Season Five (Circle of Life)

The fifth season of the NBC drama series Circle of Life premiered on September 24, 2019 and will consist of eighteen episodes.
== Plot ==
In 1974, Bonnie is now an adult and out of school, leading to a more free life. However, when she meets Ricky Sander, the course of her entire life changes forever. In 1996, Michael and Miranda further their relationship, while Bonnie meets a love interest of her own in Dan Newman. In 2012, Billy struggles with his new marriage, as does Vanessa. Hunter starts middle school, and Dan receives a job offer with higher pay in Seattle. And, in 2022, several things have changed in the decade since Billy's wedding, some worse, some better.
== Cast ==
*Maggie Grace as 40-year-old Bonnie Sander and 56/66-year-old Bonnie Newman
*Paul Reiser as Dan Newman
*Sabrina Carpenter as 18-year-old Bonnie McDaniel
*Zachary Levi as 37/47-year-old Michael McDaniel
*Gal Gadot as Ann McDaniel
*Alexa PenaVega as Vanessa Sander
*Tyler Hoechlin as Billy Sander
*Danny Masterson as Dan Newman
*Leo Howard as 21-year-old Michael McDaniel
*Nolan Gould as Oliver Dunham
*Max Charles as 15-year-old Billy Sander
*Peyton List as Deborah McDaniel
*Isabela Moner as Stella Borne
*Alex Wolff as Ricky Sander
*Rhys Matthew Bond as Jacob Murphy
*Jeté Laurence as Karen McDaniel
*Jack Dylan Grazer as Mark McDaniel
*Jacob Tremblay as Joel McDaniel
*Mia Talerico as Janelle McDaniel
*Jaxon Bartok as Steve McDaniel
*Elias Harger as Hunter McDaniel
*Matthew Stagg as Austin McDaniel
*Brock Brenner as Colton McDaniel
*Gia Balzano as Audrey McDaniel
*Charlie Weber as Larry McDaniel
*Judy Greer as Wilma McDaniel
==Episodes==
No. overall	No. in season	Title 	Original air date 	Synopsis 	U.S. viewers (millions)	Rating/share (18-49)
73 	1 	"Episode 501"	September 24, 2019	In 1974, Bonnie recounts her eventful summer. In 1996, Bonnie and Dan meet for the first time, while Billy attempts to make new friends. In 2012, Bonnie and Dan get used to their "new normal", and Ann struggles with Hunter beginning middle school. 	9.57 	2.6/11
74 	2 	 	October 1, 2019 	In 1974, Wilma tries to talk to Bonnie about what is going on, while Deborah takes her father out to lunch. In 1996, Bonnie and Billy both continue to develop their newfound relationships, and Michael discovers Miranda's secret. In 2012, Bonnie and Michael plan a birthday party for Ann and Vanessa gets shocking news.	9.51 	2.5/10
75 	3 	 	October 8, 2019 	In 1974, Mark reveals he is being bullied, while Wilma deals with Karen's struggling. In 1996, Dan meets Janelle and Billy goes down a downward spiral. In 2012, Dan settles in Seattle and Michael grows on the hierarchy. 	9.04 	2.4/10
76 	4 	 	October 15, 2019 	In 1974, Bonnie continues to lie to everyone around her. In 1996, Bonnie meets a new friend, while Michael and Miranda hatch a plan. In 2012, Vanessa visits her mother, Kari decides on a new diet, and Bonnie reunites with an old friend. 	8.93 	2.4/9
77 	5 	 	October 22, 2019 	In 1974, Stella tries to warn Bonnie about Ricky's past. In 1996, Bonnie gets shocking news and Billy's new self begins to show. In 2012, Dan meets his new sales partner, Ann receives news about Colton, and Bonnie continues to help out Roxanne. 	9.08 	2.3/8
78 	6 	 	October 29, 2019 	In 1974, Bonnie tries to find a way to get out of watching her siblings to go to a party. In 1996, Michael goes to Miranda's, while Billy goes to a party. In 2012, Kari struggles during Halloween and Michael and Ann go to a party, leaving Bonnie with the kids. 	8.81 	2.3/9
79 	7 	 	November 5, 2019 	In 1974, Larry meets Ricky, though not in the way Bonnie wanted. In 1996, Bonnie and Dan decide to make their relationship public, especially to their children. In 2012, Vanessa deals with Jake's release, and Ann visits a therapist. 	8.40 	2.2/9
