25 Greatest Sci-Fi TV Shows Of All Time
2. The X-Files
The X-Files is considered by many to be the definitive sci-fi show and it isn't hard to see why.
A series that adopted a format so similar to its many monster-of-the-week counterparts, what set it apart was how it walked the lines between science and science fiction so effortlessly, utilising the professions and outlooks of each of its protagonists to do so. Yes, it prided itself on its ability to thrill and entice, but the way in which the writers managed to blend all of that potentially supernatural stuff with the overarching threat of corrupt governments and conspiracy theories expertly made it hard to pinpoint what the core of the show was actually about.
A thoroughly compelling mystery that kept viewers on the edges of their seats throughout its initial nine-season run, two feature films and two-season revival, it thrived off the chemistry between leads David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson - who brought the unique dynamic between Special Agents Mulder and Scully to life with ease. And even though it struggled in later seasons on some of the overarching aspects, the unique sense of intrigue, mystery and suspense it managed to build ensures that it will always standout as a shining example of how to employ science fiction conventions to absolute perfection (all while innovating its own).
Yes, The X-Files really does make you a believer.