10 Classic The X-Files Episodes Hulu’s Reboot Should Remake

The X-Files is a truly legendary sci-fi show, and remarkably, it still holds up today despite being a product of the 90s. The dynamic between the believer and the skeptic was brilliant, and casting Dana Scully as the more science-focused character was a clever move. The new reboot coming to Hulu needs to find a balance between appealing to new viewers and respecting the original, but many of the old episodes could easily be refreshed for a modern audience.

The X-Files had a huge impact on television, changing it in two key ways. It blended science fiction with the structure of a police procedural, appealing to viewers who weren’t necessarily fans of either genre on its own. The show also popularized the ‘monster of the week’ format, making episodes easy to watch in any order and allowing new viewers to jump in at any point. Many of these standalone episodes are now iconic, and even the more complex storylines could be reimagined for a modern audience, proving that The X-Files continues to inspire creativity.

The Host

Season 2, Episode 2

The Fluke Man is one of the most memorable monsters ever featured on television, which is remarkable considering how much better special effects have become since the 1990s. This creature, a mix of human and parasitic worm, lived in the sewers of New Jersey and would come out to attack people. It was so popular with fans that it even appeared later in an X-Files comic book.

Stories about strange creatures living in city sewers, like white alligators, have been around for years, making a plot like the one in “The Host” still feel current. Instead of just bringing back the Fluke Man, the new X-Files series on Hulu could introduce a fresh monster – one that’s either related to or entirely different from the original – while still including nods and hidden references to “The Host” for fans to enjoy.

Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose

Season 3, Episode 4

Several episodes of The X-Files were surprisingly touching, and “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” is a prime example. The episode centers around Mulder and Scully investigating a series of murders targeting fortune-tellers. They encounter Clyde Bruckman, a man with the unsettling ability to predict the deaths of others. This leads to an awkward moment with Mulder, but also features a memorable exchange: when Scully asks how she will die, Clyde simply tells her, “You don’t.”

This X-Files episode is still considered a classic because its story about a man struggling against destiny is universally relatable. Peter Boyle’s Emmy-winning performance as Clyde Bruckman was exceptional, so if the show were to revisit this story, the next actor would need to be cast very carefully. Rather than simply recreating the episode, a new version should aim to be equally compelling – it’s hard to improve upon perfection, but a fresh take could be just as good.

Pilot

Season 1, Episode 1

With Hulu’s revival of The X-Files featuring a fresh duo of investigators, the show will likely need an introductory episode to help viewers meet them. It’s unclear if this first episode will be a remake of the original X-Files pilot, or something entirely new.

When The X-Files seasons were released
Season	Episodes	Year
1	24	1993
2	25	1994
3	24	1995
4	24	1996
5	20	1997
6	22	1998
7	22	1999
8	21	2000
9	20	2001
10	6	2016
11	10	2018

The first episode was a fantastic start. It skillfully introduced the characters of Mulder and Scully, showing us how others see them, and presented a truly unsettling case. It also proved Mulder’s distrust of the government was justified. The final scene, revealing a strange government storage facility, didn’t end with a traditional cliffhanger, but it definitely left viewers wanting more.

Paper Hearts

Season 4, Episode 10

The episode “Paper Hearts” was innovative for its time, successfully featuring a self-contained true crime storyline. It connects to the show’s larger mystery surrounding the disappearance of Mulder’s sister, as he revisits an old serial killer case that could be related. This creates tension between Mulder and Scully, with Scully relying on evidence-based reasoning and Mulder following his instincts.

As a longtime fan, there’s one X-Files episode, “Paper Hearts,” that’s always stuck with me. Back when it originally aired, the story dealt with some truly disturbing stuff, but network standards meant they couldn’t show us the full extent of the violence. It felt…muted. Now, with streaming services like Hulu having so much more freedom, I think revisiting that episode could be brilliant. Imagine blending the gritty realism of true crime with the classic X-Files sci-fi vibe. They could really lean into the darkness and create something truly unforgettable – an episode that could easily become one of the highlights of the reboot.

