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Fringe is a sci-fi paranormal mystery thriller drama series created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. The Fox series follows FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, who is assigned to work with mad scientist Walter Bishop and his jack-of-all-trades son Peter Bishop, to investigate cases involving fringe science. Fringe stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Lance Reddick, Kirk Acevedo, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole, Mark Valley, and Seth Gabel. So, if you loved the mind-bending storylines, thrilling mysteries, and compelling characters in Fringe, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The X-Files (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox

The X-Files is a sci-fi mystery horror thriller drama series created by Chris Carter. The Fox series follows FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who investigate various cases involving paranormal phenomena. The X-Files stars David Duchovny,...

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The Oa is one of the most fascinating and mind-bending sci-fi series ever created. Even though the series was not completed as created by Brit Marling intended, The Oa still garnered a massive following upon its cancellation, the fans of the series did not even believe the news of the cancellation to be true and theorized that the cancellation was a trick that the streaming platform is pulling to promote the upcoming season. The brilliant series tells one of the best and most confusing stories of all time following Prairie Johnson (Marling) who returns home after a seven-year disappearance, her return becomes more and more confusing as she was blind when she disappeared but now she is not and she is not talking about the disappearance. The Oa premiered its second and final season over three years in...

The mid-00's were populated with a flurry of wildly inventive and character-driven dramas. Battlestar Galactica served as an allegory for xenophobia at the time on Sci-Fi, while Lost drew in millions of viewers every night on ABC. The island mystery was a smash hit from the beginning, and even now, the series has stood the test of time. Lost pulled audiences in with its large ensemble cast, interlinking storylines, and mysterious content. 20 years later, its almost a rare commodity to see a quality series that was also popular. Born from the brain of Star Trek director J.J. Abrams, he enlisted Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to run the show that captured an entire generation of television fanatics.

However, it wasnt the only sci-fi television game in town. Four years after Lost premiered on ABC, Abrams put his weight behind another mysterious and supernatural series. Fringe premiered in 2008 on Fox,...

Within the expansive world of science fiction television, there has seldom been a series as compelling and controversial as Lost, which likely inspired Fringe. With convoluted plot threads and mysteries galore, Lost mesmerized audiences throughout its six-season run. When Lost finally ended, there was a need for something just as engaging. This is when Fringe not only stepped in to fill this void but also improved upon Lost with a unique brand of brilliant sci-fi.

Lost offers more overarching, mind-bending mysteries, but Fringe's cast and characters give rise to potent character development and complex relationships, namely between Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), and Walter Bishop (John Noble). Furthermore, while Lost dragged out its mysteries over many seasons, Fringe provided more regular payoffs. Finally, both shows tackled significant themes, such as the ethical implications of science in Fringe and the struggles of survival in Lost, allowing them...

The X-Files is one of the biggest series of the 1990s, also regarded as one of the most influential series the Fox series follows Fox Mulder and Dana Scully investigating the most mind-bending paranormal activities. The series’ original run was for 9 seasons with the series being revived in 2016 for two more seasons making the total season number 11 seasons. So, if you miss the amazingly mind-bending stories, compelling characters, and thrilling mysteries in The X-Files here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Twilight Zone Credit – CBS

The Twilight Zone is a sci-fi horror fantasy anthology series created by Rod Serling. The CBS series is a collection of mystical stories with sci-fi, horror, and fantasy elements, and in each episode, we get a new standalone story with a new set of characters. The Twilight Zone stars Rod Sterling, William Shatner, Burgess Meredith, Elizabeth Montgomery, Robert Redford, George Takei,...

Evil is a supernatural horror drama series created by Robert and Michelle King. The CBS and Paramount+ series follows Psychologist Kristen Bouchard as he reluctantly teams up with David Acosta, a priest in training to investigate unusual occurrences that have no logical explanation. Evil stars Katja Herbers and Mike Colter in the lead roles with Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, Andrea Martin, Maddy Crocco, Aasif Mandvi, Peter Scolari, and Patrick Brammall starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the thrilling story, horror elements, and compelling characters in Evil here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Exorcist Credit – Fox

The Exorcist is a supernatural horror drama series created by Jeremy Slater. Based on the 1971 horror novel of the same name by author William Peter Blatty, the Fox series serves as a sequel to the 1973 film of the same name and it follows two priests as they team...

