The X-Files: 5 Things From the Original Series That Ryan Coogler’s Reboot Must Get Right

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The X-Files dramatically changed television by blending crime investigations with science fiction and horror. Before 1993, TV shows usually kept these types of stories separate. Creator Chris Carter broke that mold by weaving a continuing, overarching conspiracy into each week’s standalone case. This new approach tapped into public concerns about government secrets and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Ultimately, The X-Files pioneered the format for today’s serialized dramas, building a passionate international fanbase and changing how creators connect with viewers.

The original nine seasons of The X-Files are still considered a classic, but the show’s later seasons in 2016 and 2018 were met with mixed reactions, showing how difficult it is to update a beloved series. These new episodes often had trouble balancing the 1990s’ sense of distrust with the issues of today’s always-connected world, leading to a confusing storyline that didn’t feel as focused as the original. Now, a reboot is being led by director Ryan Coogler, and it has the tough job of staying true to what made the show great while also telling a story that feels relevant to our current social and political climate.

5) Institutional Paranoia

The popularity of The X-Files stemmed from a widespread lack of trust in institutions, mirroring the post-Watergate era when Americans started questioning the honesty of government agencies. The show featured a hidden group – often called “The Syndicate” – as a clear enemy operating outside the law. This group covered up evidence of aliens and conducted secret, harmful experiments, making the main characters – and the audience – feel constantly at risk. If the new series is going to succeed, it needs to find a modern equivalent to this kind of secret power. Today’s fears are more spread out and exist online, so the show needs to explore how information is controlled and manipulated in a world of constant surveillance and algorithms.

4) Scientific Integrity

To make a new version of The X-Files truly compelling, it needs to stay believable. The original series succeeded because it approached strange events with a scientific mindset, largely thanks to Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). As a doctor and forensic pathologist, she always demanded evidence and challenged outlandish ideas. This made the show’s supernatural mysteries feel like real scientific investigations, not just tricks to move the plot forward. Any reboot should do the same – ground the paranormal in solid evidence and a healthy dose of skepticism.

3) Practical Atmospheric Design

When The X-Files was first made in Vancouver, it used muted colors and realistic lighting to create a consistently damp and gloomy atmosphere. This made the setting feel like a character itself, with the darkness of the Pacific Northwest becoming the backdrop for the show’s frightening events. Mark Snow’s eerie music, with its simple electronic sounds, added to this unsettling mood. These techniques allowed the show to create fear through atmosphere and implication, rather than relying on flashy special effects. Today’s high-definition television often loses that sense of mystery. If The X-Files reboot wants to recapture the original’s feeling, it needs to return to that dark, textured look and use practical effects over CGI.

2) The Standalone Format

Although The X-Files had an ongoing story arc, it was also successful because of its standalone episodes, often called “Monster of the Week” installments. These episodes worked like individual horror and science fiction stories, letting the show explore a wide range of creepy and unusual ideas, from genetic oddities to old myths. This format gave viewers a break from the show’s complicated central conspiracy, preventing it from becoming too confusing. It also allowed the writers to try out different styles, like dark humor and psychological thrillers. When The X-Files returned for new seasons, it struggled because it focused too much on a complex, overarching plot that wasn’t as clear as the individual cases. Now that Ryan Coogler has confirmed the upcoming reboot will include standalone episodes, hopefully it will feature fresh, intriguing mysteries that appeal to both new and longtime fans.

1) The Intellectual Lead Dynamic

The relationship between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in The X-Files set the standard for how detective partners work together, based on respect rather than just romantic feelings. Their connection worked because Mulder often followed his gut instincts while Scully always demanded solid evidence. This difference in approach meant every case was examined from two angles, encouraging viewers to consider all the facts alongside the characters. The new version of the show needs its leads to have that same strong chemistry to keep the story engaging, and that’s a challenge. With Danielle Deadwyler already cast as one of the main characters, fans are eager to meet her partner and see how they work together.

What’s the most important part of the original The X-Files that Ryan Coogler should keep in the new version? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-26 00:42