Its been nearly 30 years since The X Files was released a show which clearly influenced modern culture television and even politics.
There are some shows that can be considered game-changers in the history of television. Seinfeld changed the sitcom genre forever, Twin Peaks changed television as an artistic medium, and The Sopranos redefined morally gray antihero protagonists. There are some series, however, that don't generally get the recognition they deserve for creating new ways of telling a story. The 90s sci-fi sensation The X-Files is one of them.
On September 10th of 1993 the world discovered an interesting duo that was impossible not to love: Scully Gillian Anderson and Mulder David Duchovny. The two FBI agents are set to investigate the most bizarre cases all around the United States. Aliens demonic entities, and artificially intelligent computers are just some of the things they have to deal with even if they do not get the recognition they deserve inside the bureau.
The X Files changed a lot of things that were almost set in stone when telling a story on television and to this day remains remarkably modern. As Emily St. James wrote for Vox The X Files invented modern television. Here is how this investigative sci fi show changed the televisual format.
At the time that the show aired most other huge television programs had something in common they were workplace dramas. Some of the most popular ones were Law & Order and ER. However these shows focused on the environment they were set in and then on subjects that the audience was most likely facing. Yes The X Files tackles the particular workplace the characters are in and subjects that were current but there was definitely a focus shift on the show.
They highlighted conspiracy theories and supernatural and horror elements something pretty rare at the time on television embracing genre more than any other major show at the time. The monsters and the dangers they faced were extremely innovative. Also every episode had a distinguished tone thanks to their use of a variety of great directors and writers while still remaining true to the style of the show. The element of surprise was impressive and happened through the eleven seasons even if some choices were not the best ones.
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