Marvel's Agents of SHIELD season 6 is definitely happening, but when will the ABC TV show release and what can fans expect to see when it does? Originally envisioned as a TV spinoff from the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, specifically The Avengers, Agents of SHIELD launched in 2013 on ABC. The series got off to a rocky start, but hit its stride late in season 1 and has continually be a fan-favorite ever since. Each season of Agents of SHIELD has tackled different topics from the Marvel Comics and/or MCU, exploring the mythology of the Inhumans, introducing Ghost Rider and even traveling to an alternate universe ruled by Hydra.

The Agents of SHIELD season 5 finale concluded a storyline in which the team had to prevent a superpowered Glenn Talbot, as the supervillain Graviton, from cracking the Earth apart. The story was loosely connected to the MCU's Avengers: Infinity War, but featured the team facing their own threat. However, the finale also saw the team make certain sacrifices. Fitz died, though there's a way for him to return (sort of), and Coulson left the team, resolving to live out the rest of his days in peace as his fatal injury from The Avengers slowly killed him once again. All of this leaves the door open for an even more interesting story in Agents of SHIELD season 6.

Related: Every Marvel Movie & TV Show Coming In 2019

After the Agents of SHIELD season 5 finale paved the way for a number of changes to the team, fans may be wondering what's next for Agents of SHIELD. ABC renewed Agents of SHIELD for season 6 shortly before season 5 concluded. Now, we break down everything fans need to know about what's to come from Agents of SHIELD season 6.

Last updated: March 12, 2019

Agents Of SHIELD Season 6 Release Date

The cast of Agents of SHIELD season 5

It was revealed last spring that Agents of SHIELD season 6 wouldn't release until mid-2019, instead of returning in Fall 2018. The move meant Agents of SHIELD season 6 would return after Avengers: Endgame hits theaters, likely so the show can avoid spoiling the film. It was later reported Agents of SHIELD season 6 would release in July, but a recent Valentine's Day promo for Agents of SHIELD season 6 confirmed the series will return this spring. Agents of SHIELD season 6 releases this May, though an exact date wasn't given. Luckily, some fans can check out the Agents of SHIELD season 6 premiere episode as early as March. ABC is debuting the Agents of SHIELD season 6 premiere at WonderCon 2019.

Agents Of SHIELD Season 6 Story

Agents of SHIELD Season 6 Clark Gregg

Based on what we know from the Agents of SHIELD season 5 finale, part of the Agents of SHIELD season 6 story will feature the team searching for Fitz. When the majority of the agents were transported to the future, Fitz was left behind. So he put himself into a cryo-freeze chamber and shot it into space to wait until a future time when he could reunite with his friends. Since the agents prevented the Earth shattering and their Fitz died, they now need to rescue Fitz from space. But with Coulson gone, Mack is the new SHIELD director and he'll be tasked with running the team.

Further, the Agents of SHIELD season 6 trailer revealed Clark Gregg will return as "not Phil Coulson," playing a mysterious character that he hinted will be key to the storyline this year. Fans have had all kinds of theories about Gregg's new character, positing he could be an LMD or Coulson from another dimension. Also based on Mack's voiceover in the trailer, it seems the team will be dealing with some alien invaders, though whether they have anything to do with Fitz or Coulson - of the new character played by Anthony Michael Hall - remains to be seen.

Agents Of SHIELD Season 7 Is Already Green-Lit

Ming Na Wen as Melinda May and Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson in Agents of Shield

ABC has already renewed Agents of SHIELD for season 7, and one of the stars teased the start of filming on season 7 in late February so we know it's already started production. Since Agents of SHIELD season 6 will air over the spring and summer, season 7 likely won't premiere until Winter 2020 at the earliest, though it may be delayed to the spring/summer again.

Fans were no doubt pleased by the early renewal for Agents of SHIELD season 7, but it may be an indication that the show is wrapping up. Perhaps ABC renewed the show so early so that the writers could plot out a satisfying ending. After all, Disney reportedly saved Agents of SHIELD from cancellation in 2017, stepping in on the show's behalf when the network wanted to cancel it for low viewership. Though it now seems ABC's confidence in Agents of SHIELD is restored, season 7 may be the last. For now, we'll have to wait and see what ABC and Disney decide.

Next: Every Loose Plot Thread Agents of SHIELD Has Left For Seasons 6 and 7

Agents of SHIELD season 6 premieres May 2019 on ABC.