & 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up; 'American Idol', 'The Millers', 'The Crazy Ones' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 4, 2014|access-date=April 4, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|4|3}}

|ProdCode = 513

|ShortSummary = The entire group becomes part of the cast of a classic "G.I. Joe" cartoon from the 1980s.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 96

|EpisodeNumber2 = 12

|Title = Basic Story

|DirectedBy = Jay Chandrasekhar

|WrittenBy = Carol Kolb

|Viewers = 2.56{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/11/thursday-final-ratings-community-greys-anatomy-shark-tank-the-big-bang-theory-the-millers-elementary-adjusted-down/253131/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125427/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/11/thursday-final-ratings-community-greys-anatomy-shark-tank-the-big-bang-theory-the-millers-elementary-adjusted-down/253131/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 13, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Community', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Shark Tank', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' & 'Elementary ' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 11, 2014|access-date=April 11, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|4|10}}

|ProdCode = 512

|ShortSummary = When Greendale is appraised to be an asset instead of a liability, the school board immediately decides to sell it to Subway. Abed, Annie, and the Dean find a secret that may save the school, and Jeff must decide where his allegiance lies.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Community season 5

|EpisodeNumber = 97

|EpisodeNumber2 = 13

|Title = Basic Sandwich

|DirectedBy = Rob Schrab

|WrittenBy = Ryan Ridley

|Viewers = 2.87{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/18/thursday-final-ratings-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/255190/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011709/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/18/thursday-final-ratings-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/255190/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2014|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 18, 2014|access-date=April 18, 2014}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|4|17}}

|ProdCode = 511

|ShortSummary = With Greendale hours away from sale, the group searches for the hidden lab of the school's first dean, believing there is a treasure there which can save the school.

|LineColor = bcad8e

}}

}}

Production

On May 10, 2013, NBC announced it had renewed the series for a fifth season, to consist of 13 episodes.{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/05/10/community-season-5-renewed-nbc/ |title=School's Not Out: NBC Renews Community |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=May 10, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602111641/https://tvline.com/2013/05/10/community-season-5-renewed-nbc/ |url-status=live }} The season does not feature original cast member Chevy Chase in a regular role, as he left the series near the end of the fourth season by mutual agreement between the actor and network.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/11/chevy-chase-leaving-nbcs-community-375837/ |title=Chevy Chase Leaving NBC's 'Community' |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=November 22, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122225205/http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/chevy-chase-leaving-nbcs-community/ |url-status=live }} Chase does appear in a guest role during the first episode of the season, and the character's exit from the show is finalized in "Cooperative Polygraphy." Donald Glover, who portrays Troy Barnes, only appears in five of the thirteen episodes.{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/07/08/community-season-5-donald-glover-leaving/ |title=Community Season 5: Donald Glover Not Returning Full Time — Who's Gonna Tell Abed? |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |archive-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710184628/http://tvline.com/2013/07/08/community-season-5-donald-glover-leaving/ |url-status=dead }} Jonathan Banks appears in eleven of the season's thirteen episodes as criminology professor Buzz Hickey.{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2013/08/20/breaking-bads-jonathan-banks-joins-community |title=Breaking Bad's Jonathan Banks Joins Community |publisher=IGN |first=Eric |last=Goldman |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820203510/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/20/breaking-bads-jonathan-banks-joins-community |url-status=live }} John Oliver, who played Ian Duncan throughout the first two seasons, reprises his role in season five for seven episodes.{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/10/joel-mchale-community-season-4-scripts-are-some-of-the-best-weve-ever-done.html |title=Joel McHale: 'Community' Season 5 scripts are 'some of the best we've ever done' |publisher=Zap2it |first=Chris |last=Hayner |date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029234453/http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/10/joel-mchale-community-season-4-scripts-are-some-of-the-best-weve-ever-done.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Rob Corddry reprises his role as lawyer Alan Connor in the season premiere. Walton Goggins guest stars in "Cooperative Polygraphy" as a mysterious man named Mr. Stone, "with a dangerous accusation, a tantalizing offer and a devious plan that will change the group forever."{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Community-Walton-Goggins-Justified-Exclusive-1069933.aspx |title=Exclusive: Justified's Walton Goggins to Guest-Star on Community |work=TV Guide |first=Michael |last=Schneider |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=September 5, 2013 |archive-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908042758/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Community-Walton-Goggins-Justified-Exclusive-1069933.aspx |url-status=live }} Other guest stars in the season include Vince Gilligan, Mitchell Hurwitz, Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Brie Larson, Nathan Fillion, Robert Patrick, Paget Brewster, Kumail Nanjiani, Katie Leclerc, and Ben Folds.{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/04/breaking-bad-creator-vince-gilligan-community/ |title='Breaking Bad' creator Vince Gilligan to guest on 'Community' -- EXCLUSIVE |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Dan |last=Snierson |date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104224853/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/04/breaking-bad-creator-vince-gilligan-community/ |url-status=live }} David Cross guest stars in an episode that serves as a sequel to season 2's "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons", playing Hank Hickey, the estranged son of Professor Hickey.{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/11/david-cross-will-guest-star-on-community.html |title=David Cross Will Guest-Star on a Very Special Episode of Community |work=Vulture |first=Josef |last=Adalian |date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113193218/http://www.vulture.com/2013/11/david-cross-will-guest-star-on-community.html |url-status=live }} B. J. Novak has a cameo in the second part of the two-part season finale.{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/02/05/community-bj-novak-season-5-finale/ |title='Community': B. J. Novak to guest in season finale |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Dan |last=Snierson |date=February 5, 2014 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205232509/http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/02/05/community-bj-novak-season-5-finale/ |url-status=live }}

