I could be mistaken, but I believe BG2 had 17 NPCs (with 3 or 4 more in the EE version).
BG1
25 + 4.
BG2
16 + 5.
https://baldursgate.fandom.com/wiki/CompanionsTwo words: Early Access. You're welcome.
Maybe not, All the art and graphic design of the game (including the cinematics) imply that these 5 companions are the main ones in the story.