This Just In: Bones has legs!

Fox has renewed the long-running hit for an eighth season, the network announced on Thursday.

The news comes ahead of the show’s return to the schedule on Monday after nearly three months off the air.

“Over the past seven seasons, [series creator] Hart Hanson, [exec producer] Stephen Nathan and the incredible Bones cast and crew have redefined the traditional crime procedural with an irreverent and adventurous sensibility,” Fox president Kevin Reilly said in a statement. “I’m really happy to have this distinctive, fan-favorite on our schedule for another season.”

Earlier this month, Hanson hinted at PaleyFest ’12 that Fox was considering picking up the show for an eighth and ninth season. It’s not clear why they opted for a one-season renewal instead.

In a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Nathan said an eighth season would give the show a chance to tackle several storylines that were sidelined due to this year’s shortened episode count. “We weren’t able to give some of the other characters that we love – Hodgins and Cam – more extensive arcs,” he revealed. “We will be doing that if we get picked up.”

The renewal also ensures that Bones will breeze past the 150th episode milestone. Hmm… I wonder what special event producers have cooked up for that installment.

TVLine’s Renewal Scorecard has been updated to reflect today’s news.