| Primeval | |
|---|---|
| Series 5 | |
 DVD box set cover art | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Watch |
| Original release | 24 May – 28 June 2011 |
| Series chronology | |
The fifth and final series of the British science fiction programme Primeval began on 24 May 2011 and concluded on 28 June 2011 after airing six episodes. Primeval follows a team of scientists tasked with investigating the appearance of temporal anomalies across the United Kingdom through which prehistoric and futuristic creatures enter the present. The fifth series kept most of the cast intact from the fourth series, the two series having been produced and filmed back-to-back in 2010.
Given that Primeval had been unexpectedly cancelled by ITV in 2009 following the broadcast of its successful third series, the producers did not wish the fifth series to end on a cliffhanger in case the same happened again and as such wrote it to have a "very satisfying conclusion" in case Primeval was not renewed. The fifth series was written to be darker than the fourth and to explore the motives of main characters Philip Burton (Alexander Siddig) and Matt Anderson (Ciarán McMenamin) as well as answer key questions set up in preceding series. The fifth series also sought to stay more focused and to develop the key main characters, now a more unified team, further.
As part of the co-production deal that ensured the fourth and fifth series would be made, the fifth series aired first on the digital channel Watch in 2011 and then on ITV in 2012. Although it was considered a success on Watch, becoming its most watched series of the year, it received the lowest ratings in Primeval history when later broadcast on ITV. The disappointing viewing figures led to Primeval not being renewed for a sixth series even though both the cast and the production team were eager to continue. Despite the low ratings, critical reception of the fifth series was positive, with praise for the visual effects, character development and many homages to classic science fiction. The last two episodes, which marked Primeval's two-part conclusion, received particular praise by reviewers as the series going out on a high note.