Ebon Moss-Bachrach is a recent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to many fans' surprise, and it wont take long before audiences can finally see his first appearance as Ben Grimm/ The Thing in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), followed by Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). While fans anxiously await the release of these upcoming movies, there are plenty of other great movies and TV shows from Moss-Bachrach's varying and impressive Hollywood career worth checking out.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach's time in front of the camera has put him in many iconic movies and shows alongside impressive actors like Jennifer Lawrence and Jon Bernthal. But while many may know him best from The Bear, there are other amazing projects that deserve both attention and admiration.

Updated by Alex Roush on August 06, 2024: This list has been updated to include additional entries, enhance the reader experience, and fit current Cbr formatting guidelines.

Fringe's stellar cast and unique character arcs set it apart from typical sci-fi series like The X-Files. The show's blend of procedural cases and deep mythology kept audiences engaged and invested in its complex narrative. Fringe took risks with its final season, delivering a satisfying conclusion that rewarded dedicated fans with a unique storytelling approach.

At a time on television when everyone was looking for "the next Lost," the alumni from that series, J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, were working on "the next The X-Files." Centered around an FBI agent, an eccentric scientist and polyglot con artist, Fringe was a revolutionary science fiction series on Fox that blazed its own path at the height of "Peak TV." Equal parts procedural and serialized mythos-driven drama, Fringe is a show worth revisiting almost two decades later. The cast in this series is stellar, and a huge reason for the show's success.

John Noble voices the villainous Diviner in Star Trek: Prodigy, a show with teenage protagonists and a complex time travel plot. The show features two versions of Noble's character, the future Diviner and his past self, astronomer Ilthuran. Noble's extensive career includes roles in Fringe, Lord of the Rings films, and various TV shows and video games.

With his distinctive and sometimes menacing voice, Australian actor John Noble lends his considerable talents to Star Trek: Prodigy, providing the voice for the villainous Diviner. Following the ragtag crew of the USS Protostar, Star Trek: Prodigy is the first Star Trek to be centered on teenage protagonists and geared toward a younger audience. Still, Prodigy has a lot for adult Trek fans to love, too. With a complex time travel plotline that incorporates several elements and characters from Star Trek: Voyager and other Trek shows, Star Trek: Prodigy tells an incredibly fun and compelling story.

Even the best series has to conclude at some point, often to the dismay of those who grew to love the characters and stories. It's not easy to pull off the ultimate series finale.

If you need a primary example of that, work your way through Game of Thrones, Lost, True Blood, or The Walking Dead (to name a few) and suffer the indignity of watching the endings come apart at the seams.

But those who get it right are forever enshrined in the public consciousness and the hallowed halls of TV history.

We're not talking about sadness brought on by a beloved series ending a long and storied run, though that is devastating in its own way. No, these are episodes capable of eliciting the same emotions as a standalone movie.

Related: Young Sheldon's Wrap-Up Was As Funny As It Was Heartbreakingly Beautiful

Like any good TV show, the characters drive the story,...

If there is one mind-bending series from the Lost era of network television that you should really revisit, it's Fringe. This powerful, sci-fi mystery series plays with ideas long-established in comic book lore but which (at the time) rarely made their way to television. Mechanical shapeshifters, time-traveling watchers, and parallel worlds were only the tip of the iceberg for a show as lovingly bizarre as Fringe, and yet it always made us believe in the impossible. Featuring Anna Torv as FBI agent Olivia Dunham, Joshua Jackson as Peter Bishop, and John Noble as Dr. Walter Bishop, the Fringe Division tackles all the usual sci-fi strangeness, but how does it all end?...

The sci-fi genre has always been one of the most beloved among cinephiles as it gives us a new look at a particular technology or our world. There was a time when Max (formerly known as HBO Max) was the place for peak sci-fi shows but after taking off Westworld and Raised by Wolves from the service, and since then it has been lacking a bit regarding sci-fi shows. But still, we picked the seven best sci-fi shows that we could find on Max.

Avenue 5

Avenue 5 is a sci-fi dark comedy series created by Armando Iannucci. The Max series is set in the future and mostly in space and it follows the story of the crew and passengers on board the interplanetary cruise ship named Avenue 5. A little mistake and the death of its chief engineer causes Avenue 5 to veer 0.21 degrees off course which results in the...

John Noble's portrayal of Denethor is a standout performance, showcasing his ability to sink into a complex character with despair and anger. Denethor's role as the steward of Gondor highlights his pride, fear, and desperation, creating a memorable character in a pivotal role. Noble's ability to switch between menacingly evil and adorably naive characters displays his range and talent as an actor in the Lord of the Rings epic.

The Lord of the Rings is a sweeping epic that, depending on which version you watch, could run you somewhere around ten hours (not including the Hobbit trilogy). In that time, there are far too many characters to remember and even fewer standout performances. The main cast is solid enough that people often forget just how fantastic the side characters can be.

