The first season of The X-Files premiered on , introducing a revolutionary blend of procedural drama and supernatural horror that would define science fiction television for decades. Created by Chris Carter , the season consists of 24 episodes that established the iconic dynamic between Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Production and Origins

Inspired by a reported 3.7 million alien abductions and the 1970s series Kolchak: The Night Stalker , Carter pitched a show centered on two agents investigating the paranormal. The pilot, filmed on a budget of in Vancouver, faced early resistance from Fox executives who initially pushed for a romantic interest for Scully.