The X-Files (1993): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The X-Files first went out in September 1993 on Fox (Sky One, then BBC Two, in the UK). It ran until 2018, with 11 series and 218 episodes so far. In the UK you can usually find it on Disney+.

sci-fi
mystery
nineties
More from the 1990s

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Why it is worth your time

FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigate the paranormal; the truth is out there. The monster-of-the-week episodes have aged better than the conspiracy ones.

The details

First broadcast: 10 September 1993
Originally on: Fox (Sky One, then BBC Two, in the UK)
On air: 1993–2018
Series: 11
Episodes: 218
Typical length: 60 minutes
Genres: Drama, Crime, Science-Fiction
Usually found on: Disney+
First episode: “Pilot”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The X-Files: quick answers

When did The X-Files start?

On 10 September 1993, on Fox (Sky One, then BBC Two, in the UK).

How many episodes of The X-Files are there?

218 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 11 series. The last aired in 2018.

Where can I watch The X-Files now?

Officially it is usually on Disney+, though rights change.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.