When "Person of Interest" returns for its new season, it will have only half the number of episodes as the previous four seasons. That does not mean, however, that fans are not as excited about season 5, which means the question on everyone's mind now is, "When is the new season coming out?" 

Unfortunately, CBS has kept the lid on the premiere date of "Person of Interest" season 5. Fortunately, though, the network has been very generous with information on what to expect for the new season. During the just-wrapped New York Comic-Con, a panel consisting of showrunners Chris Fisher and Margot Lulick plus cast members Amy Acker, Jim Caviezel, Kevin Chapman, Michael Emerson, and Sarah Shahi shared some spoilers. 

Season 5 will pick up right where season 4 left everyone, so viewers can expect Harold Finch (Emerson) to be grief-stricken over his goodbye with the Machine. While Finch is coming to terms with a goodbye, John Reese (Caviezel) is saying hello to a new love. However, it won't last. As the actor explained in an answer to a fan query, the shortened season might not have enough time to dive into a long-ish romantic relationship. 

Speaking of Reese's relationship, he is still coming to terms with Joss Carter's (Taraji P. Henson) loss. In the new season, he continually thinks about her while trying to keep his relationship with Finch afloat. 

The Machine is not entirely dead in the new season, as the NYCC sizzle reel showed, but it just is not the same. The team is trying to revive it but it doesn't function the same way, with facial recognition going bonkers.

Elsewhere, Sameen Shaw (Shahi) is coming back, but she won't be as welcome as she wants. Being away for so long, she will definitely be approached with caution by the rest of the team. That may not be the case with Root (Acker), though. The fan-favorite relationship is back and fans can expect their bond to be strong enough to weather the trust issues.

Watch all of these unfold when "Person of Interest" returns for season 5 on CBS. No word yet on the exact release date.