Development The show was renewed for a fifth season on March 26, 2013, while in its third season. I. Marlene King announced on
Twitter that the fifth season would contain 25 episodes, including a Christmas special instead of a Halloween episode, which the last three seasons have had. Right before the season five premiere aired, on June 10, 2014, the series was renewed for two additional seasons through season 6 and 7, making the show
ABC Family's longest running original series. ABC Family announced that they would air a special behind-the-scenes halloween episode where the cast of
Pretty Little Liars would be interviewed and answering questions from fans. It was announced that the show would return with its winter premiere and remaining 12 episodes, which began airing on January 6, 2015.
Casting was cast as Sydney for the fifth season.|alt=Chloe Bridges smiling at Griffon Film Festival in 2010. The fifth season had nine roles receiving star billing, with all of them returning from the previous season, seven of which was part of the original cast from the first season. The season saw the four
protagonists of the series continue the roles.
Troian Bellisario played
Spencer Hastings, who struggles with family drama.
Ashley Benson continued her role as
Hanna Marin, whom finds herself in an identity crisis as a result of Alison's return.
Lucy Hale played
Aria Montgomery who volunteers to work at Radley Sanitarium in addition to build up her relationship with Ezra.
Shay Mitchell portrayed
Emily Fields who is affected the most of Alison's return, which makes her confront her feelings towards Ali.
Sasha Pieterse returned as
Alison DiLaurentis, who moves back home after being presumably dead the last two years, which makes her the attention of the town.
Janel Parrish played
Mona Vanderwaal, who starts a group against Alison.
Tyler Blackburn returned to the series as
Caleb Rivers after playing the same character on
Ravenswood, while
Ian Harding continued his role as
Ezra Fitz who is almost killed after being shot in the abdomen by Shana. In addition,
Laura Leighton played
Ashley Marin, Hanna's mom. On March 12, 2014, it was announced that
Tyler Blackburn would be returning as a series regular on the show after leaving halfway through the fourth season for the sister show;
Ravenswood, and would return in the 100th episode. It was reported that in the season premiere, a beloved character would be in great danger as of the casting of a paramedic and two surgeons for the first episode. It was reported that Kenneth DiLaurentis would be returning, King said "Her father comes home and wants to take her with him". On April 3, 2014, it was reported that
Chloe Bridges was cast as Sydney, the newest member on the swim team who would befriend
Shay Mitchell's character Emily. She appeared in multiple episodes, the first being the third episode.
Tammin Sursok was reported to return to the show in the 100th episode. Her character hadn't been seen since the
ninth episode of season four.
TVLine reported on June 26, 2014, that Mona's mother, Leona, was going to be introduced in the summer finale, and was going to be played by
Sydney Penny. On August 5, 2014, it was announced that Will Bradley was cast as Johnny Raymond, a new painter who would be spending some time with the character Spencer Hastings. He first appeared in the 15th episode. Author of the book series creator,
Sara Shepard was announced to appear the show as the news reporter in the 24th episode, following her appearance in the
first season episode "
The Homecoming Hangover" as the Rosewood High School substitute teacher. ==Broadcast==