Thirty-three years after its debut, The X-Files remains one of the most influential sci-fi series ever created. Now, with a highly anticipated reboot from Ryan Coogler in development, the show is experiencing a remarkable digital streaming resurgence. In May 2026, the series has climbed to the top of U.S. VOD charts, particularly on the Apple TV store, as fans old and new revisit the iconic adventures of FBI agents Mulder and Scully.
Created by Emmy nominee Chris Carter, The X-Files originally aired on Fox from September 10, 1993, to May 19, 2002, spanning nine seasons and 202 episodes. It was later revived for two additional seasons from 2016 to 2018. At the time of its original conclusion, it held the record as the longest-running sci-fi series in American television history. The franchise also includes spin-offs like Millennium and The Lone Gunmen, as well as two feature films: the 1998 The X-Files and the 2008 standalone The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
The show's premise—unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena—continues to captivate audiences. Starring David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, the series set a standard for serialized mystery and conspiracy storytelling that influenced countless shows that followed. Its cultural impact is undeniable, and the upcoming reboot is only fueling renewed interest.
Ryan Coogler, fresh off his Oscar-winning film Sinners, confirmed early last year that the X-Files reboot would be his next project. By October, he had begun work, and in February 2026, Hulu ordered a pilot. The new series stars Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel as FBI agents who "form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena." Jennifer Yale will serve as showrunner, with Chris Carter as executive producer. Announced guest stars include Amy Madigan, Steve Buscemi, Ben Foster, Devery Jacobs, Lochlyn Munro, Tantoo Cardinal, and Joel Montgrand.
This streaming surge is reminiscent of other recent revivals. For instance, Morena Baccarin and Anthony Mackie's sci-fi thriller 'Elevation' found streaming success on HBO Max in May 2026, showing that audiences are hungry for compelling genre content. Similarly, Jordan Peele's lowest-rated film 'HIM' found streaming redemption on HBO Max, proving that streaming platforms can breathe new life into titles.
The X-Files reboot has no premiere date yet, but the excitement is palpable. As fans eagerly await more details, the original series continues to dominate digital charts, proving that the truth is still out there—and it's streaming.
