Queen Sugar is an American drama television series created and executive produced by Ava DuVernay. Based on the novel of the same name by Natalie Baszile, Queen Sugar tells the story of the three Bordelon siblings who must move on with their lives after a family tragedy leaves them with their late father’s sugarcane farm in rural Louisiana. The show first aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on September 6, 2016 and is currently airing its fifth season as of 2021.
Queen Sugar has received critical acclaim throughout its run for its powerful portrayal of a contemporary African American family in the southern United States as well as for its handling of important social issues. The series has been praised for its rich, complex characters and nuanced storytelling. Over its first four seasons, Queen Sugar has built up a dedicated fanbase who are eagerly awaiting the fifth season.
Many fans are wondering where they will be able to watch the fifth season of Queen Sugar. Here is a look at the streaming options for Queen Sugar season 5 and where to find the latest episodes.
Where to Stream Queen Sugar Season 5
For previous seasons, Queen Sugar has been available on both Hulu and Amazon Prime Video shortly after airing on OWN. However, things are a bit different for Queen Sugar season 5. Here are the details on where you can stream new episodes:
Hulu
Unlike past seasons, Queen Sugar season 5 is not available on Hulu as the episodes air live on OWN. Hulu has streaming rights to past seasons of Queen Sugar, but new episodes are not being added in real-time to Hulu for season 5.
Fans will have to look elsewhere if they want to stream Queen Sugar season 5 live or shortly after new episodes air on cable. Hulu is expected to add season 5 to their content library eventually, but there is no confirmed date for when that will happen yet.
Amazon Prime Video
Just like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video also does not have streaming rights to Queen Sugar season 5. The latest episodes are not available on Prime Video as they air on OWN.
Amazon Prime does offer the previous four seasons of Queen Sugar as part of their included streaming content for Prime members. However, fans will need an alternative option for streaming season 5.
OWN App
The best place to stream Queen Sugar season 5 live or on-demand is directly through OWN in their app. OWN is the original network for the show, so they have exclusive streaming rights to the latest episodes.
The OWN app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, and other platforms. You can download the app for free and watch Queen Sugar season 5 with your OWN cable subscription. Just log in through your TV provider.
Without a cable login, you can access some content on the OWN app for free but the latest Queen Sugar episodes require a pay TV subscription. This is the only place to stream new episodes as they first air.
VUDU
For those without cable, the best option for streaming Queen Sugar season 5 is to purchase new episodes through VUDU. On VUDU, you can buy each new episode of Queen Sugar in HD quality the day after it airs on OWN.
Episodes are available for purchase on VUDU for $2.99 each in SD quality or $3.99 each in HDX. This allows you to keep up with Queen Sugar season 5 even without a cable package or OWN access.
VUDU also offers the previous seasons for purchase so you can catch up before the newest episodes. However, the newest season 5 episodes will not be included with any of the VUDU season packs. You have to purchase each season 5 episode individually as they are released.
iTunes
Another digital store that offers Queen Sugar season 5 for purchase is iTunes. Like VUDU, iTunes allows you to buy the latest episodes of Queen Sugar one-by-one as they air.
Episodes typically show up on iTunes the morning after they premiere on OWN at a cost of $2.99 each for HD purchases. iTunes is another way to get new Queen Sugar episodes if you’ve cut the cord and don’t have cable.
One advantage iTunes has over VUDU is that you can also purchase a Season Pass for Queen Sugar Season 5. The Season Pass gives you each new episode automatically when it’s available rather than having to manually purchase each one.
Google Play
Google Play also gives you the ability to purchase new episodes of Queen Sugar season 5 as a Season Pass. Google Play grants access to new episodes the day after they air on cable alongside other digital platforms.
Episodes purchased on Google Play are available in HD for $2.99 each. Purchasing the Season Pass gives you each episode of season 5 as soon as it’s released without having to buy one-by-one.
When Does Queen Sugar Season 5 Become Available on Streaming?
Queen Sugar season 5 premiered on OWN on February 16, 2021 and new episodes air every Tuesday night at 8pm ET. Each episode becomes available the next day on digital platforms like VUDU, iTunes, and Google Play for purchase.
So while the only way to stream episodes live is through OWN, you only have to wait 24 hours after airing to get Queen Sugar season 5 streaming elsewhere. For cable subscribers, OWN also offers the episodes on-demand so you can watch at any time.
Hulu and Amazon Prime Video will likely add season 5 to their libraries a few months after the season finishes airing on cable. Until then, your best bet is paying per episode on a digital platform or using your OWN cable subscription.
Here is an overview of when new episodes of Queen Sugar season 5 become available on each streaming platform:
| Streaming Service | Release Schedule |
|---|---|
| OWN App | Live and next day on-demand with cable subscription |
| VUDU | Available for purchase the day after airing – $2.99 SD or $3.99 HD |
| iTunes | Available for purchase the day after airing – $2.99 HD |
| Google Play | Available for purchase the day after airing – $2.99 HD |
| Hulu | Delayed – Likely a few months after season finishes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Delayed – Date TBA |
Watching Queen Sugar Season 5 Without Cable
If you are a cord-cutter without cable or satellite TV, your options for streaming Queen Sugar season 5 are limited to paid digital platforms. But you do have a few good choices to gain access to new episodes each week without an OWN subscription:
Buy Individual Episodes
Services like VUDU, iTunes, and Google Play allow you to stay up to date with each new episode by purchasing them individually. Usually episodes show up the day after they air for between $2.99 – $3.99 in HD.
