Classic 5-Part Sci-Fi Series Officially Streaming For Free On March 1, 13 Years After Cancellation

Some 13 years after it came to an early end, one of the best modern sci-fi shows is about to get a new streaming home.

Hailing from J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, Fringe focuses on FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop and his estranged son Peter as they form a new task force known as the Fringe Division as they investigate a variety of paranormal and fringe science cases. They also deal with various overarching threats looking to cross to an alternate universe frequently shown in the series, which the three leads have their own unique connections to.

Now, just over the 13-year anniversary of its series finale, Fringe is about to start streaming for free on Pluto TV. All five seasons of the cult classic sci-fi series will join the free platform on March 1, joining a sci-fi roster that already includes The X-Files, Star Trek, The Twilight Zone and Stargate SG-1, among many others.

Led by The Last of Us‘ Anna Torv, Doctor Odyssey‘s Joshua Jackson and Lord of the Rings‘ John Noble, Fringe proved to be something of an underdog series when it was on the air. After getting mixed-to-positive reviews in its debut, and scoring solid ratings, seasons 2 through 5 scored widespread acclaim but also increasingly lower ratings, particularly when it was moved to the infamous Friday night death slot.

It was these lower ratings that led to the decision to end the show with an abbreviated fifth season, something that showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman foresaw and crafted an appropriate conclusion, which was mostly well-received by critics and fans alike. Fringe has since developed a passionate cult following, much in the way of Abrams’ prior sci-fi hit Lost, for its unique parallel universe structuring and mythology.

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?

Fringe making the leap to Pluto TV comes as both an interesting and promising choice for the series. Having been produced by Warner Bros. TV and released by Fox, the series has been available to stream on Hulu and Disney+, while also being available for rental or purchase on most digital platforms. As such, the decision to license the show to the Paramount Skydance-owned platform subsequently raises curiosity as to any other major properties making a similar leap to Pluto TV.

Additionally, the show’s arrival on the streamer comes two months after The X-Files joined the platform, where it became a smash hit. Within its first 30 days of streaming on Pluto TV, the David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson-led series became its No. 3 overall top title, as well as becoming the No. 1 VOD hit among the 35-49 male demographic. With Fringe frequently drawing comparisons to The X-Files during its time on the air, it may see a similar resurgence in popularity.

Fringe‘s free streaming home also comes on the heels of the announcement that Ryan Coogler’s X-Files reboot is moving forward with Danielle Deadwyler as one of the two leads. Though the creators have been cautious about ever confirming anything, executive producer/writer Akiva Goldsman did previously confirm there were once talks about a reboot of their series, but a worthwhile story idea couldn’t be decided upon. However, if the show does indeed become a streaming hit on Pluto TV, the team may find themselves approached again to try and dive back into the world of Fringe.