Bones has come a long way to make it to 12 seasons. Are we going to get another one anytime soon?
"Bones" took the television world by storm, earning acclaim from fans and critics alike during its remarkable 12-season run. As fans, we often become attached to the characters and their stories, and this show was no exception. We followed the journey of Dr. Temperance Brennan and her partner, FBI special agent Seeley Booth, as they unraveled intricate mysteries through the lens of forensic anthropology. But as the series reached its conclusion, the burning question remained: Would there be a lucky season 13?
Unfortunately, the verdict is in, and it's not what we were hoping for. FOX has officially pulled the curtain down on "Bones." After its twelfth and final season, the network has no intentions of resurrecting the show for a 13th season—at least not for now. The producers have remained tight-lipped about any plans for a continuation of the series. It's a somber moment for fans who've followed the show's evolution over the years.
Before the final episode of the popular TV series 'Bones' aired in March 2017, Executive Producer Michael Peterson was already contemplating the show's future. Season 12 marked the end of the road for the beloved Fox procedural series, and the creators had the time to carefully craft a fitting conclusion for the characters. However, even before the season 12 premiere, and several months before the series finale, Peterson hinted at the possibility of a 'Bones' reunion in an interview with TVLine, saying, "I absolutely am not considering this the end. I am in full-on denial. I’ve been working on the show for eight-and-a-half years. It is my family. I adore it here. I don't want to leave. And the idea of having some kind of reunion in a year or two… I would not rule it out."
Fast forward almost seven years, and there has been little concrete discussion about a 'Bones' revival or a potential season 13. Fox has not officially announced any plans for a reunion. Still, the fact that cast and crew continue to express interest in returning to the show suggests that the flame of revival still burns bright. Clearly, those who worked on 'Bones' cherished their time on the series, making them open to the idea of a reunion, be it a new season, a spin-off, a movie, or something else entirely.
Michaela Conlin, who portrayed Angela Montenegro for all 12 seasons of 'Bones,' has also expressed her willingness to reprise her role in a future project. In 2021, she mentioned during an interview with Collider, "Oh my gosh, I don't know, that's a really good question. Not that I've heard, but I feel like those things usually come together pretty quickly. I think scheduling would probably be the most difficult thing because everybody's off doing other things, but it would really be funny and fun to revisit that I'm sure. I talked to Emily yesterday, and Tamara and John Francis Daley and Michael Grant Terry, all those guys. We're all very in touch, so I'm sure it would just be a question of wrangling everybody together. But who knows? Anything can happen."
T.J. Thyne, known for playing Dr. Jack Hodgins, revealed that he pitched a 'Bones' spin-off after the series finale, although it didn't get the green light from Fox. His idea centered on Hodgins using his wealth to start his own lab with the former "squinterns," offering the potential for diverse and exciting storylines. While the spin-off idea didn't pan out, Thyne's openness to returning for a 'Bones' reunion is evident, indicating his enthusiasm for the possibility.
The star of 'Bones,' Emily Deschanel, who portrayed Dr. Temperance Brennan, stated that she's open to the idea of a revival during an interview with TVLinein 2022. Deschanel's openness to the idea is pivotal, as her character's name is the show's title. She expressed, "You know, I think it's always possible...I'd be open, I don't know." However, her co-star, David Boreanaz, initially seemed less enthusiastic about returning but later hinted at the potential for a 'Bones' reunion, particularly focusing on the chemistry between his character, Seeley Booth, and Brennan.
Creator Hart Hanson, who played a crucial role in shaping 'Bones,' has shown eagerness to return to the series, stating in an interview with Variety that conversations about a potential reunion are ongoing. He mentioned that everyone involved keeps in touch and occasionally discusses the possibility of revisiting the show. However, Hanson emphasized that a revival would depend on both Deschanel and Boreanaz, underlining the importance of their involvement.
"We are in contact with each other. Everybody on Bones is in contact with each other. At separate times, it's like, 'What are you doing? What's the availability?' It's complicated now because Fox broadcast Bones, but Disney now bought 20th, so they own [the show]. It would take a million agents and lawyers to figure out who owns what and what platform it would show on. But we do keep talking. And every once in a while, we are all nostalgic enough to think, 'Maybe we should do it again.' Who knows? Maybe this will bump-start us. I could see it. I could see it. Of course, it all depends on David and Emily. Without both of them, no. We have heard that they would not not be game, which is a step. The actors are going to say the truth, which is it depends on what it is, the scripts, what it looks like, if it feels right. They're not going to do something just because it's us."
Reflecting on the legacy of "Bones," it's impossible to deny its impact. From its debut on September 13, 2005, "Bones" gathered a dedicated following. More than 10.8 million viewers tuned in for the premiere episode, with a significant portion falling into the coveted 18 to 49 age bracket. It made its mark in prime-time television, ranking 60th among other programs. However, despite the show's undeniable success, the challenge lies in creating a series as captivating as this one. As we navigate the uncertainty surrounding the future of "Bones," let's remain hopeful for what lies ahead.