Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Fringe has been renewed for a third season:
Sci-fi fans who may be concerned about the state of the genre on network TV (we’re looking at you, V and FlashForward) have at least one reason to rejoice: EW has learned exclusively that Fox has picked up Fringe for a third season. Though the show isn’t exactly blowing the roof off of Nielsen — it’s been averaging just 7.6 million viewers and is ranked No. 50 in the all-important adults 18-49 demographic this season — it managed to survive in a tough new time period on Thursdays.
Rejoice! More Dr. Walter Bishop.
Despite some comments on the site, I'm not surprised by its renewal. I am surprised at the timing of the announcement though. Perhaps Fox didn't want fans worrying about its fate when it returns in a few weeks with new episodes. This year there will be very little to announce in May!
Update: Though there was never any doubt once EW reported it that this is official, I doubt we'll see the formal press release from Fox before Monday. The Wrap's TV MoJoe did verify this news with Fox though:
The move, confirmed to TheWrap Saturday by a Fox communications rep, isn't exactly a shocker: The J.J. Abrams co-created series is a favorite of executives at the network and has been a part of the network's successful attempt to jumpstart its long-struggling Thursday night lineup.
The only question left unanswered is whether Fringe got a 13 episode order or a full 22 episode season. Stay tuned. Update: It's a 22 episode order.