This gives you time to watch before the next episode airs. It can get expensive buying every episode, but it does provide access if you really want to keep current.
Buy the Season Pass
To save some money over buying episodes one-by-one, consider purchasing the Season Pass on iTunes or Google Play. The Season Pass gives you each new episode of season 5 automatically as it becomes available.
With the Season Pass you pay one lump sum upfront and get the entire season. This ends up being cheaper than buying each episode individually over time.
Wait for Hulu/Prime Video
To avoid paying for each episode, you could wait until Queen Sugar season 5 comes to Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. The downside is you may have to wait several months after the season finishes to start streaming.
But if you don’t mind the delay and want to avoid paying extra to stream season 5, waiting for Hulu or Prime Video is an option. Just be prepared to avoid spoilers until the episodes are added!
Recapping Queen Sugar Seasons 1-4
Before diving into season 5, let’s do a quick recap of what’s happened so far on Queen Sugar. Here’s an overview of the major events from the first four seasons:
Season 1
In season 1, the three estranged Bordelon siblings – Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel – come together in their hometown of Louisiana to run their late father’s sugar cane farm after his unexpected passing.
There is turmoil over what to do with the farm, disagreements among the siblings, and each character faces their own personal struggles as they adjust to this new responsibility. Charley deals with trying to save her marriage, Nova continues her activism, and Ralph Angel struggles with raising his son alone.
Season 2
The drama continued in season 2 as the siblings tried to work together to get the farm up and running for the harvest amidst financial setbacks.
Ralph Angel clashed with Charley over management of the farm. Charley faced turmoil in her marriage to NBA star husband Davis West. And Nova pursued a relationship with her married childhood sweetheart, Calvin.
The season built to a dramatic final episode where the fate of the farm is left unknown after a weather disaster strikes right as the harvest was getting underway.
Season 3
Picking up after the storm, season 3 showed the siblings trying to rebuild and save their crop for the year. Charley dealt with both her crumbling marriage and the discovery that Davis was not the biological father of her son, Micah.
Ralph Angel and Darla worked through co-parenting struggles while Nova’s relationships with Calvin and her former prison inmate love interest Chantal continued to get complicated.
The family faced tough decisions about selling part of the farm land to an outside company that wants to industrialize production.
Season 4
In season 4, Charley mourned her divorce from Davis while exploring a surprising new romance with a local journalist, Romero Davis. Nova worked through her complex love life with Chantal and Calvin.
Ralph Angel and Darla planned for a wedding and welcomed a new baby. The farm prospered but the encroaching land development company continued threatening the Bordelon land.
The siblings also dealt with shocking information about their late father Ernest that made them reconsider much of their family history and origins.
What to Expect from Queen Sugar Season 5
After the dramatic events of the past four seasons, what can fans look forward to in Queen Sugar’s fifth season? Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Continued Fight for the Farm
The battle for the Bordelon family farm will continue as the Landry Enterprises company keeps trying to buy up their land for industrial cane production. Charley, Nova and Ralph Angel will surely keep fighting to preserve their father’s legacy and resist selling their heritage.
New Beginnings and Old Wounds
Ralph Angel and Darla are starting fresh with a wedding and new baby, but lingering issues may complicate their happily ever after. Nova will continue navigating her complicated past with Calvin and Chantal. And Charley’s surprising new relationship with Romero could have unexpected impacts.
Secrets, Lies and Reconciliation
After the revelations about their father in season 4, the Bordelon siblings will be grappling with this news and looking for answers about their family history. They will have to reconcile Ernest’s flaws with the man they thought they knew.
Growth in Careers and Relationships
Professionally, Charley will work to expand her side businesses and find financial independence. Nova’s career as an activist and journalist will likely also take interesting turns. And Ralph Angel and Darla’s domestic bliss could lead to personal growth.
More Incredible Performances
Queen Sugar has received praise for its excellent acting, and season 5 is sure to continue showcasing powerful performances. The rich characters will once again leap off the screen as played by Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe.
Why You Should Watch Queen Sugar
If you still need convincing on why you should absolutely watch Queen Sugar, here are some key reasons it is a must-see drama series:
Complex Characters
Queen Sugar stands out for its deeply nuanced, flawed characters dealing with real struggles. The Bordelon siblings are complicated, fully realized characters that draw you into their world.
Relevant Social Issues
The series compellingly tackles important social justice issues from a black, southern perspective including racism, incarceration, addiction, parenthood and more. The writing and performances make these topics personal.
Rich Setting
The Louisiana setting is almost like another character, immersing viewers in the sultry, southern atmosphere and transporting you into this community.
Ava DuVernay’s Vision
The series comes from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay’s creative vision which infuses every scene with intimacy and humanity. Her authorial voice shines through.
Family Drama Done Right
With resonant, relatable characters and nuanced writing, Queen Sugar is proof that family drama can be compelling, heartfelt and socially relevant when done right.
Where to Stream Queen Sugar Season 5
Queen Sugar season 5 has started airing on OWN, with new episodes every Tuesday night. For those with a cable package, you can stream episodes live or watch on-demand through the OWN app. Otherwise, your options are to purchase episodes from digital platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and VUDU the day after they air.
Alternatively, wait for Queen Sugar season 5 to eventually make its way to Hulu or Prime Video, likely a few months after the season finishes its run on OWN. However you choose to watch, season 5 is sure to deliver another powerful season spent with the Bordelon family.
