'Fringe' gets full season pickup

Fox has given the go-ahead to a full season of JJ Abrams' sci-fi drama Fringe.

The series, which has drawn comparisons with The X-Files, had a shaky premiere last month but has since ascended in the ratings. Four weeks in, it has averaged 10.7 million viewers in its Tuesday 9pm timeslot.

"The series has taken off creatively, and it's exciting to see that the audience is responding," said Kevin Reilly, entertainment president at Fox.

Exec producer Abrams added: "As with many new series, Fringe is just starting to find its groove. Knowing we'll be around beyond the first thirteen episodes means we'll get to realise the full potential of the show, and for that we are extremely grateful."

Fringe starts in the UK on Sky1 this Sunday.