80 	8 	 	November 12, 2019 	In 1974, Bonnie tries to make up with Jacob, while Deborah brings home good news. In 1996, Bonnie decides to have a day with just her sons. In 2012, Vanessa meets Jake, Dan and Melissa bond, and Billy supports Kari. 	8.71 	2.2/9
81 	9 	 	November 19, 2019 	In 1974, as Bonnie's family prepares Thanksgiving, Ricky gives her a shocking offer. In 1996, Dan and Bonnie combine their families for Thanksgiving, where things are revealed. In 2012, Dan returns for Thanksgiving, while Vanessa introduces her family to Jake. 	8.74 	2.4/11
82 	10 	 	January 14, 2019 	In 1974, we see Bonnie's time in Philadelphia. In 1997, Bonnie and Dan force Billy and Della to talk to a counselor, while Michael and Miranda make a major life decision. In 2012, Vanessa decides to have Audrey stay with Billy for a while, and Bonnie visits her family in Arkansas. 	9.04 	2.4/10
83 	11 	 	January 21, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie learns Ricky is getting out of prison. In 1996, Greg is worried Bonnie is trying to replace his mother, and Billy and Della talk to Michael and Miranda. In 2012, Dan's friendship with Melissa gets too close for comfort, and Ann and Kari try to become friends. 	8.53 	2.2/10
84 	12 	 	January 28, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie tries to reunite with her family and friends, but Stella is particularly distant. In 1996, Billy pleads with Della, Michael decides on a career, and Bonnie meets Dan's parents. In 2012, Michael takes Austin on the company camping trip, while Ann learns something surprising from her friends. 	8.26 	2.1/8
85 	13 	 	February 11, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie attempts to figure her life out. In 1996, on Valentine's Day, Bonnie and Dan celebrate their first, Billy and Della avoid each other, and Miranda feels like Michael is ignoring her. In 2012, Bonnie decides to visit Dan, while Michael and Ann work through their issues. 	8.08 	2.1/9
86 	14 	 	February 18, 2019 	In 1975, the recent discovery brings the entire family closer together. In 1996, Michael gets his family's advice. In 2012, Michael misses his and Ann's first session, while Bonnie deals with what she saw. 	7.80 	2.1/8
87 	15 	 	February 25, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie tries to make up with Stella now that they are working together. In 1996, Della makes her final decision and Michael meets someone at the airport. In 2012, Vanessa and Jake meet the real killer, Dan is transferred to Portland, and Ann confides in her mom. 	8.03 	1.9/7
88 	16 	 	March 4, 2019 	In 1975, Larry finally stands up to Alicia, while Deborah's wedding date gets closer. In 1996, Michael arrives in Arkansas and reunites with family. In 2012, Ann learns something new from Austin, while Billy and Kari discover a major difference. 	7.52 	1.8/8
89 	17 	 	March 11, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie attempts to get Wilma to understand her, while Deborah and Alex make a final decision. In 1996, Bonnie invites everyon over for dinner, and Michael bonds with his new friend. In 2012, Vanessa deals with the aftermath, Bonnie stays with Dan, and Michael and Ann take another session. 	8.15 	1.9/8
90 	18 	 	March 18, 2019 	In 1975, Bonnie is due any week now, and tensions with Wilma rise. In 1996, Michael returns, and Dan makes a move. In 2012, the family gets together to celebrate. 	8.32 	2.1/9
==Reception==
===Critical reception===
The season received very positive reviews upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a 90%, with an average score of 8.4/10, based on 30 reviews. Many critics called it an improvement upon past seasons, with some calling it even better than the first.