5 Jaw-Dropping Moments That Made Younger Season 5 The Most Explosive Chapter

The fifth season of *Younger* remains one of the most pivotal and dramatic chapters in the entire series run, fundamentally reshaping the lives of Liza Miller and the entire Millennial Publishing team. Released in 2018, this season escalated the stakes of Liza's double life, pushing her secret to the breaking point while simultaneously tackling highly relevant, real-world issues like the #MeToo movement and the changing landscape of the publishing industry. This deep dive, current as of December 10, 2025, explores the five key moments that made *Younger* Season 5 a must-watch, from the explosive reveal of the Charles and Liza affair to the massive power shift at Empirical Press.

For fans looking to revisit the high-stakes drama or for new viewers catching up, Season 5 is where the fun, frothy premise of the show gave way to serious, career-defining consequences. The season not only tested the boundaries of Liza's professional and personal life but also cemented the roles of Kelsey Peters, Diana Trout, and Josh in the show's complex narrative.

Younger Season 5 Main Cast and Character Profiles

Season 5 saw the core ensemble of *Younger* face their most challenging arcs yet, with the introduction of a powerful new player, Quinn Tyler, shaking up the hierarchy at Empirical Press and Millennial Publishing. The main cast and their roles are detailed below:

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• Sutton Foster as Liza Miller: The protagonist, a 40-year-old single mother pretending to be 26 to restart her career in publishing. Season 5 sees her navigate a public affair and a massive career opportunity.
• Hilary Duff as Kelsey Peters: Liza’s friend and colleague, a talented young editor who finds herself thrust into a major leadership role at Millennial.
• Peter Hermann as Charles Brooks: The handsome, reserved head of Empirical Press and Liza's boss, whose relationship with Liza becomes public and career-ending.
• Miriam Shor as Diana Trout: The fiercely protective, high-powered marketing executive and Liza's original boss, who finally finds love with Enzo.
• Nico Tortorella as Josh: The young tattoo artist and Liza's ex-boyfriend. He grapples with fatherhood and his lingering feelings for Liza.
• Debi Mazar as Maggie Amato: Liza's best friend and a successful artist, who provides Liza with moral support and a reality check.
• Laura Benanti as Quinn Tyler: A self-made billionaire and author who becomes a major investor, and later owner, of Empirical Press, bringing chaos and opportunity.

The Public Fallout of the Charles and Liza Affair

One of the season’s biggest bombshells was the public exposure of the relationship between Liza Miller and Charles Brooks. This was the moment the "will-they-won't-they" tension finally exploded into a full-blown crisis for Empirical Press.

The affair, which had been a tightly held secret, was leaked to the press by Cheryl, the head of the rival publishing house Chick(y), after Liza turned down a lucrative job offer.

The scandal put Charles in an impossible position. As the head of the company, the optics of dating his much-younger assistant—whose real age he knew—was a massive liability in the modern publishing world. This public scrutiny ultimately forced Charles to make a devastating decision for the sake of the company's reputation.

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This storyline was a delight for "Chartz" shippers, but it came at an immense cost, proving that their love story could not simply exist in a vacuum. Their relationship, once a private fantasy, was now a very public and professional nightmare.

Charles Steps Down: The End of an Era at Empirical

In the Season 5 finale, the consequences of the affair reached their peak. The only way to quell the scandal and protect the company's future was for Charles to resign as publisher.

This was a shocking twist that completely upended the power structure of the show. Charles’s departure was a direct result of the toxic environment created by the leak, demonstrating the real-world impact of public relations crises on corporate leadership.

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The power vacuum was immediately filled by the season's new antagonist/investor, Quinn Tyler. Quinn swooped in, leveraging her influence and capital to take control of Empirical Press. This shift from the old-guard Charles to the ruthless, modern billionaire Quinn set the stage for the next phase of the series.

This exit was pivotal, as it freed Charles from the constraints of his professional life, potentially allowing him to pursue Liza openly, but also left the future of Millennial Publishing in precarious hands.

The #LizaToo Episode and Topical Authority

Season 5 was critically acclaimed for its willingness to tackle the #MeToo movement head-on, most notably in the episode titled "#LizaToo."

The episode centered on the character of Edward L. Moore, a powerful, older author whose past inappropriate behavior is exposed by a younger assistant. This storyline provided a serious, relevant counterpoint to the show's usually lighthearted tone.

Liza, who had been a victim of ageism and whose own relationship with Charles was under fire, had to navigate the moral complexities of the situation. The episode explored the nuances of power dynamics, consent, and the difficult choices women face in the workplace.

This inclusion of a topical, sensitive issue proved that *Younger*, created by *Sex and the City*'s Darren Star, was more than just a romantic comedy. It solidified the show's topical authority by demonstrating its ability to reflect the modern cultural zeitgeist through the lens of the publishing industry.

Kelsey Peters' Rise to Power and Diana's Love Life

While the Charles and Liza drama dominated the headlines, the supporting characters experienced equally significant, career-defining shifts.

Kelsey Peters Becomes a Power Player

Kelsey Peters, a fan-favorite character, was forced to step up in a major way. With Charles gone and Quinn Tyler's influence growing, Kelsey was promoted to head publisher of Millennial.

This new role was a massive challenge for Kelsey. She had to manage the fallout of the scandal, deal with Quinn's demanding projects, and navigate a complicated professional relationship with Liza, who had also been offered a job by Cheryl.

Kelsey’s arc in Season 5 was a testament to her ambition and talent, showcasing her evolution from a junior editor to a serious leader in the Manhattan publishing scene. Her storyline highlighted the constant tension between career aspiration and personal loyalty.

Diana Trout Finds Stability with Enzo

Season 5 also provided a much-needed emotional anchor through the blossoming relationship between Diana Trout and Enzo. Diana, the queen of the statement necklace and a character known for her sharp wit and guarded heart, finally allowed herself to be vulnerable.

Enzo, the charming plumber who initially fixed her clogged toilet, represented a refreshing change from the high-society men Diana usually pursued. Their down-to-earth romance was a highlight of the season, proving that love can be found in the most unexpected places, regardless of age or social status.

The Legacy of Younger Season 5 and Beyond

The fifth season of *Younger* was a turning point. It was the season that finally paid off years of romantic tension, but not without a heavy price. The public exposure of the Charles and Liza affair and Charles’s subsequent resignation were tectonic shifts that irrevocably changed the landscape of Empirical Press. The season masterfully balanced the ongoing love triangle (Chartz vs. Josh) with serious, contemporary themes, making it a critical success.

By the time the final episode aired, the foundation of the show had been completely rebuilt. Kelsey was in charge, Charles was a free agent, and Liza was faced with the true consequences of her secret. The dramatic conclusion left fans eager for the next chapter, solidifying Season 5's place as one of the series' most essential and explosive installments.