‘Bones’ Digs Out an Eighth Season Renewal

Hope you don't think that a TV show's main leads getting together to have a baby signals the end, because 'Bones' isn't going to be decaying in the ground anytime soon!  With its current schedule looking somewhat grim, it seems that FOX has decided to double down on its safer bets.

Deadline TV reports the announcement from FOX that its seven season-long forensic anthropology procedural 'Bones' will in fact return for an eighth season, though the move was somewhat expected.  The network granted the series an early renewal in anticipation of its May Upfront event, as well as to fill the gaps left by the departing 'House,' 'Terra Nova,' and likely cancellations 'Alcatraz' and 'Bones' spin-off 'The Finder.'

Says FOX Entertainment president Kevin Reilly of the renewal, "Over the past seven seasons, Hart Hanson, Stephen Nathan and the incredible 'Bones' cast and crew have redefined the traditional crime procedural with an irreverent and adventurous sensibility and I’m really happy to have this distinctive, fan-favorite on our schedule for another season."  Series creator Hart Hanson had earlier hinted at Paleyfest 2012 that 'Bones' might have ended up renewed for a ninth season in addition to the eighth, though it remains unclear why that decision fell through.

Additionally, executive producer Stephen Nathan said recently that an eighth season would afford the show a chance to tackle several storylines cut from this year’s shortened episode count. “We weren’t able to give some of the other characters that we love, Hodgins and Cam, more extensive arcs.  We will be doing that if we get picked up.”

'Bones' returns this coming Monday, April 2 on a new night and time with "The Prisoner in the Pipe," focusing on the momentous occasion of Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) giving birth to the child of she and partner Seeley Boothe (David Boreanaz).

Are you excited to have at least one more go with 'Bones,' or should baby really mark the end?  What would you like to see from this, and future seasons?  Dig up your thoughts in the comments section!