That's a beautiful headline!
Fox ended the torture for Fringe fans today, renewing the sci-fi series for a fourth season after much uncertainty blanketed the bubble show. And it's not for some odd number like 13 episodes, Fox wants a full 22 episodes next season. Phew, now we can all finish off Season 3 with our nerves intact.
The renewal comes just as the Fringe crew heads into production on the season finale, giving showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman the freedom to tell the story the want to tell and not try and create some finale the could double as a series finale.
The majority of talk since Fringe was moved to Fridays surrounded its ratings, which have dwindled enough to raise questions about its future. Fox points out that the show has been averaging a 2.2 rating among adults since its move, but that likely includes DVR viewing. Last week's episode registered a preliminary 1.3 rating among adults—it's a number that doesn't exactly scream "renew me!"
So how did Fringe manage to get a renewal from Fox? I don't know, but I don't care. I'm just happy that it happened. But if you feel the need to conspire, TVBytheNumbers.com points out that star Anna Torv is the niece of Fox owner Rupert Murdoch. Personally, I think Fox really does love the show and wants to see its story told.
Now can you finally forget about what Fox did with Firefly?