According to 20th Century Fox, the truth is still out there. While at last week’s TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour, Fox Television CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman confirmed that Fox is having discussions about bringing back the beloved science fiction series, The X-Files.
Anyone not familiar with the series should know that The X-Files is a science fiction horror show that revolves around FBI Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). Their jobs are to investigate paranormal phenomena and unsolved cases. Mulder is a believer of the paranormal and unexplained while Scully fills the role of the skeptic, believing science and common sense explanations can explain anything. While The X-Files did have a series-spanning storyline, the majority of the seasons featured “monster-of-the-week” episodes, which were typically stand-alone and starred notable guest stars.
The show proved to be extremely popular and spanned nine seasons comprised of 202 episodes. The series also spawned two feature length films and reinvigorated audience interest in science fiction and horror on television.
Newman was the first to confirm the recent rumors of The X-Files possibly returning to the small screen.
“It’s true that we’ve had some conversations on X-Files. We’re hopeful of being able to bring that back at some point.”
Walden elaborated further, talking about how involved she and Newman were throughout the original series’ entire run, and hoping to work with the show’s creators and cast members again.
“Gary and I both worked through the entire run of the X-Files. It was a great experience, we’ve maintained great relationships with creator Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson, and David Duchovny. We’re very hopeful. It’s hard because they’re actors who are very busy. Chris has a lot going on. So it’s about finishing those conversations.”
Fox’s renewed interest in The X-Files might have stemmed from the network’s recent successes in genre programming. Both the 24 mini-series and Gotham were ratings juggernauts, capitalizing on the built in fanbases of the two. It’s not at all surprising that The X-Files is another show that Fox is interested in revisiting. It was one of the most popular shows of the 1990s, launching the careers of many actors and writers including, Carter, Anderson, Duchovny and Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad).
If Fox is making serious moves to bring the series back to television, it will need to attract the appropriate talent. Both Duchovny and Anderson have long maintained a love and appreciation of the show, with Anderson herself actively campaigning to bring The X-Files back for years. With Amazon’s recent cancellation of his newest series, The After, Carter might be interested in returning to the show that started his career. Plus, I’m sure Gilligan, Glen Morgan, Frank Spotnitz and James Wong, some of The X-Files’ best writers, wouldn’t mind being involved in crafting more paranormal adventures for Mulder and Scully.
There’s also the possibility that The X-Files could move on from the original Mulder and Scully storylines. Following a new team of investigators could be refreshing and help shed some of the baggage that the later seasons and films added to the series. I don’t think too many people would mind forgetting 2008’s The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
What do you think reader? Are you excited about the possibility of seeing new episodes of The X-Files? Are there any shows that you think should make a return to television? Let us know in the comments below!
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