[3] The series' narrative evolves and it later centers on a parallel universe and then on the mysterious Observers – a group of expressionless, pale, bald men in suits who have appeared throughout documented human history at significant historical events.
[5][6] They took inspiration from multiple sources including the works of Michael Crichton and David Cronenberg, the film Altered States, and the television series The X-Files and The Twilight Zone.
[15] Explored themes in Fringe include free will, the potential benefits and risks of emerging technologies, the nature of time, and the differences that separate faith and reason.
[23] Fringe's ratings started strongly with a weekly episode average of 8.8 million, achieving first place in the 18–49 adult demographic among the 2008–09 television season's new shows.
[15][25] Entertainment Weekly conjectures that despite its ratings decline, Fringe survived for five seasons in part because of Fox executive Kevin Reilly's love of the series, and also due to the network's desire to make amends for the science fiction shows it had previously canceled.