| Private Practice | |
|---|---|
| Season 5 | |
 DVD cover art for the complete fifth season of Private Practice | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 22 |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | September 29, 2011 – May 15, 2012 |
| Season chronology | |
The fifth season of Private Practice premiered on September 29, 2011.[1] It was announced on February 9, 2011, that Audra McDonald, who plays the character Naomi Bennett, will not return as a regular cast member in the fifth season, however she may return as a guest star or a recurring character.
Following the departure of Audra McDonald, it was announced on March 20, 2011, that actor Benjamin Bratt will be added to the series as a regular cast member for the fifth season. The details of his character were released on August 7, as he is set to play Jake Reilly, an accomplished fertility specialist that is knowledgeable in cutting-edge technology and procedures.
Later in the season, Cooper Freedman was revealed to have had an 8-year-old son from a previous one-night stand. Son Mason is portrayed by child actor Griffin Gluck. While Gluck initially served as a guest star, he was promoted to series regular later on in the season. Gluck is notable for being the first child to be a series regular in Private Practice or in the original series Grey's Anatomy.
- ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (June 27, 2011). "Fall TV: ABC Sets Premiere Dates, Including Supersized Grey's Anatomy and Modern Family". TV Line. TV Line Media, LLC. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.