According to the Hollywood Reporter, Fox is moving forward with "Bones" by renewing the series for an 11th season but there is a catch: showrunner Stephen Nathan is stepping down to work on other projects for the network and is now being replaced by series executive producers John Collier and Michael Peterson.
Collier and Peterson have been working with the series since 2010 and 2011, respectively, rising quickly to the role of executive producers alongside Nathan, series creator Hart Hanson, and long-time producers Barry Josephson and Randy Zisk.
While not officially confirmed, fans have speculated that Nathan is stepping down from his post after the series hit an all-time low in ratings and viewership. According to a report from TVLine, one reason why "Bones" was renewed for season 11 was because despite low ratings, they were consistent, meaning there was an audience that could still grow.
The other reason is because 20th Century Fox Television was able to secure both Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz to return as the series' leads. Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, John Boyd and T.J. Thyne signed on to return afterwards.
Boreanaz's and Deschanel's contracts expired at the end of season 10 and for several weeks, the show's future seemed uncertain. According to Deschanel, she would only return if there was something left to tell instead of just "cashing" it in.
"I'm up for it, yeah," the actress stated six months prior, as reported by Cinema Blend at the time. "I feel like there's still more to tell... The network has to pick it up, for one. And people have expiring contracts. But under certain circumstances, I would definitely consider it."
The season 10 finale of "Bones"is scheduled to air this June 10 and the next season is expected to premiere come fall, accompanying other recently renewed shows on FOX such as "Gotham," "Sleepy Hollow," and "Empire."