One of these characters is Denethor, played by John Noble. The character is only in a handful...

The only thing better than a free thing is more of that free thing. This month, Amazon’s ad-supported streamer Freevee is adding dozens of new titles to its existing library of thousands, and no matter your choice (or choices), Freevee titles are available for free on the platform with no additional membership required, so you can watch without an additional hit to the bank account this holiday season!

Take a tour through both the classic and current this December, including the 1950s classic film noir “The Night of the Hunter,” the queer history classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and the complete series collection of “Night Court,” “The Waltons,” and more.

Once you brush up on your history, catch up with the contemporaries, such as the beloved sci-fi series “Fringe”, the animated hit “Hotel Transylvania,” and the superhero black comedy “Kick-Ass.”

Check out The Streamable’s...

Twin Peaks, Fringe, and Supernatural are all shows that have similar elements to The X-Files, including quirky FBI agents, supernatural phenomena, and intriguing plot twists. Outlander and The Man in the High Castle offer a unique twist on the suspense and thriller genre, with supernatural and political elements that will captivate X-Files fans. Killing Eve and Mindhunter provide a thrilling combination of plot twists, government conspiracies, and intriguing character dynamics that X-Files fans will enjoy.

After binging The X-Files for the first time, there are plenty of shows that can fill the hole left for those looking for something similar. The X-Files is a 1993 television series starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. The show follows two FBI agents who investigate paranormal phenomena and alien occurrences across the United States. The show aired until 2002, before having revival seasons in 2016 and 2018. It also is accompanied by two feature films, X-Files: Fight the...

Orphan Black: Echoes is a sci-fi thriller series created by Anna Fishko. The AMC series is a spin-off to the 2013 series titled Orphan Black, which was created by John Fawcett and Graeme Manson, the series is set in 2052 and it revolves around Lucy, a woman who doesn’t know anything about her past. Orphan Black: Echoes is set in the same universe as Orphan Black and it stars Krysten Ritter, Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, and Avan Jogia. So, if you loved Orphan Black: Echoes and will be waiting for Season 2, here are some similar shows you could watch until then.

Orphan Black (AMC+ & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – BBC America

Synopsis: Orphan Black is a Sci-Fi thriller starring Tatiana Maslany in the lead role of Sarah, an outsider and orphan whose life changes dramatically after witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks just like her. Sarah hopes that cleaning out...

Fringe, which ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, is a beloved science-fiction TV series comprised of 100 episodes that contain some of the best intricate storylines and imaginative characters. The series is noted particularly for featuring sci-fi icon Leonard Nimoy as a significant recurring character on what would be the actor’s final TV series. During its original run, Fringe also spawned three comic book series, three novels, and an alternate reality game. The show often received mixed reviews from critics, and viewership dropped from 10 million to 4 million (via NY Times); however, it still developed a cult following and continues to be recognized for its ground-breaking style of storytelling.

Using a mix of procedural and serialized drama, mystery, horror and fantasy, Fringe chronicled the exploits of the FBI's Fringe Division in Boston, Massachusetts. Agent Oliva Dunham, scientist Walter Bishop and Walter's multi-talented son, Peter Bishop, used fringe science and conventional...

Before becoming a household name, Chadwick Boseman showcased his talent on popular TV shows, including "Fringe" and "Castle." Boseman's performances in TV episodes like "Law & Order" and "Justified" demonstrate his ability to embody complex and riveting characters. Even in his first screen credit on "All My Children," Boseman proved his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his portrayals, breaking stereotypes.

Before achieving fame on the big screen, the late Chadwick Boseman guest starred on a number of hit TV shows that audiences. The celebrated actor, who passed away of colon cancer in August of 2020, is well remembered for his strong portrayals of iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, James Brown and of course, the title hero in Black Panther, T'Challa. However, prior to landing those major film roles that made him a household name, Boseman received a great deal of work from the TV industry.

Like many movie stars,...

“There’s more than one of everything.” This line has far-reaching implications to the five seasons of Fringe. It describes the show’s mythology about a war between the Prime Universe and an alternate one. It contrasts the two sides over the science-based nightmares the Fringe team investigates, where there are good and bad motives. It includes the love story between Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) and Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) who overcome their dark pasts to find comfort in one another. But another love story between a father and son is the heart of Fringe. Monsters, time travel, and parallel universes aside, this sci-fi series shows how far a grieving father will go for a second chance. Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) is a mad scientist who's prepared to destroy more than one universe if it means he can save his son.

