"Fringe" has been renewed for a third season by Fox.
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.
While "Fringe" doesn’t burn up the Nielsen charts, the show has been a solid and consistent performer in the 9 p.m. Thursday slot. Paired with the more successful "Bones," the two shows have turned into a semi-potent twosome for the network.
More importantly, Fox’s "Bones"-"Fringe" duo are on the upswing while most of the other shows on the night — particularly dramas "CSI" and "Grey’s Anatomy" — are on the decline. Fox no doubt hopes that by playing a pat hand on Thursdays next season, it could become even more competitive as older shows continue to see their audience erode.
