If a Fringe reboot finally happens over a decade after the original show’s release, it could solve one major problem weighing down many sci-fi shows. An array of sci-fi shows came out in the late 2000s and the early 2010s, but most faded into irrelevance over time. Fringe, however, has stood the test of time not only because of its exploration of some of the wackiest pseudoscientific concepts but also because of its compelling character beats.
Given how Fringe still seems to have legs and is far from losing relevance, it may not immediately need a full-fledged reboot. At the same time, though, sci-fi shows like Fringe are hard to ignore when considering reboots because of the nostalgia and mᴀssive following they still carry with them. While it is debatable whether Fringe deserves a reboot over a decade after its initial release, one cannot deny that its reboot could single-handedly change the sci-fi genre in one significant way.
What Was Groundbreaking For Fringe Is Now Commonplace For TV
Many Sci-fi Concepts From The Show Have Been Reused Several Times
What makes Fringe extremely bingeable is that it does not shy away from presenting self-contained sci-fi stories with each new installment. The mere prospect of watching another bizarre exploration of complex sci-fi concepts is enough to make a viewer stick around almost throughout its runtime. Since Fringe covers a diverse set of themes and ideas in its five-season runtime, some aspects of its narrative still maintain a sense of novelty that is yet to be explored by other TV shows.
However, when it comes to the show’s portrayal of heavy physics jargon, multiverses, time travel, the guy in the chair, and reality manipulation, Fringe‘s approach may not be as unique and refreshing as it seemed back in the day. Multiverses and time travel have been endlessly explored in shows like Dark, Dark Matter, His Dark Materials, and several others. A closer look at The Flash makes it hard not to believe that it is “Fringe with superheroes” in more ways than one.
…Many elements that once made Fringe a distinct addition to the sci-fi genre have now become commonplace for television.
Fringe is still unique in the sense that it initially begins with a monster of the week format but grows into something far more complex and emotionally resonant. The show also barely experiences any major dips in quality and is further elevated by the chemistry between its main dynamic trio, Olivia, Walter, and Peter. However, many elements that once made Fringe a distinct addition to the sci-fi genre have now become commonplace for television.
A Fringe Reboot Would Have To Be Just As Ahead Of The Curve As The Original
Like The Original, The Reboot Would Have To Catch Up With Some Latest Sci-fi Trends
If a Fringe reboot merely attempts to rehash the ideas and concepts adopted by the original series, it would struggle to etch its idenтιтy in the sci-fi genre. Therefore, instead of merely emulating the sci-fi stories presented in the parent series, the reboot must adopt the original show’s formula and jump ahead of the curve with its exploration of mind-bending and never-seen-before pseudoscientific concepts. This approach could be a little risky because some ideas may feel a little too abstract and fantastical for audiences to stay invested.
However, like the main series, the reboot, too, can ensure that viewers will stick around for more by gradually raising the wackiness bar instead of suddenly alienating viewers with extreme sci-fi. Since some episodes in Fringe, like “And Those We’ve Left Behind” and “White Tulip,” are considered far superior to others, the reboot can also learn from the more successful installments of the original series and double down on the things that worked well for the show during its initial run.
What The Ideal Fringe Reboot Would Look Like Over A Decade Later
The Reboot Would Avoid Repeating The Original’s Formula & Bring Something New
Fringe garnered immense acclaim and attention when it first came out because it risked telling sci-fi stories that most other TV shows were not willing to touch. The sci-fi show’s creators also never tried to place Fringe in the typical sci-fi bracket. Instead, they allowed it to find its own feet and embraced it for its unique blend of genres, bold storytelling, and eccentric characterization. This allowed Fringe to reach its peak somewhere near the season 3 mark and continue the momentum till the end of its run.
Did You Know: Fringe‘s pilot reportedly had a whopping budget of $10 million.
Even the reboot needs to take a similar approach instead of trying too hard to fit into the modern sci-fi mold. In recent years, especially after the pandemic, many strange and highly refuted fringe science speculations and ideas have garnered immense attention on the internet. The Fringe reboot seems to have the perfect opportunity to riff on these and recreate what made the original series so successful.
While only time will tell whether a Fringe reboot will ever see the light of day, the mere prospect of the series’ return, with Anna Torv, John Noble, and Joshua Jackson as its leads, sounds like a fascinating possibility.
