Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
The truth (and some scary stuff) is still out there.
Parents Need to Know
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The X-Files (2016)
What's the Story?
Some 13 years after the original series ended, polar-opposite partners Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) are reopening THE X-FILES, examining new evidence that suggests an even wider-reaching government conspiracy than they once thought possible. This six-episode miniseries brings back some familiar faces (including Skinner and the infamous "Smoking Man") but also introduces new characters, so it's more of a continuation than a reboot.
Is It Any Good?
Die-hard fans have been waiting a long time for The X-Files to return to television. And they'll be satisfied -- if not pleased -- with the results of this intriguing six-episode "event." Mulder and Scully are older and wiser, not necessarily different but certainly changed by what they've seen, and the presence of some other familiar faces makes the show's decade-plus absence feel more, as creator Chris Carter has described, like "a 13-year commercial break."
In other words, if you loved it then, you'll love it now. And though newcomers to the series might have a tough time jumping in with no backstory, there's enough recap (maybe too much for fans) that a willing viewer wouldn't be entirely lost. This is a franchise known for scariness and dark themes, so parents should consider whether their teens can handle the intensity. And though it makes sense to bring some new characters into the mix, none of them stands out as much as the original crew (the usually charming Joel McHale falls short as a conspiracy-obsessed talk show host). Beyond the mysteries and questions, one of the greatest things about The X-Files is the relationship between Mulder and Scully (who work as true partners in every sense of the word), so it's a pleasure to see them back together -- even if it's only for a little while.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The X-Files (2016) relates to the original X-Files series and why it took over a decade to get the show back on the air. Why bring it back, and why create a six-episode "event" rather than a full season of episodes? Does the event series do anything differently in terms of its plot, pacing, and characters?
How do Scully and Mulder measure up as role models? What are their strengths and weaknesses, and how well do they work as a team?
What position does The X-Files (2016) take on the U.S. government and our ability to trust those in charge? How much of what we're told is fact, and how much is fiction? Why might the government try to shield the general public from the truth, and is it ethical to do so?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 24, 2016
- Cast : Gillian Anderson , David Duchovny , Mitch Pileggi
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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