Discovery Communications' cable network Science Channel has snagged off-network syndication rights to the sci-fi cult drama Fringe, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter [1]. The deal is said to be non-exclusive, which will allow studio Warner Bros. TV to offer another syndication window to a streaming service.
The news comes one month after the network renewed the low-rated critical favorite for a fifth and final 13-episode season, enabling Fringe to reach the all-important 100-episode mark for syndication. The series, from creators J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, was moved to Friday night in its third season, and hit ratings lows on multiple occasions in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic this past season. The drama hovered around 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
The show has maintained a vocal fan base, with critical support and several award nominations, including two Emmy nods in technical categories.
Fringe reruns will join a network schedule that already includes reruns of Nathan Fillion's cult drama Firefly. Fringe's John Noble will host the six-part series Dark Matters: Twisted But True on Science, premiering August 31.
Links:
[1] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fringe-science-channel-328844