Fringehad a solid 5-season run, and not many sci-fi shows come close to matching the scalability of its ideas. However, a relatively obscure series, with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%, can be considered a worthyFringereplacement owing to its brilliant use of time travel. With J. J. Abrams (of theLostfame) as one of its creators,Fringewas seemingly destined to rise in the ranks as one of themost binge-worthy science fiction showsof the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The show’s ability to reel viewers in with ambiguous story developments and bizarre sci-fi concepts also earned it comparisons withLost. However, the moreFringeprogressed, the deeper it etched its own identity in the sci-fi genre, allowing it to be remembered as one of the most fascinating explorations of parallel universes, time travel, and alternate timelines. SinceFringeplayed a crucial role in paving the way for other sci-fi shows to emerge, it can never truly be replaced. However, viewers who enjoyed watching the show will certainly find another epic time travel series entertaining.
Timeless’ Time Travel Story Makes It The Perfect Show For Fringe Fans
Both Fringe And Timeless Feature High Concept Time Travel Elements
While sometime travel moviesand shows merely use the sci-fi concept as a narrative device to drive their stories, often ignoring the paradoxes that come with it,FringeandTimelessset out to please genre fans with their serious take on the sub-genre. On the surface,both shows unfold as procedural dramaswith three primary characters as their leads. Their initial appeal comes from the mini-quests their central trios embark on while gradually understanding how they function as a group. However, once both shows establish a strong footing with their character beats, they dive deep into high-concept time travel.
… what makesTimelessa worthy replacement forFringeis the sheer ambitiousness with which it approaches its fantastical ideas.
Fringedoes not focus on time travel throughout its runtime and dips its feet into many intriguing concepts like transhumanism, parallel universe collisions, and even technological singularities.Timeless, in contrast, remains fixated on time travel, walking through how altering events in one timeline can send massive ripples down the other. However, what makesTimelessa worthy replacement forFringeis the ambitiousness with which it approaches its fantastical ideas. Even its central trio and their dynamic remind one of the relationship betweenFringe’s three main characters.
There Was Never Another Show Like Fringe, But Timeless Is A Great Replacement
Fringe Remains One Of The Smartest Sci-Fi Shows Of Its Time
Whileshows likeLostandAliasthrived on ambiguity,Fringe, at least initially, remained more straightforward and linear with its approach. This allowed the show to create a distinct identity for itself during a time when many epic sci-fi shows were on air. Despite being unique, however,Fringeoften earned comparisons to sci-fi giants likeSliders,Lost, and evenThe X-Files. Although these comparisons slightly undermined its individuality,they served as testaments to howFringehad managed to rise in the ranks to become a standout in the genre.
Fringe Ending Explained: How The Timeline Changes & What White Tulip Means
Fringe’s ending often falls under the radar as a satisfying TV finale, but with plenty of ambiguity, what exactly went on in the last episode?
Owing to this, as compelling asTimelessmay be, it would be unfair to compare it withFringe. It does, however, cure the itch of viewers who crave shows, likeFringe, that build heavy sci-fi mythologies and fearlessly explore speculative science. It must be noted, though, that, unlikeFringe,Timelessavoids inclining towards horror and remains relatively more lighthearted throughout its runtime.
Why Timeless Was Canceled After Two Seasons
The Show Got A Second Chance Before Being Canceled For Good
Soon after its first season ended its run with 16 episodes,Timelesswas canceled despite landing favorable reviews from viewers and critics. The primary reason behind its cancelation was that it just was not driving enough viewership to stay. However, even after its abrupt end after season 1, its distributor, Sony, tried to keep it alive by looking for a new outlet for its future. Sony’s commitment to keep it going and the support from many viewers ultimately encouraged NBC to have a change of heart about the series.
Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke
91%
67%
Number of seasons
2
As a result,Timelessbecame one of the TV shows that have returned from their deathbeds after being completely axed. Unfortunately,Timeless' overall viewership and TV ratings remained underwhelming, prompting NBC to circle back to its initial decision of canceling it. However, realizing that the show’s loyal audience deserved to see a conclusive closure,Timelesswas given the opportunity to conclude its run on a high note with a well-rounded 2-hour Special.
Will There Ever Be A Fringe Reboot?
Presently Seems Unlikely But Could Happen In The Future
Many believeaFringereboot could work wonders, and its story could also be loosely tied to the parent series. Given how Hollywood has been growing increasingly obsessed with multiverses and even recent alternate universeshows, like Apple TV+‘sDark Matter, have performed well, there is room for aFringereboot. However, with no official news surrounding any productions or creators showing interest in reviving the franchise,it seems unlikely that aFringereboot will see the light of day in the near future.
Did You Know:Fringe’s pilot reportedly cost a whopping $10 million.
Hopefully, someone will recognize the potential the franchise still holds and trigger the flywheels of the potential reboot’s production. Till then, viewers can check outTimeless, given how its exploration of time travel is no less compelling thanFringe’s. Considering howFringeended its run over a decade ago, audiences can also revisit it and appreciate how it does not shy away from going beyond the limits of all the extreme sci-fi concepts explored in television.
Fringe
This sci-fi procedural follows the FBI’s secretive Fringe Division and its agents Olivia Dunham, Walter Bishop, and Peter Bishop. Together, they investigate cases regarding strange events that threaten society, including cases of parallel universes, human experimentation, and other strange phenomena.
Timeless
Timeless is a sci-fi television series that aired in 2016. It follows various people from various professions, such as an engineer, a professor, and a U.S. Army Sergeant, as they team up to stop history from being changed. Learning that a terrorist organization has stolen a time machine, this misfit group discovers they each share a connection to the head of the terrorist group and partner to stop him.
