New Amsterdam: Max Returns to the Hospital (Sans Helen) in Final Season Photos — Plus, Who's Hooking Up?!

Max is once again back in New York and working at the hospital in newly released photos from New Amsterdam‘s fifth and final season premiere — but there’s one glaring absence: His (ex?) fiancée Helen.

As TVLine exclusively reported in July, Freema Agyeman, who has played Dr. Helen Sharpe since the show’s debut, will not return for the show’s swan song. A source close to the series told us that it was Agyeman’s decision to leave.

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“Dearest Dam Fam. First off I would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you for your unending, dedicated and deliciously ferocious support!” Agyeman said in a statement. “I feel very fortunate to have connected with so many of you over these past few years, while rolling around in the skin of Ms. Helen Sharpe, and witness every ebb and flow of your emotional investment. What a ride! Thank you for being on it with me.”

Meanwhile, creator/showrunner David Schulner and executive producer Peter Horton assured “Sharpwin” fans that there are still “a few surprises in store for them” in Season 5.

New Amsterdam returns Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 10/9c on NBC. Scroll down for a first look at the premiere episode, titled “TBD,” then hit the comments!

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