It seems incredibly unlikely to me that this is the case, but a show of good faith by FOX isn't necessarily impossible (just very highly improbable).
SpoilerTV is claiming that Fringe has already been renewed for a fourth season, and that an announcement is imminent. Site founder Andy Page posted the following to the site on Thursday: "I just heard from one of my sources that Fox are close to announcing a 4th Season of Fringe. Please take this with a pinch of salt for now until I can confirm with another source. Hopefully this turns out to be true."
While I certainly hope this is true as well, something just strikes me a little false about this statement. Page claims that this source has "been [reliable] in the past," but the post, "like all rumours should be treated as such until we get at least a second confirmation." But does it really make sense for FOX to renew this show already? Not at all. The show's third season wasn't announced until March of this year, and Fringe's viewership is in much worse shape than it was then. With the make-it-or-break-it move to Fridays approaching imminently (after tonight's midseason finale, the show will premiere in its new timeslot on January 21), it doesn't seem to make sense to lock down a show that potentially stands to lose a lot of viewers.
Of course, thankfully, FOX execs have shown a lot of support for the show, citing it as one of the network's creative highlights (which it most certainly is). So while I'm leaning toward "false" on this rumor, I'm cautiously hopeful that this rumor will -- eventually -- turn out to be true.
Fringe airs tonight at 9/8c with the episode "Marionette", and will return on January 21 with the episode "Firefly."
It doesn't make much sense from a business standpoint. As much as I want to, I don't believe it. Why would FOX renew it in December? To prove to the viewers (who won't quit if there is a sure chance of renewal) that they can switch to Fridays and not worry about it being cancelled?
Jeez Louis. I don't believe it. I love Fringe but it's just not making any sense to me. I predict it being cancelled, which is a bummer. Please confirm with another source ASAP!!! (Also, how imminent is 'imminent'? Christmas? New Years? March? May?)
Im starting the third season today. :) I really like this show, but I know quite a few people who think its boring. I think they think its boring because they can't understand the point in listening to a bunch of science. I actually like that part the best. :D Right now it July 2011 so if another season DOES come out(which I highly doubt but sincerely hope) it would probably come out during late September early October is my guess. =/ I really love this series and once I get the time and money I will definetly purchase the DVDs. :)