FOX previously announced that Fringe was headed for Friday nights, beginning January 28th. The network has now adjusted their plans and the sci-fi series will debut in the timeslot one week earlier.
Many fans of the series are understandably concerned about the move. Shows that are moved to Friday nights are typically in grave danger of being cancelled, particularly ones that attract a niche audience. The ratings for Fringe have taken a real hit this year, dropping nearly 20%.
Last season, the series averaged a 2.3 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic and 6.36 million total viewers. This season, Fringe’s averaged a 1.9 rating in the demo and 5.12 million viewers. Last week’s installment brought a 1.8 rating.
FOX’s Entertainment President, Kevin Reilly, maintains that “We are not killing the show… It’s been such a loyal fanbase. I will be really disheartened if the viewer base decides to not watch because it shifted one night. I hope they go with it, and if not they have the option of picking it up on their DVRs. If it does anywhere near what it did on Thursdays, we can glue that show to the schedule because it can be a big win for us.”
Of course, Fringe getting the same ratings on Fridays as it’s been getting on Thursdays is easier said than done. We’ll have to wait to see how the ratings story unfolds but the show’s got an uphill battle ahead.
Here’s the press release about the Friday premiere…
HOT FROM FOX…”FRINGE” TRAVELS TO NEW NIGHT AND TIME BEGINNING FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, ON FOX
Christopher Lloyd (“Back To The Future”) Guest-Stars in Midseason Premiere
Special “Tweet-Along” Event During All-New Episode of FRINGE This Thursday
The midseason premiere of hit series FRINGE will air Friday, Jan. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following the season premiere of KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
In the “Firefly” midseason premiere, which kicks off a string of six all-new episodes of FRINGE, an Observer makes contact with the Fringe Team to help rectify a mistake. Meanwhile, WALTER (John Noble) befriends one of his musical heroes (guest star Christopher Lloyd).
Be sure to tune in to the all-new “Marionette” episode of FRINGE, airing this Thursday, Dec. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. When the Fringe Team investigates a case where a victim had his heart extracted, it’s just the beginning of a series of mysterious and reanimating events tied together. Meanwhile, PETER (Joshua Jackson) comes to terms with the reality of his relationship with OLIVIA (Anna Torv).
As part of a special “Tweet-Along” event, John Noble will be tweeting LIVE during this Thursday’s all-new episode. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/FringeTweet. Follow John on Twitter at www.twitter.com/labdad1, and use #FringeLiveTweet to submit your questions directly to him on Thursday.
FRINGE is a procedural thriller that follows the Fringe Team as they investigate unbelievable events and mysterious occurrences linked throughout the world in pursuit of a larger, more shocking truth. The series stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown and Jasika Nicole.
Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Joe Chappelle serve as executive producers, while Kurtzman and Orci are consulting producers. Additionally, Pinkner and Wyman serve as the series’ showrunners. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fringe and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fringeonfox.
What do you think? Is Fringe doomed to be cancelled or will it survive to see season four?
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Image courtesy FOX.
Everyone beat their breasts over the CW moving Supernatural to Fridays and it didn’t die. True, it is paired with Smallville and Fringe has no genre pair, but it’s one of the taughtest, best-written genre shows on the air and like LOST before it, it’s fans are super loyal. C’mon Fox…for once try NOT killing something fans love.
Fringe is THE BEST show going. I’m disappointed seeing it moved to Fridays, but we’ll
record it and enjoy during a weekday. Somebody mentioned about being up against
THE OFFICE…now there’s a show that could be moved to Fridays!!! Please leave “Fringe & Friends” alone!
Kevin Reilly should be in sports. The “support” he laid out for Fringe is the same “support” a coach gets from his boss just before they swing the axe.
My thanks to the cast & crew of Fringe. A great show. We will miss you!
Fringe is my favorite show and I think this season has been the best season yet. I’m crossing my fingers that somehow the move to Friday night will pick up some viewers. Lately there has been NOTHING on Friday nights so hopefully people will start tuning in to Fringe. I really think the acting and plot-lines this season have been really awesome. I nominate Anna Torv for an Emmy this year!
Is Fringe still on? We gave it the “try it for three episodes” rule and jettisoned it.
Too bad for you. It’s only gotten better and better. The first season was shaky – as so many are (Buffy, X-Files) but it has only gotten better and better with age. Rent it and see for yourself.
Friday night is where network TV shows go to die. well, usually. This does not bode well for FRINGE but we can hope that the ratings stay where they are or improve. Otherwise I strongly suspect its “curtains” for the show. That would be a shame as its better than many shows chief among them THE EVENT.
I knew there was going to be trouble with the whole Olivia trapped on the other side. That was far too contrived for the genius of this show. Now that Olivia is back and threatening to want nothing to do with Peter…and then a move to Friday night…doesn’t look too good for the show. I guess the alternate universe will win
I look forward all week for FRINGE. Many discussions with friends plots…… Good entertainment and great characters. Leave this show on the air!!!
the best show on most networks
Fringe is by far among the best shows ever, and it had better not die. Do I make myself clear?
Fringe is my favorite show on television, that it is moving to Fridays is a little uncomfortable insinuating that it will be canceled. I hope not. I know that “Chuck” was saved by a huge fan base. Let’s hope that will be the case with Fringe. The X-Files was a Friday night time slot, and it is still one TV show that is still remembered.
i’m so angry Fringe is moving to Fridays. love the show. Dont want it to be cancelled!
I would expect Fringe’s ratings to pick up on Fridays. Thursday nights they competed with the hugely popular shows in Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, and The Office. On Fridays they will compete with CSI:NY and Dateline. Both weaker shows.
Say buh-bye…but look for a FX channel pickup.
Fringe is the best show on free TV!!