The fifth season, which originally aired from November 2003 to May 2004, focuses on themes of independence and escalating chaos. Notable arcs include:

: The family adapts to having a new baby, leading to exhausted-parent storylines.

: Reese briefly moves into his own apartment before impulsively joining the army in the season finale.

: In the two-part finale, Hal is arrested by the FBI and must prove his innocence in a corporate fraud case. Season 5 Episode Guide

Malcolm in the Middle (TV Series 2000–2006) - Episode list