7 Shows to Binge After The X-Files: From 'Twin Peaks' to 'Stranger Things'

The phrase “The truth is out there” took on a new meaning in the 1990s when The X-Files transformed television. Created by Chris Carter, this innovative series combined paranormal exploration with government conspiracies, offering a captivating mix of weekly enigmas and ongoing mythology that drew audiences for nine seasons (and beyond). The compelling dynamic between Dana Scully, the skeptical medical doctor portrayed by Gillian Anderson, and Fox Mulder, the true believer played by David Duchovny, provided an emotional backbone. What set The X-Files apart was its knack for alternating between self-contained “monster-of-the-week” episodes and intricate conspiracy stories about alien invasions and covert government agents. This series skillfully explored various narrative styles while preserving the central tension between empirical reasoning and inexplicable occurrences.

If you’ve run out of options for rewatching “The X-Files,” here are seven exceptional series that either emulate or build upon its essence while introducing fresh perspectives. These shows delve into the paranormal, investigate conspiracy theories, grapple with the conflict between science and faith, and weave intricate mythologies centered around complex characters. These shows will satisfy your craving for more of “The X-Files”:

1. “Stranger Things” – A blend of sci-fi, horror, and 80s nostalgia that offers a unique take on the supernatural.
2. “Fringe” – This series combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and horror to create an engaging exploration of the paranormal.
3. “Supernatural” – A long-running series about two brothers hunting demons, ghosts, and other supernatural beings, with a deep mythology and rich character development.
4. “Twin Peaks” – This show delves into the strange and surreal, blending small-town drama with elements of the paranormal and conspiracy theories.
5. “The Twilight Zone” (2019) – A modern reimagining of Rod Serling’s classic anthology series, offering a mix of suspense, horror, and social commentary.
6. “Man in the High Castle” – This alternate history series explores a world where the Axis powers won World War II, with elements of the supernatural and conspiracy theories woven into its narrative.
7. “Dark” – A German-language series that delves into time travel, parallel universes, and the mysteries of fate, offering a fresh take on the supernatural and the exploration of complex characters and their interconnected lives.

Twin Peaks

Prior to Mulder and Scully’s initial investigation of an X-file, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s enigmatic work laid significant foundations for the concept of strange television. The series Twin Peaks focuses on FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), who delves into the murder of the prom queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) in a seemingly perfect northwestern town. Initially, this appears to be a standard murder investigation, but it soon transforms into a harrowing journey through the hidden secrets of the town, supernatural entities, and otherworldly realms.

The mysterious and eerie tone, along with its enigmatic symbolism, set “Twin Peaks” apart as a groundbreaking show in television storytelling at a time when serialized dramas were not yet widespread. It’s possible that “The X-Files,” with Chris Carter acknowledging its influence, may not have existed if it weren’t for “Twin Peaks.” Both series share a common theme of exploring the sinister forces hiding beneath everyday life and investigating mysteries that go beyond conventional understanding, as government agents confront these unexplained phenomena. For fans who enjoyed the experimental and surreal aspects of “The X-Files,” “Twin Peaks” delves even deeper into unapologetic strangeness and philosophical horror.

Fringe

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d say that the series “Fringe,” crafted by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, feels remarkably akin to the unique blend that is “The X-Files.” However, it carves out its own niche. The story revolves around FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), brilliant scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his son Peter (Joshua Jackson). Together, they delve into the enigmatic world of “fringe science,” investigating inexplicable occurrences such as telekinesis, spontaneous combustion, and biological anomalies. Initially, it follows a case-by-case format. But as the story unfolds, it reveals an intricate tapestry of mythology that weaves together themes of parallel universes and a conflict between realities, gradually setting the stage for a gripping narrative.

Fringe shares similarities with The X-Files, offering both standalone mysteries and a deepening plotline that caters to viewers who pay close attention. Similar to The X-Files, the characters’ relationships develop naturally, with Olivia moving from skepticism to belief as she uncovers her personal links to the series of unusual occurrences. What sets Fringe apart is its dedication to providing scientific explanations for its strange events, even if they are speculative, tying these extraordinary elements to theoretical physics rather than the supernatural. This makes Fringe an ideal choice for X-Files fans who lean more towards sci-fi storylines as opposed to purely supernatural ones.

Evil

In a new take on the classic Scully-Mulder dynamic, the series “Evil” delves into the complex relationship between forensic psychologist Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers) and David Acosta (Mike Colter), who is training to be a priest. Together with tech expert Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi), they explore alleged supernatural occurrences for the Catholic Church, deciding whether these events call for an exorcism or psychological intervention.