Season 5 began shooting on August 19, 2013.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/TimSaccardo/status/369484663464554496 |title=Lights, camera, #Community! First day of shooting on season 5! |publisher=Twitter |first=Tim |last=Saccardo |date=August 19, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2013 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026054216/https://twitter.com/TimSaccardo/status/369484663464554496 |url-status=live }}

The fifth season marked the return of series creator Dan Harmon as showrunner and executive producer after he was fired from the show after the end of the third season. Former writer-producer Chris McKenna also returned as an executive producer. Season 4 showrunners Moses Port and David Guarascio did not return for season 5, as their contracts were for one year.{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/06/10/community-dan-harmon-returns-season-5/ |title='Community': Dan Harmon officially returning for season 5 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Dan |last=Snierson |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613000846/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/06/10/community-dan-harmon-returns-season-5/ |url-status=live }} The only other returning writers are Andy Bobrow and Tim Saccardo. Meanwhile, Annie Mebane, Steve Basilone, Maggie Bandur, and Ben Wexler all departed to join The Michael J. Fox Show, while Megan Ganz joined Modern Family.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/abobrow/statuses/344146011972857857 |title=Yes it's finally official. Dan is back. Chris McKenna is back. I'm in too, as well as Tim Saccardo. Gonna make us some Community this year. |publisher=Twitter |first=Andy |last=Bobrow |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225122128/https://twitter.com/abobrow/statuses/344146011972857857 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/megan-ganz-modern-family-community-407941 |title='Community' Writer Megan Ganz Heads to 'Modern Family' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Jordan |last=Zakarin |date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=January 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106230606/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/megan-ganz-modern-family-community-407941 |url-status=live }} Writers who joined for the fifth season include Parker Deay and Jordan Blum (American Dad!), Alex Rubens (Key & Peele), Ryan Ridley (Rick and Morty), Dan Guterman (The Colbert Report), and Matt Roller (Funny or Die).{{cite web |url=http://cartermatt.com/68789/nbcs-community-season-5-whos-joining-dan-harmon-chris-mckenna-on-staff/ |title=NBC's 'Community' season 5: Who's joining Dan Harmon, Chris McKenna on staff? |publisher=CarterMatt.com |date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224092649/http://cartermatt.com/68789/nbcs-community-season-5-whos-joining-dan-harmon-chris-mckenna-on-staff/ |url-status=live }} Other writers include Carol Kolb, Briggs Hatton, Clay Lapari, Erik Sommers, Monica Padrick and Donald Diego.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/danharmon/writing-staff/members |title=Writing Staff on Twitter |first=Dan |last=Harmon |publisher=Twitter |access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107094438/https://twitter.com/danharmon/writing-staff/members |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/community/comments/1l4v97/dan_has_kindly_updated_the_list_of_community/cbvyidl |title=Dan has kindly updated the list of Community writers on Twitter |publisher=Reddit |first=Tim |last=Saccardo |date=August 27, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629224210/http://www.reddit.com/r/community/comments/1l4v97/dan_has_kindly_updated_the_list_of_community/cbvyidl |url-status=live }}

Reception

The fifth season received strongly positive reception from television critics and is considered an improvement over the previous season. The season received a Metacritic score of 80 out of 100 based on 15 reviews, signifying "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |title=Community: Season 5 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/community/season-5/critic-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105061351/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/community/season-5/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 5, 2014 |access-date=January 1, 2014 |publisher=Metacritic}} On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 93% with an average score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 42 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "With Dan Harmon back as its show runner, Community returns with a familiar new energy and more fun, exciting adventures for the Greendale gang."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/community/s05 |title=Community: Season 5 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=November 13, 2021 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202173109/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/community/s05/ |url-status=live }}

Verne Gay of Newsday gave the back-to-back episodes an "A" grade, remarking that the first of the two ("Repilot") was funny, while the latter ("Introduction to Teaching") was "simply hilarious."{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/community-season-5-premiere-review-as-good-as-it-gets-1.6695569 |title='Community' season 5 premiere review: As good as it gets |author=Gay, Verne |date=December 30, 2013 |work=Newsday |access-date=January 1, 2014 |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192354/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/community-season-5-premiere-review-as-good-as-it-gets-1.6695569 |url-status=live }} Alan Sepinwall, writing for HitFix, remarked that the show "is back, and back to being itself."{{cite web |author=Sepinwall, Alan |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Review: 'Community' returns to its old self with Dan Harmon back in charge |url=http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-community-returns-to-its-old-self-with-dan-harmon-back-in-charge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101012157/http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-community-returns-to-its-old-self-with-dan-harmon-back-in-charge |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=January 1, 2014 |work=HitFix}}

DVD release

The fifth season was released on DVD in region 1 on {{Start date|2014|8|5}}{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Community-Season-5-Press-Release/19845 |title=Community - Sony Sent Over a Press Release for 'The Complete 5th Season' |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |first=David |last=Lambert |date=May 27, 2014 |access-date=May 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528025523/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Community-Season-5-Press-Release/19845 |archive-date=May 28, 2014 }} and in region 2 on {{Start date|2014|7|21}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JN521M8/|title=Community - Season 5 (DVD + UV Copy) |publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=April 24, 2014}}

References

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