The X-Files
The X-Files is a very popular 1990's television science fiction series appearing on FOX and later in syndication. First aired in 1993, its ground-breaking success was due mostly to its stars, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. David and Gillian star as a pair of FBI agents, Mulder and Scully, who were tasked with investigating weird and paranormal phenomena. With plot lines spanning alien conspiracy theories and high-level governmental cover-up, the show fit nicely within the episodic mainstream science fiction of shows such as The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone and the cult show Twin Peaks (which also featured Duchovny). The series became a surprise run-away success, with a hardcore cult following (fans are known as "X-Philes") as devout as Star Trek's.
The series spawned the catch-phrases "Trust No One" and "The Truth Is Out There," and fosters a huge fan-based following to this day. No matter what the ultimate fate of the show, I feel this will always be the case as it is a legend in its own time.
In 1998 the series produced a major motion picture, "X-Files: Fight The Future" which attained considerable critical and box office success, both for non-fans and X-Philes.
Over the course of the next few years, the show would undergo several changes both by way of character growth and plot direction. One of the central mythologies of the show, Mulder's search for his sister, would finally be resolved, as well as a few turns of events involving the ever-deepening bond between Mulder and Scully and the dynamic between the two characters. Whether they "should" or "shouldn't" consummate their relationship was the subject of great debate among the fan community for years, and is still subject to scrutiny despite the now-apparent resolution of this question. Even now there remains a thriving online community devoted to debating "The X-Files," its myths and monsters.
The show is currently in its 9th Season. While David Duchovny did not wish to return (his involvement was limited in Season 8), Gillian Anderson still holds a starring role, though has expressed disinterest in doing futher seasons. As a result, several supplementary characters have been introduced, played by Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish.
When and how the show will end is uncertain, but it seems likely that the involvement of the original stars is not yet over. Both Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have expressed interest in doing the sequel to 'Fight The Future', probably to premiere in the Fall of 2003.
Outside Links:
The X-Files Official Site: http://www.thexfiles.com