Mark your calendars as Fox has announced the air date for the final episode of the highly underrated sci-fi series ‘Fringe.’ It looks like the New Year will be starting off with a bang and an ending on January 18, 2013.

Originally the final episode was thought to be airing in February as showrunner J.H. Wyman’s tweet had us to believe. But along with the official air date, it was also announcedthat the series would air the conclusion as a two hour finale that will also celebrate the show’s 100th episode.

For the past 5 years, ‘Fringe’ has been following the exploits of Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) who has enlisted institutionalized “fringe” scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his son, Peter (Joshua Jackson)to help investigate mysterious occurrences involving parallel universes, doppelgangers, and, of course, the all-mighty Observers. In this final season, the team is set to make a stand against the enemy of Observers who have made humanity subservient to them.

Showrunner J.H. Wyman commented on the announcement of the final air date saying:

“Above all else, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to personally thank everyone involved with ‘Fringe.’ From the most amazing fans, to our incredible cast, writers and crew, and our wonderful partners at Fox and Warner Bros. – we would not be here without you. It simply cannot be overstated how grateful I am for the ongoing and unconditional support we have received over the past five seasons. It has been both mind-blowing and humbling. I’ve always been a fan of science fiction, and to be able to tell this story about a family – a family that, through everything, fought together for survival – has been a highlight of my career. As we approach the final chapter, I can hardly believe it, and I’m just truly thankful for this unparalleled experience.”

“It has been an absolute honor to have been a part of the weird and wonderful world of ‘Fringe,’ added series co-creator and executive producer J.J. Abrams in a statement. “I will always owe the cast and crew for pouring their hearts and souls into every dimension of this series. Creating the show with Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman was a joy, but watching it evolve over the years into such an imaginative, insane and heartbreaking ride is nothing less than a thrill. I am grateful to our blessed fans and to Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice and everyone at the glorious Fox network for allowing ‘Fringe’ to reach its bittersweet conclusion.”

While many are wondering how the series will tie up the storylines of the show, Anna Torv has recently commented that she thinks the fans will be satisfied with the ending. “In film, you can have sad endings – like, ‘Oh well, it could’ve been,’ she says, “ but with television you put so much time into these people that when you do finally say goodbye, you should be satisfied.”

There are 8 more episodes to go before the show ends for good. But considering the remarkable following it has had over the years, don’t be surprised if ‘Fringe’ begins to pop up in syndication on cable networks.

‘Fringe’ airs on Fridays at 9PM on Fox. And if you miss any of the episodes, make sure you catch up with our recaps each week!