Saying that he and the other team are 'thrilled and beyond grateful,' J.J. Abrams promises to conclude the sci-fi series 'in a wild and thrilling way.'
- Apr 27, 2012
AceShowbiz - "Fringe" becomes the latest TV series picked up by FOX for a renewal. The sci-fi show will come back for its fifth and final season with 13 concluding episodes lined up to be made, bringing its total episode order to 100. Shortly after the renewal is announced, a promo for the upcoming season is unleashed.
"Fringe" follows an FBI team who use unorthodox "fringe" science and investigative techniques to investigate a series of unexplained, often ghastly occurrences. It averages 4 million viewers and a 1.6 rating in the adult demo. Since premiering in 2008, it has fought off cancellation almost every season due to its modest ratings.
Despite the so-so ratings, FOX president Kevin Reilly has nothing but praise for the show. " 'Fringe' is a remarkably creative series that has set the bar as one of television's most imaginative dramas. Bringing it back for a final 13 allows us to provide the climactic conclusion that its passionate and loyal fans deserve," he says.
"The amazing work the producers, writers and the incredibly talented cast and crew have delivered the last four seasons has literally been out of this world. Although the end is bittersweet, it's going to be a very exciting final chapter."
Executive producer J.J. Abrams chimes in, "We are thrilled and beyond grateful that Fox - and our fans - have made the impossible possible: Fringe will continue into a fifth season that will allow the series to conclude in a wild and thrilling way."
The award-winning director adds, "All of us at Bad Robot are forever indebted to our viewers and the amazingly supportive Fox network for allowing the adventures of Fringe Division to not only continue, but to resolve in a way that perfectly fits the show."
In the same enthusiastic tone, the other two showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman gush in a joint statement, "This pickup means the world (both of them) to us, because we love sharing these stories with our enthusiastic fans. On behalf of the cast and crew, we applaud our fans and Fox for allowing us to imagine the impossibilities together for so long. Season five is going to be a conclusive thrill ride for all of us."
