The X-Files is an iconic sci-fi series that has become a touchstone in the history of television. The show premiered in September 1993 and was the brainchild of Chris Carter, starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. As the ratings and audience’s interest rose, the show grew to prominence and became a cult classic.
From supernatural beings to government conspiracies and paranormal phenomena, The X-Files has featured nearly everything and remained monumental for several years. Despite the show’s roaring success, most fans would be surprised to know that initially, people did not have faith in the show’s content.
The Premise & Early Skepticism Around The X-Files
Chris Carter’s conceptualizing of the show wasn’t a fluke. He was inspired by a survey that revealed an odd claim by 3.7 million Americans who believed they were abducted by aliens. Carter was fascinated by these statistics and was eager to explore these unknown and mind-bending elements in a creative fashion, which led him to blend science fiction, and mystery with horror.
At the heart of the series was the partnership between two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigated the most bizarre and unexplained cases, with methods that weren’t conventionally approved.
Both agents had their unique traits, but the most stark difference was in their beliefs, where Mulder was a believer in the supernatural, Scully was more inclined towards scientific skepticism.
The growing fan base opened the floodgates to positive reviews, yet The X-Files was met with significant doubts from the very beginning of the series. In 1993, during a TV preview, Entertainment Weekly labeled the show as a likely failure.
The magazine was unsure about the show’s durability because it happened to be a sci-fi series airing on a Friday night, plus the time slot seemed less favorable for The X-Files to succeed on television. However, this grim prediction almost came true when the first few episodes did not gain much traction.
The X-Files’ Unexpected Triumph & Impact
The initial challenges and negative predictions did not stop the show from building a loyal audience, as the viewers fell in love with the storytelling and complex characters. Soon The-X Files became a cultural phenomenon, widely appreciated for its innovative approach of combining multiple genres and tapping into the public consciousness.
Interestingly, even the main cast, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny were in two minds about the show’s success. In a 2013 interview, the former revealed that she only believed in The X-Files’ lasting impact after the third season. In the beginning, both actors were particularly focused on finding a steady source of income and employment, they weren’t expecting to be part of a groundbreaking hit.
Duchovny did not have much experience as an actor before he was cast. A few roles and some acting classes were all that he had under his belt, but working long hours and playing Fox Mulder, was a significant milestone. Many women in STEM have claimed that Anderson’s character served as an inspiration for them to opt for their respective fields. Such was the impact and legacy of the show.
Even today, the show stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. It had a rocky start, predictions of failure, and an odd theme. However, it successfully challenged the norms of television and proved that sometimes, even the most unlikely shows can become iconic.
