One of, if not the greatest, sci-fi TV shows of all time is heading to free streaming to help truth seekers ring in the new year with government conspiracies, alien abductions, and black oil. First hitting the airwaves in 1993, this show undoubtedly became one of the biggest cultural phenomenons of the 90s, and inspired a generation of not only fans, but filmmakers. Known for its bonkers storylines and incredible chemistry between the two main stars, all 11 seasons of this amazing series are headed to Pluto TV on Jan. 1, 2026. If you haven’t guessed by now, we’re talking about The X-Files, the sci-fi drama created by Chris Carter that starred David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Premiering on Sept. 10, 1993, The X-Files wasn’t exactly what you’d call an instant hit, but rather grew to become the juggernaut it did through word of mouth and critical praise as each season progressed. The burgeoning internet helped as well, as people flocked to message boards like alt.tv.x-files to discuss the series in great detail, trying to uncover its vast conspiracies. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pluto TV will offer all 11 seasons of The X-Files for free on-demand, as well as on a dedicated linear channel that will stream the sci-fi hit 24/7. It joins other such great sci-fi shows with their own channels like Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, Stargate, and Doctor Who. The festivities will kick off with a complete broadcast of all seasons in order, followed by curated marathons each weekend. Currently, The X-Files is only available to stream on Hulu, so this is great news for fans who don’t have a subscription but want to watch one of their favorite shows from the beginning. In case you’ve been living under a rock the past 30 years, the synopsis for the series reads:
“In one of the longest-running science fiction series in network TV history, FBI special agents investigate unexplained, mind-bending cases known as ‘X-Files.’ Though the government is convinced that the outlandish reports are false, conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and realist Dana Scully (Anderson), for most of the series, stop at nothing to prove that ‘the truth is out there.’ Series creator Chris Carter also serves as executive producer of the thrilling pop-culture phenomenon.”

‘The X-Files’ Is Being Rebooted by Ryan Coogler

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in The X-FilesFox

Like many popular shows from the 90s that fill us with that warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia, The X-Files is getting a reboot from Black Panther and Sinners director, Ryan Coogler. Details are scarce on the project right now, but we do know that, like the original series, it will feature monster-of-the-week episodes and an overarching mythology fans can get lost in. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the acclaimed director told host Josh Horowitz:
“It wouldn’t be X-Files if we didn’t do both. We intend on having both monsters-of-the-week and the overarching conspiracy, grappling with that. But that’s what I’m doing now, Black Panther [3] comes after that.”
Whether any of the original stars appear in the reboot remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Duchovny or Anderson join in on the fun for a brief cameo or two. As we await more news on that, be sure to check out the original run of The X-Files when it comes to Pluto TV on Jan. 1, 2026.

Release Date

1993 – 2018-00-00

Network

FOX

Directors

Rob Bowman, David Nutter, R. W. Goodwin, Michael W. Watkins, Tony Wharmby, Daniel Sackheim, Michael Lange, Cliff Bole, David Duchovny, Jim Charleston, James Wong, Peter Markle, Rod Hardy, Thomas J. Wright, William A. Graham, Jerrold Freedman, Joe Napolitano, Kevin Hooks, Larry Shaw, Richard Compton, Tucker Gates, Allen Coulter, Barry K. Thomas, Brett Dowler

Writers

jeffrey bell, Frank Spotnitz, Howard Gordon, David Amann, Darin Morgan, Steven Maeda, Greg Walker, Chris Ruppenthal, Kim Newton, Paul Brown, Sara B. Cooper, Thomas Schnauz, Tim Minear, William Gibson, Jeff Vlaming, Charles Grant Craig, Chip Johannessen, Chris Brancato, Daniel Arkin, Gillian Anderson, Jessica Scott, Jim Guttridge, Kenneth Biller, Larry Barber