The Legacy of The X-Files

The X-Files (Fox, 1993-2002; 2016-2018), an American television show following the paranormal investigations of two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, became a cultural touchstone of the 1990s, transforming from a cult TV show into a pop cultural phenomenon by the end of the decade. The series’ themes and stories of mistrust of the government, conspiracy, folklore, UFOlogy, faith, and spirituality resonated with post-Cold War Western society: X-Files ‘mythology’ became a defining narrative arc that has influenced many television shows since. The relationship between principal protagonists, Mulder and Scully, became a source of fascination for fans (so-called ‘shippers’ that longed to see a sexual relationship develop between the characters) and the press alike (poring over offscreen rumours about lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson). The show’s prominence converged with early widespread use of the Internet, inspiring a proliferation of fan sites, while the show itself featured telecommunication enthusiasts, not least the underground hackers, The Lone Gunmen. Many of the show’s slogans have entered the contemporary lexicon, from ‘trust no one’ to ‘I want to believe’. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The X-Files in 2023, this companion examines the content and production of the show, its reception, its use of legend and folklore, its contemporary resonance in politics and society of the twenty-first century, and its impact and legacy on film, television, the Internet and beyond. The companion serves as an all-encompassing, multi-disciplinary, contemporary account of The X-Files, reflecting upon critical, historical, political, and social contexts, and featuring an in-depth and comprehensive introduction making it a vital work for researchers and students alike.