January 3, 2018

It is being reported that The Fosters will be coming to an end after its current fifth season - but not before a newly-ordered special three-part finale event that will air this summer.

The news comes as the Freeform drama approaches the 100-episode mark - a milestone that reflects an impressive run that saw it rank as one of the network's most-watched series over its duration. Premiering back in 2013, when Freeform was known as ABC Family, the show quickly became a hit with viewers, who were drawn to its storyline of an interracial lesbian couple raising a mix of biological and foster kids.

And while the show is coming to a close, fans will be pleased to learn that the stories of at least two of its characters will continue in an upcoming spin-off series. Freeform has ordered 13 episodes for an untitled drama that will follow the lives of Callie and Mariana several years into the future. This summer's three-episode Fosters finale will reportedly lay the groundwork for this new spin-off.

For now, the back half of The Fosters' fifth and final season is slated to premiere on January 9. Look for the two-hour Season 5 finale this spring, followed by the special three-part finale event this summer.