Search Party Season 5 - What We Know So Far
"Search Party" is a cult favorite. The series currently has a strong 96% rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes. And the task of ranking the best and worst of the series is tricky because, on IMDb, even the so-called less than stellar episodes of "Search Party" are still decently ranked. The dark comedy series created by Charles Rogers, Sarah-Violet Bliss, and Michael Showalter is about a group of aimless 20-somethings who become amateur sleuths.
At least that's how the series starts before it delves into the darker territory of moral ambiguity, sensational trials, and murder while still maintaining its praise-worthy comedic chops. "Search Party" is such a remarkable balance between seriously pondering the thoughts and motivations of the series' cast and having a moment to laugh. Despite the praise and accolades the series earned with its four seasons, all great shows must come to an end. "Search Party" is going out, with one more season slated to drop on HBO Max next year.
Here's everything that we know so far.
When is the release date for Search Party Season 5?
Fans of the comedy thriller had much reason to cheer at the beginning of 2021 besides ringing in a new year. Season 4 of "Search Party" started on HBO Max on January 14, 2021, before wrapping up its 10-episode run on January 28. Fortunately, we didn't have to wonder too long about the future of the series after the Season 4 finale. Per Deadline, in February 2021, HBO Max announced that they had renewed "Search Party" for a fifth season, but at the time, there was no specific date given.
We now know the date, and it appears that HBO Max must love the combination of January and the cult comedy series. Warner Media announced that "Search Party" Season 5 will premiere on January 7, 2022. Like Season 4, this 5th and final season will contain 10 episodes. However, unlike last season, Season 5 isn't going to be split up throughout the month. We'll be able to binge all 10 episodes as they'll all drop on that date.
Who is the cast of Search Party Season 5?
The main plot of "Search Party" focuses on a group of friends who go searching for a missing acquaintance from their college days, and the resulting twists and turns that quest ensues. Warner Media confirmed that we will see our main cast, which is the aforementioned group of friends, return this final season. This includes Alia Shawkat as Dory Sief, Meredith Hagner as Portia Davenport, John Early as Elliot Goss, and John Reynolds as Drew Gardner. Season 5 will also have previous seasons' recurring guests Jeffery Self as Marc and Clare McNulty as Chantal Witherbottom.
A welcome surprise for this final outing is that Warner Media also confirmed that the upcoming season will feature some new roles from some very notable folks. Via Deadline, we already knew that Jeff Goldblum will appear as a tech billionaire named Tunnel Quinn. But also making her debut in the series is Kathy Griffin, who will play as a conspiracy theorist named Liquorice Montague (via TV Line). "Hairspray" director John Waters is also slated to appear. However, we don't know if he'll play a role or appear as himself — just as " "Goosebumps" author R.L. Stine did last season. Michelle Badillo, Aparna Nancherla, Larry Owens, Angela Trimbur, Grace Kulenschmidt, Greta Titelman, and Joe Castle Baker round out the rest of the cast.
What is the plot of Search Party Season 5?
Dory, Portia, Elliot, and Drew witness a lot of hijinks throughout "Search Party," from private sleuthing to famous criminal trials that have the media frothing from the mouth. Last season featured a comedic, yet surprising twist for the series, as a stalker kidnaps Dory. With her kidnapped, this causes her friends to form a search party for her as the budding amateur detectives figure out how to find their missing friend. Honestly, it's an appropriate plot for a series that initially starts with Dory and her friends looking for someone else.
But Season 5 seems to especially build from what happened to Dory in the finale of Season 4. She experiences a near-death moment, and this somehow plays into her brand new business endeavor. Via Warner Media, Dory is in business with Tunnel Quinn, and she's bringing the gang in on their venture. Speaking to Variety, "Search Party" co-creator Charles Rogers noted that Dory's near-death moment will be the catalyst for the character to analyze herself and finally grow. But how does that epiphany lead to some type of project with a billionaire? It's going to be interesting to see this question answered as Season 5 unfolds next January.