Marvel’s small-screen heroes are about to reassemble – and no, we’re not referring to The Defenders.
Over at ABC, the Powers That Be handed out a 13-episode sixth season renewal for Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. yesterday, bringing an end to intense speculation regarding the future of the show – or lack thereof.
From what we understand, the network is yet to determine whether the next season will be its last, but what we can tell you for now is that S.H.I.E.L.D. will be off air for a little longer than we’re used to. Instead of premiering in the fall, ABC’s announced that season 6 won’t make its debut until summer 2019.
While that may be disappointing to some, it’s actually good news, as the reason for the move is to ensure the show sees better ratings. Which, if it does, the network may order up some additional episodes past the initial 13.
“What we’ve discovered is that we have a very loyal and passionate fan base for S.H.I.E.L.D. The show does incredibly well for us in delayed viewing,” ABC explained. “By putting it in the summer, we’re going to be able to ‘super-serve’ the fan base that loves that show and hopefully give it an opportunity to continue on longer than we would if it was [scheduled] in-season.”
Cast announcements for season 6 aren’t expected until a later date, but we can at least take solace in the fact that Clark Gregg’s super agent will be back in time for 2019’s Captain Marvel, given its 90s setting. He’s by no means the only MCU character poised for a big return, either, seeing as Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s standalone movie also features Lee Pace (Ronan the Accuser) and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) among its gigantic cast list.
Meanwhile, the series season 5 finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., aptly titled “The End,” airs Friday, May 18th at 9 p.m. ET.