'Once Upon a Time' season 5 renewed: What to expect after season 4 finale episode

"Once Upon a Time" is nearing its season 4 finale, but already, ABC is confident in the show's performance that it has officially renewed the series for a fifth season. According to a report from TV Line, the announcement was made by series co-creator Adam Horowitz via Twitter.

Horowitz tweeted out the message, "Season 5 of #OnceUponATime is officially a go! Thank you all for your support! Excited to bring you more!" 

This makes "Once Upon a Time" the first scripted drama series to be officially renewed by ABC. The network has yet to announce the renewal or cancellation of its other shows, as well as their new schedules. The only other series that had any other news regarding its future is "Revenge," which ABC confirmed is ending with its season 4 finale. 

ABC has not yet given an official premiere date for season 5 of the fairy tale series, but fans speculate that it will start by the tail-end of September. Season 4 premiered on Sept. 28 while season 3 premiered on Sept. 29. Season 2 aired on Sept. 30 while season 1 premiered on Aug 28, the earliest that "Once Upon a Time" had aired on television. If the series is to follow the trend, then fans can expect the show to return on Sept. 27, which falls on a Sunday — that is, unless ABC decides to move the show to a new timeslot. 

"Once Upon a Time" is a series that interweaves the tales of numerous fairy tale characters such as Robin Hood, Elsa and Anna from Disney's "Frozen," the numerous witches from "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "The Little Mermaid," among others.  

The two-part season 4 finale will show several characters travel back to the Enchanted Forest and reveal what the Author is up to while in Gold's captivity. Titled "Operation Mongoose" parts 1 and 2, the concluding episode will air on May 10, potentially with a cliffhanger that will directly tie into the events of season 5. 

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