Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brilliant sci-fi drama for brave teens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The X-Files
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say that the show is widely appreciated for its intriguing storytelling and blend of fear and humor, with some episodes receiving higher acclaim for their chilling content. However, there are concerns over its intense themes, making it more suitable for older children or teens, as several reviewers mention the show's potential for fear and violent imagery.
- love for storytelling
- intense themes
- suitable for older kids
- some episodes too scary
- mixed reviews on suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 68 kid reviews
Kids say this sci-fi series is a captivating blend of supernatural mystery and compelling characters, centered on FBI agents investigating paranormal events. While many viewers appreciate the show's thrilling plots and character development, several caution that some episodes contain graphic violence, disturbing themes, and mild sexual content, making it more suitable for mature audiences, typically 12 and older.
- mature content
- graphic violence
- thrilling plots
- character development
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE X-FILES features Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as FBI agents charged with investigating cases that involve the paranormal. Along with dark, often-scary episodes about specific creatures or unexplained events, the show revolves around a mythology of government conspiracies and cover-ups related to extraterrestrials. Mulder is deeply suspicious of the government and believes fervently in the existence of extraterrestrials, due to the fact that he remembers his sister being abducted by aliens when he was a child. Scully, a trained medical doctor, starts out as a skeptic assigned to the X-Files to debunk Mulder's unpopular theories, but she eventually comes to believe in the paranormal.
Is It Any Good?
Both creepy and intriguing, this series was hugely popular during its nine-year run on Fox in the 1990s and early 2000s (at the time of review it airs in syndication and is available on DVD). Teens who like sci-fi or horror will enjoy The X-Files for its complexity and rich character development. Parents may want to preview episodes for appropriateness for younger or more sensitive teens, since some shows are scarier than others. Viewers jumping into the middle of a season may be confused by the episodes dealing with detailed backstories.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mulder and Scully's partnership on The X-Files. Why do they make such a good team? What does each bring to their relationship?
Families can also discuss their beliefs about aliens. Is there life on other planets? If so, what form do you think it might take? Have humans already had contact with alien beings? Are aliens to be feared or sought out? What types of paranormal or spiritual situations do your family members believe in (such as ESP, psychics, or faith healing)?
How do the characters on The X-Files demonstrate curiosity, communication, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 10, 1993
- Cast : David Duchovny , Gillian Anderson
- Networks : Syfy , TNT
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 5, 2026
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