The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat

Season 11, Episode 4

The X-Files episode “The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat” is famously strange, but its core idea – that our memories of the past might be different from what actually happened – remains relevant today. This concept is known as the “Mandela Effect.” Interestingly, the episode seemed to foresee some future events, including the emergence of Donald Trump.

With everything documented online and easily shared these days, it’s a good time to revisit the core concepts from “The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat.” Many widely-believed false memories are still chalked up to the Mandela Effect, and just like how The X-Files sometimes played with self-awareness, this would be an ideal episode to include some fun references for dedicated fans.

Squeeze

Season 1, Episode 3

A pivotal episode in the history of The X-Files was “Squeeze.” It introduced the show’s now-famous “monster of the week” format, but then broke the mold. The monster from that episode, Eugene Victor Tooms, proved so popular that the show brought him back for a second appearance. Tooms was a mutant who could contort his body, allowing him to squeeze into incredibly tight spaces to reach his victims, ultimately killing them to consume their livers.

Doug Hutchison, the original actor for the character Tooms, has faced accusations of grooming due to his marriage to a 16-year-old when he was 51. Because of this, it’s unlikely he’d be asked to return to the role. However, Tooms was a very popular villain, and the new Hulu series should still feature the episode with the character – played by a different actor.

Jose Chung’s From Outer Space

Season 3, Episode 20

With 11 seasons and 218 episodes, it’s no surprise the stars of The X-Files each had favorite installments. Gillian Anderson particularly enjoyed “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space,” describing it as both strange and funny. While The X-Files usually focused on clever dialogue between Mulder and Scully instead of outright comedy, this episode was a notable exception, playfully tackling the topic of alien abductions and featuring unreliable accounts from those involved.

“Jose Chung’s From Outer Space” playfully mocks the popular themes of The X-Files, and those ideas still resonate today. Using an untrustworthy storyteller works perfectly for a show about alien encounters, so the Hulu reboot should definitely acknowledge this classic episode – or even update it for today’s viewers. The writers have a great opportunity to satirize current conspiracy theories by using platforms like TikTok as inspiration.

Ice

Season 1, Episode 8

Many consider John Carpenter’s The Thing to be one of the greatest horror films ever made, and the X-Files episode “Ice” clearly draws inspiration from it. The episode places Mulder and Scully in a similar, isolated setting and features an alien parasite that could be anyone in their group, leading to distrust and occasional violence as they try to figure out who is infected.

The ‘Ice’ episode isn’t just a scary story; it’s a turning point for Mulder and Scully, forcing them to rely on each other. A remake would be great, but Hulu doesn’t need to copy it exactly. What’s important is revisiting the themes of trust and loyalty, and challenging the bond between the two agents. A creepy, isolated, icy setting with a frightening creature is a classic way to do that.

Pusher

Season 3, Episode 17

Characters who can control minds – like Professor X from Patrick Stewart’s portrayal or the frightening Kilgrave – are consistently popular in superhero and villain stories. This concept is explored in The X-Files episode “Pusher,” which raises questions about free will and whether it’s possible to regain control if someone takes it away. Many fans consider “Pusher” to be one of the show’s strongest episodes, thanks to its thought-provoking themes and incredibly suspenseful atmosphere.

A current debate centers on how accountable people are for the harmful actions encouraged by others, like online discussions where men incite violence against women. The recent X-Files reboot on Hulu could powerfully update the classic episode “Pusher” by incorporating the influence of the modern internet, which was just emerging when the original aired. While the original episode remains effective, its themes are even more relevant and urgently need to be explored today.

Drive

Season 6, Episode 2

If the new X-Files series on Hulu revisits classic episodes, “Drive” is sure to be a standout for both longtime fans and new viewers. This episode is particularly famous because Bryan Cranston’s performance in it deeply impressed Vince Gilligan, ultimately leading to the creation of Breaking Bad. The story is often compared to the movie Speed, as Mulder is held hostage by a man whose life depends on constant movement.

Now that Vince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston are widely recognized for their work, it’s intriguing to imagine Gilligan revisiting and rewriting this particular episode, again starring Cranston in the same role. Like the original series’ popular “monster of the week” episodes, this reimagined version could easily draw in new viewers and serve as a great introduction to the show.

2026-04-27 03:55