The X-Files

Mulder's paranoia reflected the American public's suspicion of the government, characteristic of the 1990s

Legacy

Television

The X-Files directly inspired numerous other TV series, including Strange World,[113][114] Burning Zone,[115] Special Unit 2, Mysterious Ways,[116] Lost, Carnivàle, Dark Skies,[114] The Visitor,[114] Freaky Links, Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, and Supernatural. A few of these shows actually involved former staff of The X-Files behind the scenes—such as Lost, whose current cinematographer is John Bartley; the mytharc-dominated 24, executive produced by X-Files writer Howard Gordon; Six Feet Under, coproduced by X-Files alum Lori Jo Nemhauser; and Supernatural, involving directors David Nutter and Kim Manners, and writer/producer John Shiban.

The influence can be seen on other levels: television series such as Alias have developed a complex mythology that may bring to mind the "mytharc" of The X-Files. In terms of characterization, the role of Dana Scully was seen as somewhat original, causing a change in "how women [on television] were not just perceived but behaved", and perhaps influencing the portrayal of "strong women" investigators[18]. Many procedural dramas also feature a Mulder-esque lead with a supervisor similar to Skinner or Kersh. Some of these procedurals, such as NCIS, feature a quirky technogeek similar to the Lone Gunmen characters.

Russell T. Davies said The X-Files had been an inspiration on his current British series Torchwood,[117] describing it as "dark, wild and sexy... The X Files meets This Life."[118] Other shows have been influenced by the tone and mood of The X-Files, e.g., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which drew from the mood and coloring of The X-Files, as well as from its occasional blend of horror and humor. Joss Whedon described his show as a cross between The X-Files and My So-Called Life.