When FOX president Kevin Reilly spoke to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour this Sunday, he devoted some very positive time to Bones. Reilly confirmed that the current Bones season 7 order stands at 17 episodes. However, since the reduced order was only due to star Emily Deschanel's maternity leave, that number is subject to change.

What could that mean? One possibility is, in fact, a full season. "We ordered as many [episodes] as they could produce with Emily," explained Kevin Reilly. "If they can produce 22 when she comes back, that's what they'll make." Reilly then confirmed that 22 episodes was a distinct possibility.

In any case, there will be plenty of Bones this spring. Even with the show going on hiatus, Bones has returned to production on the initial 7 remaining episodes of season 7. FOX has already ordered an additional four episodes of the series (bringing the season total to 17), planned to air at some point in later in 2012. If even more episodes are made, we can probably expect them in the summer.

Bones creator Hart Hanson expressed a great deal of confidence in his series' future as well. He indicated to reporters, via Skype, that he expected a Bones season 8 to be in our future. Describing the show as "reinvigorated" by the Booth-Brennan relationship and upcoming baby, Hanson promised many more Bones stories to come.

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Bones will air one episode, "The Crack in the Code," this Thursday, January 12 at 8pm, before going on hiatus until later in the spring.

Are you surprised that Bones is so certain of a future at this point? How do you feel about the series, now that Booth and Brennan are together? Leave your comments below!

(Image courtesy of FOX)