The X-Files Returns To TV For New Series

It's official - The X-Files, the 90s phenomenon that ran for nine seasons, that helped launch the careers of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, and made common phrases like "Trust no one" and "The truth is out there" is returning to television. Fox are bringing back the saga after 13 years away from the small screen in a new six episode event series, to be helmed by creator/executive producer Chris Carter. Anderson and Duchovny will reprise their roles as FBI agents Mulder and Scully. The show, which reinvigorated the paranormal/sci-fi genre and spawned countless clones, was last seen on-screen with 2008's feature film The X-Files: I Want To Believe, though numerous comic book outings have been released via IDW in recent years. Few, however, anticipated a return to the small screen - however, the popularity of bringing back older, successful franchises (Arrested Development on Netflix, Showtime's revival of Twin Peaks, and FOX previously bringing back 24) seems to be in full swing, and with an unresolved alien invasion storyline, The X-Files was a logical choice. According to a press release from FOX;

Thirteen years after the original series run, FOX has ordered the next mind-bending chapter of THE X-FILES, a thrilling, six-episode event series which will be helmed by creator/executive producer Chris Carter with stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson re-inhabiting their roles as iconic FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. This marks the momentous return of the Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning pop culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history.

The release goes on to quote series creator Chris Carter;

€œI think of it as a 13-year commercial break,€ said Carter. €œThe good news is the world has only gotten that much stranger, a perfect time to tell these six stories.€

Take note of the last comment. Carter specifically refers to there being "six stories" which may mean fans see some standalone episodes, however, it has been strongly hinted that the opportunity will be used to wrap up the outstanding alien colonization/invasion plotline from the original series, and other odds and ends that have been left unresolved over the years. Make no mistake, however, if successful, this will likely lead to further seasons, short or otherwise. The six episode order was selected in order to bring Anderson and Duchovny back into the fold. Anderson in particular is pulling triple duty here, as she also has The Fall and Hannibal on her plate. Expect other series notables to return as well, particularly Mitch Pileggi, who portrayed FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner across the bulk of the series' run.