<P> The Fosters is an American family drama television series created by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg which first premiered in the United States on June 3, 2013 on the Freeform (previously named ABC Family) television network . It follows the lives of the Foster family led by lesbian couple Stef and Lena, a cop and school vice principal, respectively, who raise one biological and four adopted children in San Diego, California . </P> <P> The first season of The Fosters received generally favorable reviews from critics and also garnered particular acclaim for its portrayal of LGBT themes . It also earned two GLAAD Media Awards and one Teen Choice Award . </P> <P> On January 3, 2018, Freeform announced that The Fosters was ending after five seasons . The series is set to conclude with a three - episode finale event to air summer 2018 . The finale will also act as an introduction to a spinoff - series starring Cierra Ramirez and Maia Mitchell . The show will start with a thirteen - episode first season and will be set a few years in the future and follow "Callie and Mariana, as they embark on the next phase of their young adult lives ." </P> <P> The series follows the lives of police officer Stef Adams Foster and her wife Lena Adams Foster, a school vice principal, and their multi-ethnic, blended family . Stef and Lena are the parents of Brandon Foster, who is Stef's biological son, and the twins, Jesus and Mariana, who were adopted as small children . At the outset of the series, the couple take in two foster children, Callie and Jude, whom they later adopt . Also, part of their lives is Mike Foster, Stef's patrol partner, ex-husband, and Brandon's father . </P>

How many seasons are there on the fosters