FOX digs a ninth season of 'Bones'

There are always going to be more skeletons in our closets, more dirty little secrets that we'd hope stay buried... sometimes in the literal sense. That is why the smash hit FOX series 'Bones' hasn't even begun to run dry of story ideas, despite currently airing its eighth season. And there are plenty more episodes to come, as earlier today FOX officially renewed 'Bones' for a whopping ninth season, to debut fall 2013.

Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment for the FOX Broadcasting Company, stated that "After more than 150 episodes, 'Bones' continues to be one of television’s most dynamic and consistent dramas." The ratings for 'Bones' have remained consistently high, making this a no-brainer decision for FOX execs, not to mention showing just how loyal of a fanbase the series has. "We at FOX," Reilly continued, "along with millions of zealous fans, look forward to seeing where the incredible creative team takes the series next season."

'Bones' centers on an alliance between Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Temperence "Bones" Brennan (played by Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (played by David Boreanez). Aside from both having ridiculous first names, Brennan and Booth investigate federal cases involving the analysis of human remains.

Nine seasons is a stellar accomplishment for any show but it is even more impressive a feat for a primetime series. As of season nine of 'Bones,' Boreanez will have officially played Special Agent Booth for a longer stretch of time than he played Angel on both 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Angel' over an eight-year span. Boreanez' Booth has now surpassed the character that first made Boreanez famous, when it comes to longevity.

'Bones' returns with a special two-hour Winter Premiere Monday, Jan. 14 at 8:00pm EST.