To be honest, I stopped watching Fox’s drama Bones around mid-season three. Now sure why but it happened, but it did. However, that hasn’t stopped the show from becoming a powerhouse ratings-wise for Fox.

In fact, the network loves the show so much they’ve just renewed it for an eights season. That’s right, no drawn out negotiations or nail biting here, just an early renewal for a show lots of people still seem to love.

“Over the past seven seasons, Hart Hanson, Stephen Nathan and the incredible Bones cast and crew have redefined the traditional crime procedural with an irreverent and adventurous sensibility and I’m really happy to have this distinctive, fan-favorite on our schedule for another season,” Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said.

Well, there you have it. Look for Bones to return to Fox’s schedule next Monday with new episodes and then back in the Fall for a brand new season.

Bones seems to be a show that only gets better after it’s fifth season, while most other shows fall to the wayside in that time. This season alone has been so much of a milestone for everyone involved, and it’s only the beginning.

Fox has announced plans for the upcoming 100th episode, airing on April 8th, in which series star David Boreanez will direct the episode. Seeing as how we’ve got some time before April, tonight’s episode looks to be pretty enticing as well. From Fox:

When a human skeleton is discovered in the trenches of an old Civil War battleground, Brennan and Booth are called to the case. Despite the historical location, Brennan quickly identifies the bones as belonging to Dan Pinard, a present-day local dentist. While Booth investigates suspects, including the victim’s former boyfriend, Hodgins and lab intern Vincent Nigel-Murray work doggedly to clean the bones of a stubborn clay residue which is preventing the team from determining a cause of death. Meanwhile, Booth’s brother, Jared, returns from his travels with some surprising news.

Check out four new clips from tonight’s episode, “The Dentist And The Ditch”, and be sure to catch it tonight on Fox, 8PM Eastern/Pacific.