Fans will have to wait a bit longer than expected for the return of The 100. Today, at the Television Critics’ Association winter press tour, it was announced that that season five of The 100 will begin airing on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 9 pm — following episodes of The CW’s highest-rated series, The Flash. It had been expected that the series would return in February.

The CW series was renewed for a fifth season as part of the network’s early season renewal announcements in March 2017. At the Summer 2017 press tour, we learned that there will be just 13 episodes this time around (the same quantity as the fourth season’s episode order).

Last summer, CW boss Mark Pedowitz indicated that there were no plans to end the series with season five. Today, Pedowitz said that he is “confident and hopeful” that The 100 will be renewed for a sixth season.

EP Jason Rothenberg chimed in following the fifth season premiere announcement:

This trailer is burning a hole in my hard drive. There’s no telling what I might do with it after a few Manhattans tonight. Don’t worry spoiler police, I’ll be good. 😉 #The100

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) January 7, 2018

I know it’s a long time to wait. I can only promise that it’ll be worth it. A few final finishes to the trailer (adding the date and tweaking the score), then it’s in the Network’s hands. Won’t be long now for that at least. #The100

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) January 7, 2018

That time slot though! Tuesdays at 9 following @CW_TheFlash! That’s as good as it gets, guys. Thank you @TheCW! #the100

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) January 7, 2018

Per CW prez Mark Pedowitz, #The100 Season 5 trailer will be released in March, closer to the April 24th premiere date. #TCA18

— Tiffany Vogt (@TVWatchtower) January 7, 2018

In recent weeks, Rothenberg teased what’s to come and noted that he’d be working on the season finale as 2017 came to a close. (Potential spoilers below.)

Happy New Year to the cast, crew, writers and fans of #The100! Thank you for making this boy’s wildest dreams come true. I’ll be thinking of you all at midnight when I’m writing the finale, a bottle of Dom on my desk, and hope for peace in my heart… real world, of course. pic.twitter.com/kxv2fa2W4M

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) December 31, 2017

Clarke and Madi smile a lot… in the 6 years we jump past. Once the season starts… not so much. Remember, you signed up for a post apocalyptic nightmare. Don’t be surprised if that’s what we give you. @MisElizaJane @LolaFlanery #The100 pic.twitter.com/qY9mrmTQzQ

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) January 2, 2018

So I’m watching DAILIES, and there’s a scene with a character on a walkie talking to Raven & Echo. @linzzmorgan & @tasyateles have just shot an action scene in the pouring freezing rain, and yet they are actually doing their lines over the radio! God, I love this cast! #The100

— Jason Rothenberg (@JRothenbergTV) January 6, 2018

What do you think? Do you like The 100 TV show? Do you plan to watch the fifth season premiere in April? Do you think it will be cancelled or renewed for a sixth season?