The season was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, with additional footage in Crested Butte, Colorado, Oahu, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

During Part II, Conrad was replaced by fellow former Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County cast member Kristin Cavallari, whose interest in Justin Brescia resulted in a feud with Patridge.

The fifth season continues as Lauren Conrad's distaste of estranged friend Heidi Montag's boyfriend Spencer Pratt inhibits a reconciliation between the women.

[6] The season concludes as Patridge severs ties with Brescia, while Montag and Pratt decide against having children for the time being, instead choosing to wait for the coming years.

She continues to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and work for Kelly Cutrone's PR firm People's Revolution.

Heidi Montag is depicted as Patridge's friend, continues to mend her estranged relationship with former housemate Conrad, and holds a position with Bolthouse Productions.

After Kristin Cavallari became the series' focal point in the second half of the season, the dynamic between cast members was adjusted in response to Conrad's absence.

One source of suspicion arose when Conrad was shown to be moving out of her house the day prior to Montag and Pratt's nuptials.

[4] However, Conrad and Bosworth had actually left the property several months prior in January, leading to speculation that addressing the wedding as "the next day" was pre-planned.

[7] After leaving The Hills, Conrad appeared on The View in June 2009, where she was asked how she felt about her apology from Pratt involving the sex tape rumors.

[8] At Montag and Pratt's wedding, it was depicted on the series as if Conrad and Cavallari were displeased with each other's presence, though the latter commented that they gave each other "a big hug, and that's it".

Kristin tries to make things right with Audrina while continuing to pursue Justin, and Heidi volunteers to baby-sit for the neighbors, which Spencer does not appreciate.