The Fringe community is shocked to learn that one half of the showrunner team, Jeff Pinkner, has stepped down as showrunner for season 5.
TV Guide broke the news that Pinkner (left), who was the original showrunner but was joined by Joel Wyman in the second season, has decided to step down to pursue other projects.
The series is about to enter its fifth and final season, which consists of 13 episodes.
In a statement, series creator J.J. Abrams comments:
We’re thankful for the invaluable contributions Jeff has made to the show and of course wish him well and look forward to working together in the future. J.H. Wyman’s importance to Fringe cannot be overstated, however, and I’m thrilled that he will continue as showrunner for the concluding chapters of our story. We can’t wait for our fans to see what we have in store for them in the wild conclusion of Fringe.
Pinkner himself has commented on the decision via Twitter:
Hey all! Me here, wanting to say once more: you are the single best, most devoted, most supportive, and, well… fanatical fans in the (red)
Article Continues Below— JEFF PINKNER (@JPFRINGE) June 20, 2012
universe! As you know, there would be no season 5 (or 4… Or 3, etc) without you!I love you all (yes even YOU — you know who you are…)
— JEFF PINKNER (@JPFRINGE) June 20, 2012
You are in good hands from here.But don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easily. Again, much love!!! Jeff @JPFRINGE @jeffpinkner
— JEFF PINKNER (@JPFRINGE) June 20, 2012
Joel Wyman will be the sole showrunner for season 5. Wyman directed his first episode of Fringe, “A Short Story About Love,” last season. In response to a fan on Twitter, he confirmed that, “I will be here until the last frame.”
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