The X-Files (1993)

The landmark FBI paranormal procedural that made believers out of millions — and reminded us the truth is out there.

The X-Files - Series Information

  • Original Title: The X-Files
  • First Air Year: 1993
  • Last Air Year: 2018
  • Created by: Chris Carter
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Crime
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Number of Seasons: 11
  • Number of Episodes: 218
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 10, 1993 (United States - TV-14), September 10, 1993 (Canada - 14+), September 10, 1993 (United Kingdom - 18), September 10, 1993 (Germany - 16), September 10, 1993 (France - 16), September 10, 1993 (India - U), September 10, 1993 (New Zealand - 16), September 10, 1993 (Australia - MA 15+), September 10, 1993 (Brazil - 16), September 10, 1993 (Mexico - C), September 10, 1993 (Italy - T), September 10, 1993 (Spain - 16), September 10, 1993 (South Korea - 19)
  • Networks: FOX
  • Production Companies: Ten Thirteen Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
  • Production Countries: United States of America
  • Alternative Titles: پرونده‌های مجهول (IR), Arquivo X(1993) (BR), 엑스 파일 (KR), Expediente X (ES), X檔案 (HK), Los Expedientes Secretos X (MX), Ανεξερεύνητες Υποθέσεις (GR), X Files (FR)

The X-Files - Plot

The exploits of FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigate X-Files: marginalized, unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and the paranormal while Scully, a skeptic, is assigned to make scientific analyses of Mulder's discoveries that debunk Mulder's work and thus return him to mainstream cases.

The X-Files - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in the world of The X-Files:

The truth is out there.

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The X-Files - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Chris Carter

Main Cast

  • David Duchovny
  • Gillian Anderson
  • Mitch Pileggi
  • William B. Davis
  • Robert Patrick
  • Tom Braidwood
  • Bruce Harwood
  • Dean Haglund
  • Annabeth Gish
  • Nicholas Lea

Writers

  • Chris Carter
  • Frank Spotnitz
  • Jeffrey Bell
  • Vince Gilligan
  • John Shiban

Executive Producers

  • Glen Morgan
  • Chris Carter
  • Frank Spotnitz
  • Vince Gilligan

The X-Files - FAQs

Where can you stream The X-Files online?

The X-Files is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. Episodes can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for current options in your area.

Is The X-Files based on real FBI cases?

The X-Files is a fictional series, though creator Chris Carter drew inspiration from real-world paranormal folklore, UFO reports, and government conspiracy theories. The FBI does maintain unsolved case files, lending the show a grounded procedural feel, but the supernatural storylines are entirely invented.

Will The X-Files return for a Season 12?

As of 2025, The X-Files has not been officially renewed for a twelfth season. The series ended its eleventh season in 2018. Creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have discussed the possibility, but no formal announcement has been made by FOX.

Who are the main actors in The X-Files?

The X-Files stars David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully. Supporting cast includes Mitch Pileggi as Walter Skinner, William B. Davis as the Cigarette Smoking Man, Robert Patrick as John Doggett, and Annabeth Gish as Monica Reyes, among others.

How many seasons and episodes does The X-Files have?

The X-Files ran for 11 seasons and 218 episodes on FOX. The original run spanned Seasons 1 through 9 (1993–2002), followed by a revival with Season 10 (6 episodes) in 2016 and Season 11 (10 episodes) in 2018, concluding the series.

What is The X-Files about?

The X-Files follows FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder is a true believer in extraterrestrial life, while skeptic Scully applies scientific scrutiny. The series blends standalone monster-of-the-week episodes with a sprawling government conspiracy mythology.

Did The X-Files win any major awards?

Yes. The X-Files earned numerous accolades, including Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama Series and Best Actress for Gillian Anderson. It also received multiple Emmy nominations throughout its run and is widely credited with elevating science fiction television to prestige drama status during the 1990s.

What is the content rating for The X-Files?

The X-Files is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains moderate violence, frightening imagery, and mature thematic content including government conspiracies, alien abduction, and supernatural horror elements.

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