Oh, happy day, and strawberry milkshakes for everyone!  After a long, and arduous process of waiting, 'Fringe' fans can finally rest assured that their beloved sci-fi series will return for a fifth, and conclusively final season.  But just how large is FOX's is order, and how will it all end after last week's crazy "Letters of Transit?"

FOX has given the critically-adored, yet ratings-challenged sci-fi drama 'Fringe' the 'Chuck' treatment, granting the series a fifth season of 13 episodes with which to effectively end the series on.  The announcement ends weeks of speculation, particularly on the part of 'Fringe' executive producer Joel Wyman, who had remained cautiously optimistic yet uncertain if FOX would renew the series.

Back in January, FOX Entertainment President Kevin Reilly had grim words for the ultimate fate of the series, saying "”We lose a lot of money on the show. At that rating, on [Friday] night, its impossible to make money. We’re not in the business of losing money, so we’re trying to figure out if there a number at which we can continue with the series.”

Thankfully, Warner Bros. agreed to lower the licensing fee the studio charges FOX per episode, with the upcoming 13 installments bringing 'Fringe' into the syndication-friendly 100 episode range.  Says 'Fringe' co-creator, executive producer, and TV/movie magnate J.J. Abrams of the renewal:

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 renewal also comes as good news for those heavily involved in 'Fringe's story as well, as TVLine learned from series star John Noble that the May 11 finale shot two endings, one to serve as a season, and the other a series finale if necessary.  Last week's time traveling episode "Letters of Transit" offered fans a glimpse into the ultimate conflict that would come to govern the remaining episodes of 'Fringe' if the series achieved the renewal for a fifth and final season.

But that's not all!  In spite of his comments from the January TCA tour, FOX president Kevin Reilly issued his own statement, saying:

'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. 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.

Huzzah!  And how about this cobbled-together teaser for 'Fringe's fifth and final season, set to debut this fall?  Watch the teaser, kick back with a little LSD (safely, of course) and celebrate the season five renewal of 'Fringe' in the comments below!

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