Produced by Robert and Michelle King (known for “The Good Wife”), the show “Evil” is exceptional at keeping things mysterious – often leaving viewers unsure if an event was truly supernatural or had a logical explanation. Additionally, it probes deep philosophical questions concerning the essence of evil while providing genuinely creepy horror scenes that would make even long-time “X-Files” fans shudder. Despite being set in modern times, “Evil” mirrors the chilling tension present in the best “X-Files” episodes, especially in its investigation into how technology may be magnifying ancient evils. Likewise, it shares with “The X-Files” the knack for blending dark humor with truly unsettling content, resulting in a balance of tones that keeps viewers both amused and on edge.

The Twilight Zone

Although The X-Files came later than Rod Serling’s anthology series, the influence of The Twilight Zone can undeniably be seen in Mulder and Scully’s investigations. The Twilight Zone was a trailblazer in using science fiction, fantasy, and horror to delve into societal issues and human psychology, an approach that The X-Files often mirrors in its standalone episodes. Each episode presents ordinary individuals dealing with extraordinary situations, such as time travel conundrums or alien encounters, frequently featuring unexpected twists that shed light on the darker aspects of human nature.

Chris Carter and his team often showed respect to “The Twilight Zone” by creating episodes such as “Jose Chung’s ‘From Outer Space'” and “Post-Modern Prometheus,” which mirrored Rod Serling’s unique storytelling approach. The episodic structure of “The Twilight Zone” allows viewers to join at any point, but starting with iconic episodes like “Time Enough at Last” or “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” offers an ideal introduction to the series’ exceptional intelligence. For fans of “The X-Files,” especially those who appreciated the monster-of-the-week format and social commentary, “The Twilight Zone” provides a wealth of concise, well-crafted stories that delve into the mysterious in a similar manner.

The Leftovers

Unlike The X-Files, which delves deeply into investigations, Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta’s existential drama, The Leftovers, maintains a similar enigmatic cosmic atmosphere. Set three years following the “Sudden Departure” – an inexplicable event where 2% of Earth’s population disappeared without a trace, the series doesn’t seek to unravel the mystery but instead explores how people cope with pervasive uncertainty and sorrow. The story follows police chief Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux) and Nora Durst (Carrie Coon), whose lives are drastically affected by this inexplicable occurrence, as they struggle to adapt to a world forever changed.

The Leftovers delves into topics such as faith, science, and our human desire for purpose in response to the mysterious – themes that resonated deeply within The X-Files. What makes The Leftovers captivating for fans of The X-Files is its exploration of how the unknown can alter people, often leading them to become nearly unrecognizable versions of themselves. The series showcases some of the most heart-wrenching episodes ever aired on TV, with acting that mirrors the intricate psychology displayed by Anderson and Duchovny in their iconic roles.

Warehouse 13

For fans of the X-Files who enjoyed the show’s lighter, humorous episodes, Warehouse 13 provides an appealing mix of supernatural inquiry infused with a good helping of humor and emotion. The series follows two Secret Service agents, Pete Lattimer (Eddie McClintock) and Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly), as they are relocated to the Warehouse 13, a vast government storage facility housing artifacts with supernatural abilities that could potentially endanger the public. Alongside technology expert Claudia Donovan (Allison Scagliotti) and caretaker Artie Nielsen (Saul Rubinek), they hunt down these objects with extraordinary powers – ranging from Lewis Carroll’s mirror to Lizzie Borden’s compact – before they can wreak havoc.

Show “Warehouse 13” skillfully blends weekly mysteries centered around artifacts with an ongoing narrative about past warehouses and a recurring antagonist aiming for global control through artifacts. What sets “Warehouse 13” apart is its focus on the emotional bonds within the warehouse team, which gives depth to the series, even during the most fantastical artifact quests. The show effectively mirrors the sense of awe over historical enigmas found in “The X-Files”, while maintaining a consistently lighter mood, making it an ideal choice for viewers who appreciate humorous episodes such as “Bad Blood” or “Small Potatoes”.

Stranger Things

In a nod to “The X-Files,” the Duffer Brothers’ series “Stranger Things” is heavily inspired by 1980s films of Steven Spielberg, blending adventure and horror elements. The story unfolds in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, where the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and the arrival of a girl with psychic abilities named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) sets off a chain of events. As Will’s friends delve into his disappearance, they uncover a secret government lab conducting experiments that have inadvertently opened a portal to an alternate world known as the Upside Down.

Stranger Things echoes the enigmatic government conspiracies and hidden town secrets of The X-Files, but it also offers a diverse cast that spans different generations, allowing for both youthful adventures and mature inquiries. The intricate lore surrounding the Upside Down, psychic abilities, and Soviet connections parallels The X-Files‘ alien conspiracy saga, featuring ominous men in suits and compassionate scientists. What truly resonates with fans of The X-Files is how Stranger Things merges authentic human relationships with supernatural perils, constructing a universe where emotional ties are just as crucial as unraveling the mysteries of the unknown.

2025-03-01 04:11

7 Shows to Binge After The X-Files: From ‘Twin Peaks’ to ‘Stranger Things’