The Originals Season 5: definitive release and conclusion timeline
The fifth and final season of The Originals aired in 2018, with the series concluding on August 1, 2018. The season premiered on April 18, 2018, and the show ended after 13 episodes. This status clarifier explains the full Season 5 timeline, the series finale date, and why no Season 6 was produced, drawing on official network announcements and reliable entertainment reporting to provide a verified summary of the show’s conclusion.
Why The Originals ended after Season 5
The decision to conclude The Originals after five seasons was driven by creative planning, cast schedules, and network strategy. The series was designed as a five-season arc that ran from 2013 to 2018. In October 2017, The CW renewed the show for a abbreviated fifth season, which was later confirmed as the final season. This section outlines the key reasons for the conclusion, including production timelines, cast commitments, and narrative closure sought by the showrunners.
The announcement and renewal timeline
Renewal and finale announcements followed a clear sequence. In January 2017, The CW renewed The Originals for a 13-episode fifth season. On July 20, 2017, Julie Plec confirmed the season would be the series’ last. In July 2018, The CW officially announced the series finale air date. These milestones are summarized in the table below, providing a verified overview of how the show’s end was scheduled.
| Date | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2017 | The CW renewed The Originals for Season 5 | Confirmed a fifth and final season order |
| Jul 20, 2017 | Julie Plec confirmed final season | Established creative intent to conclude the series |
| Apr 18, 2018 | Season 5 premiere aired | Started the final season arc |
| Jul 31, 2018 | The CW announced finale date | Set expectations for the series end |
| Aug 1, 2018 | Series finale aired | Concluded the Originals saga |
Season 5 episode count and weekly schedule
Unlike earlier seasons, Season 5 was shortened to a 13-episode order. The season aired on The CW on Fridays at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, shifting from previous time slots. Episodes premiered from April 18 to August 1, 2018. The condensed season provided a focused conclusion to the Mikaelson family storyline without extending the narrative into a hypothetical sixth season.
Episode list and air dates
- Episode 1: "Where Nothing Stays Buried" — April 18, 2018
- Episode 6: "The Kindness of Strangers" — May 23, 2018
- Episode 10: "Gather Up the Killers" — July 19, 2018
- Episode 13: "The Bloody Crown" — August 1, 2018
What changed for The Originals in Season 5
Season 5 introduced significant narrative shifts, including time jumps, new adversaries, and character departures. The Mikaelsons faced consequences of their long lives, and the show leaned into themes of legacy and sacrifice. Flash-forwards and altered timelines were used to accelerate stakes. Relationships tested across centuries were central to the storytelling, culminating in definitive character resolutions that aligned with the series’ planned endpoint.
How The Originals Season 5 differs from hypothetical Season 6
Because the show concluded in 2018, a Season 6 never moved beyond early discussions. Had it been ordered, it likely would have explored new settings and further generational consequences. Instead, Season 5 was crafted to close long-running plotlines, resolve major conflicts, and provide satisfying ends for core characters. Comparing the planned scope of a hypothetical Season 6 with the actual Season 5 highlights why the chosen ending aligned with the show’s original vision.
| Aspect | Season 5 (actual) | Hypothetical Season 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 13 | Unlikely; no official order |
| Narrative focus | Legacy, sacrifice, finale arcs | Speculative new status quo |
| Status | Aired and concluded | Canceled; never produced |
Where to watch The Originals Season 5 now
The complete Season 5 is available on The CW’s official platforms, Max, and other licensed digital services. Streaming options vary by region, and some libraries may offer the full season for on-demand viewing. Re-watching the season is a popular way to revisit key moments that led to the series’ conclusion, especially with The Originals’ intertwined history with The Vampire Diaries.
Common questions about The Originals Season 5
- Why did The Originals end after Season 5? The show was planned as a five-season series to explore a defined narrative arc and provide closure for the Mikaelson family.
- When did Season 5 of The Originals come out? The season premiered on April 18, 2018, and concluded with the series finale on August 1, 2018.
- Was The Originals renewed for Season 6? No; The CW canceled the show after Season 5, confirming no further seasons were in production.
- How many episodes are in The Originals Season 5? There are 13 episodes in the final season.
Key takeaways
- The Originals Season 5 aired in 2018 and served as the series finale.
- The CW officially renewed the show for a 13-episode fifth season in January 2017.
- No Season 6 is planned or in development; the story concluded with Season 5.
- The finale aired on August 1, 2018, ending the series after 13 episodes.