The X-Files 2016: five things you need to know about the classic sci-fi show’s new episodes on Channel 5

Agents Mulder and Scully are back for more alien-hunting as the Nineties hit series returns
Ben Travis8 February 2016

After years of waiting, it’s finally time for X-Files fans to grab those tin-foil hats and put their I WANT TO BELIEVE t-shirts back on.

The beloved show returns tonight with a brand new series airing on Channel 5, checking back in on FBI agents Mulder and Scully as they investigate paranormal phenomena.

Here are five things you need to know about the new series.

1) Half of the episodes are stand-alones

There are six new episodes of the show, and while three of those delve back into the show’s extensive (and slightly confusing) mythology around a government cover-up of an alien invasion, the others are stand-alone adventures. So, much like the old X-Files then.

2) They vary in quality

When critics first saw Episode 1 of the new series, there was a lot of concern that, well, it just isn’t as good as people might have wanted it to be.

Don't panic, though the consensus among fans seems to be that Episode 2 shows a dramatic improvement, so stick with it if it doesn’t quite click at first.

3) One classic element might be missing

Speaking a few months ago, Gillian Anderson dropped a bombshell about the new episodes, saying that – SPOILER ALERT – there would be no aliens in the series’ return.

However, with a trailer referring back to the alien conspiracy, it could be that she was bluffing. The truth it out there.

4) There could be more series

If The X-Files pulls in strong viewing figures (note: it debuted to over 16 million viewers in the US), there may be more new episodes in the works. While the actors seem less enthusiastic about full 20-ish episode series, the prospect of more mini-series seems highly plausible.

Best TV dramas 2016

1/29

5) You can catch up with the original series online

If you’re already feeling a bit lost and want to see what all the fuss is about in the first place, you might want to get up to speed with the original nine series. Amazon Prime members will be glad to know that the entire show is available to stream with their membership.

Channel 5, 9pm

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in