Audiences can't seem to get enough of multiverse tales in TV and film, and the sci-fi cult hit, Fringe, whose parallel world storyline was a hallmark of the series, has great potential to set up the perfect reboot of the show. Airing from 2008 to 2013, Fringe centers on the work of the fictional Fringe Division of the FBI. Division members Agent Olivia Dunham, scientist Dr. Walter Bishop and Walter's estranged son Peter Bishop, a jack-of-all-trades routinely investigated bizarre cases revolving around fringe science subjects like mind control, teleportation, genetic mutation, invisibility and reanimation.

One of the major plot threads of Fringe was the discovery of a parallel universe that mostly mirrored our own, the one that the main characters inhabited, with some significant differences: The World Trade Center is still standing following the September 11 terrorist attacks and President John F. Kennedy survived his assassination. Since the idea of alternate universes was well established in the series,...

Fringe is a sci-fi series created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci that premiered on Fox in 2008 and ended in 2013, after five seasons and 100 episodes. The series follows FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), who teams up with a former mad scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson) to investigate paranormal and unexplained occurrences.

Influenced by shows like The X-Files, Lost and Altered State, Fringe's first season initially received lukewarm reviews, but subsequent seasons were met with critical success, and the show received numerous awards and developed a passionate fan base. Unfortunately, these elements didn't guarantee Fringe's longevity, and the series was renewed for a final, shortened fifth season in late 2012. Let's look at what Fringe was and why the series ended after five seasons.

Related: When Did Mulder and Scully Fall in Love? The X-Files Has an Answer

What Was Fringe About?...

For two seasons, the Fox sci-fi drama Fringe featured The Walking Dead actor Kirk Acevedo as FBI agent Charlie Francis. He was a close friend of series protagonist Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv before she starred on Netflix's Mindhunter). Charlie often risked his career to help her and her Fringe Division colleagues, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), Walter Bishop (John Noble) and Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole), as they dealt with paranormal phenomena.

Unfortunately, however, Charlie didn't make it all the way to the finale. During the second season, Olivia was the target of an assassination attempt that went horribly wrong -- and Charlie suffered the consequences. Fringe fans got conflicting messages afterward about why Charlie was written out and about Acevedo's future with the cult-hit series. Here's the complete story of who Charlie Francis was and why he only lasted three of Fringe's five seasons.

Related: When Did Mulder and Scully Fall in Love?...

After five seasons and 100 episodes, it was time for the hit sci-fi series Fringe to throw in the towel in 2013. Created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, Fringe premiered on Fox in 2008 and followed Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) and his father Walter Bishop (John Noble) as they investigated paranormal and unexplained occurrences such as parallel worlds, time travel, precognition, and human experimentation.

Fringe initially received lukewarm reviews, not getting the same praise from critics as the early years of The X-Files, but the show took risks with its storytelling and tone that ultimately paid off. The show explored alternate dimensions and timelines before other cult hits like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. made that par for the course. The idea allowed Fringe to develop into something new every season, and while most episodes contained standalone plots, they still connected to the show's carefully crafted mythology. That mythology came...

With its richly layered universe of strange phenomena, parallel universes, and dynamic characters, Fringe is primed for a revival or reboot that could rekindle the imagination of its devoted fans, and it already has the perfect year for one. The recent success of multiverse-based franchises like Marvel's What If...? is proof that audiences crave complex storytelling with intricate plots and parallel universes. This is where Fringe's well-established multiverse mythology could come in handy, making it an ideal candidate for a revival or reboot. 2026 could be a perfect year for a revival, considering it’s the year Peter’s consciousness flashed forward to when he entered the doomsday machine.

The five-season TV show Fringe left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, sparking imaginations with its multiverse of possibilities and unforgettable characters, Walter Bishop, Olivia Dunham, and Peter Bishop. The echoes of fans' pleas for a Fringe resurgence have reverberated through time and space,...

Walter's character in Fringe adds a unique sitcom element to the show, which is known for its dark and dystopian themes. His funny moments not only provide a needed comedic element to Fringe but also serve to highlight Walter's unique perspective on the world. Having spent years in a mental institution, Walter's perspective on life vastly differs from the other characters in the show. He has a childlike sense of wonder that he finds in even the most mundane things. This adds depth and complexity to his character, making him an endearing and entertaining character to watch throughout the series.

Walter's Fringe character is so beloved because he is portrayed with such nuance and complexity. Despite his quirks and odd behavior, he is never reduced to a one-dimensional caricature. He is a fully realized character with a rich history, flaws, and redeeming qualities. It is this depth that makes him so relatable and engaging,...