Fox’s Bones will be getting a final chapter. The network has renewed the long-running comedic procedural for a 12-episode farewell 12th season. Stars David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel have closed deals to return as the series’ leading duo of Booth and Brennan. Also set to come back as showrunners are Jonathan Collier and Michael Peterson, who took the reins of the show this season.

I hear the plan for a final season of Bones was put in motion in the first week of February when producing studio 20th Century Fox TV sent out offers to stars Boreanaz and Deschanel for a 12-episode 12th season. (Both actors’ current contracts are up at the end of Season 11). There was an almost immediate positive feedback from both actors, paving the way to a renewal. And after spending a couple of weeks buttoning up other aspects of the deal, the network is proceeding with the pickup, which will bring Bones‘ episode tally to 246 to rank as one of Fox’s longest-running series ever.

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“In times like these, marked by instability and doubt, it’s comforting to know the world can count on at least one dependable beacon of stability. Apparently, that beacon is Bones,” said creator and executive producer Hart Hanson. “It just shows what you can do with an amalgam of genius cast, amazing crew, cunning writers, stalwart studio, sweat, a tough economy, a mercurial network, determination, luck, magic, miracles and the most loyal audience in the world.”

At TCA last month, Fox chairman Dana Walden stressed that the network would not go forward with another season of Bones without Boreanaz and Deschanel and noted that the ongoing litigation by two Bones producers and its stars would have no impact on the renewal.

Walden and fellow Fox chairman Newman have deep ties to Bones, which they developed and produced while running 20th TV before also taking over the network a year and a half ago.

“Bones has been part of the fabric of our network and studio for over a decade, and during that time it has attracted one of the most devoted fan bases we’ve ever seen,” said Walden and Newman. “So it was extremely important to us and to Hart, the producers and the cast that we send the show off in a way that gives those loyal fans a meaningful and satisfying conclusion.”

Currently on hiatus , Bones returns for its Season 11 spring premiere on April 14, airing in the Thursday 8 PM slot.

“This is for the fans!,” Boreanaz said. “Thank you to everyone at Fox and of course Dana and Gary – for all your support. Thank you to Hart, Stephen, Ian, Michael and Jonathan. Also to the crew and cast for their countless support along the way! And I couldn’t have done it without you, Emily!”

Added Deschanel, “I am thrilled the show will have the ending it deserves for all of our amazing, loyal fans!.”

Bones hails from Far Field Productions and Josephson Entertainment in association with 20th TV. Creator Hanson executive produces with Barry Josephson, Stephen Nathan, Randy Zisk, as well as Collier & Peterson. Boreanaz and Deschanel are producers.

With a 12-episode final season, “we can give the show, characters and fans the end they so richly deserve,” Collier and Peterson said. “Also knowing there is a Season 12, we can now write the most rewarding Season 11 finale possible – one we hope will leave our fans excited for what’s to come in this final season of Bones.”