Showtime announced today that -- no big surprise! -- it's bringing back its family drama Ray Donovan for a fifth season. Per usual, the season will have 12 episodes, and will start production next year. Showtime President and CEO David Nevins also noted during the show's panel at the TCA Press Tour that the series returned this year up double-digits from last year (which had an excellent run), and noted that of course, Liev Schreiber was also just nominated for this second Lead Actor Emmy, alongside Jon Voight for his second Supporting Actor nomination.
Though this season started out a little shaky -- Ray Donovan is always good, but Season 4 took some time to find its footing -- it's setting up some very interesting emotional dilemmas for Ray regarding Micky and him taking the fall for the Armenians. And that, truly, is where the heart of the show lies; not with the violence and the fixing or even the Hollywood schmoozing. It's all about the Donovan family and their interactions, anchored by such a stellar cast.
If you haven't been catching up with this season, here's a synopsis below of what you've missed. Ray Donovan is currently airing Sunday nights on Showtime. You can see find the complete list of renewed and cancelled TV series with our TV Lifeline.
This season, Ray’s second chance at redemption is tested when he meets professional boxer Hector Campos (Ismael Cruz Cordova) and his volatile sister Marisol (Lisa Bonet), who harbor a dangerous secret. Wealthy art dealer Sonia Kovitzky (Embeth Davidtz) draws Ray further into her Russian mob operation. Meanwhile, Mickey (Jon Voight, in his Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning role) whose scam in Primm, Nevada went sideways, decides to turn himself in for the Minassian shootout in order to protect Ray. Bunchy (Dash Mihok) comes to terms with his new wife Teresa’s (Alyssa Diaz) postpartum depression after having their baby girl and relies on Abby’s help. When Hector and Damon (Dominique Columbus) become fixtures at the Fite Club, Terry (Eddie Marsan) sees renewed interest in the gym, while Daryll (Pooch Hall) becomes a more integral part of the family when Ray enlists him to handle a job. Abby (Paula Malcomson) receives shocking medical news that leaves her questioning her role as a wife and mother. A newly independent Bridget (Kerris Dorsey) provides comfort and support during this tumultuous time as Conor (Devon Bagby) begins to assert his autonomy with disastrous results. This season’s eclectic line-up of guest stars features Emmy nominee Lisa Bonet, Golden Globe winner Stacy Keach, Oscar® nominee Diane Ladd, Golden Globe winner Dabney Coleman, Embeth Davidtz, Ted Levine, Gabriel Mann, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Chris Coppola and Billy Lush.A SHOWTIME production, RAY DONOVAN is executive produced by David Hollander, Mark Gordon, Bryan Zuriff and Lou Fusaro and was created by Ann Biderman.
