Cult sci-fi show Fringe could be getting the chop as a Fox executive has said: "We're not in the business of losing money."
Fringe has been widely regarded as one of the most innovative dramas on network TV, with stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson and John Noble all earning massive praise for their performances. But the fact is the show is losing money.
Fox’s entertainment president Kevin Reilly was speaking at the network’s press-tour event in California and while he praised the show, he was at pains to point out the bottom line.
"Fringe has been a point of pride," Reilly said. "I share the passion for the show the fans have... I love that fans stuck with it . . . The hesitation in my voice is that it’s an expensive show,” he added.
"We lose a lot of money on the show . . . We’re not in the business of losing money. We need to figure out if there’s a deal that will make sense or will this be it?"
Reilly also revealed that Fringe producers will have to write their current season four finale before any discussion of a renewal – so the writers may feel compelled to pen a proper ending now rather than risk it heading to TV limbo.
"I’m not quietly doing the ‘soft cancel’ here," Reilly added. "Please don’t start the letter-writing campaign. I can’t take it. I hope we get some credit with the fans for seeing through a great show."
Meanwhile, Fringe executive producer JJ Abrams is hopeful the show will continue.
"For some sick reason I’m hopeful," he said. "There’s some stuff coming up this season that’s so great. Maybe it’s dumb optimism that the good work will be rewarded."
"And if not on Fox," he added, "maybe somewhere else."
