'Parenthood' Adds 'Lost' Alum Sonya Walger and Brings Back Matt Lauria for Season 5

I tried to work a "Not Penny's boat" reference into this article's headline. I really did. I just couldn't figure out how to make that happen. But, yeah ... "Not Penny's boat." OK. Onto the real stuff.

For all the dumb stuff that NBC does, the network has somehow managed to not kill Parenthood yet. Sure, they've shuffled it's timeslot, delayed its premieres and short-ordered its fourth season. In classic NBC fashion, the network seems to be trying to destroy the show, but Parenthood has managed to live on. Which is a good thing, since Parenthood is one of the best dramas on TV, a fact that people seem to finally be realizing. With a stellar cast, great writing and a ton of heart (I may or may not prefer to watch Parenthood alone because, well, feelings and stuff), Parenthood is a highlight among the dismal state of NBC's programming.

Armed with a full 22-episode order for Season 5, Parenthood has begun piecing together its plans for the future. With Ray Romano already returning as Hank, one of Lauren Graham's Sarah's love interests, for 12 to 15 episodes, Parenthood has also locked up potential romantic partners for two more characters.

Entertainment Weekly broke the news that Lost star Sonya Walger (Penny!) will play Meredith, "a single and sexy architect who is working with Joel (Sam Jaeger) on a two-year project" who "makes Julia (Erika Christensen) feel self-conscious about being a stay-at-home mom and she sees her as a threat." I guess dealing with two kids isn't enough chaos for Joel and Julia, huh?

During the short Season 4, Friday Night Lights alum Matt Lauria played Ryan, a war vet dealing with civilian life and a love interest for Mae Whitman's Amber. According to a TVLine report, Lauria will be back for "roughly half of Season 5′s 22 episodes."

Parenthood returns on Sept. 26. You should be watching.