6. The X-Files (FOX)
Series run: 1993-2018 (11 seasons/218 episodes)
In the early ’90s, FOX was trying to one-up their Big Three rivals by putting on shows that the other networks didn’t dare to touch.
At first, however, not even FOX wanted to touch The X-Files.
Series creator Chris Carter was one of the producers who had exclusivity in pitching shows to the then-fledgling network. Not wanting to pitch the network another comedy (which was, and in some ways still is, their bread-and-butter), Carter got the idea of two FBI agents investigating the paranormal, and he pitched this show idea to FOX.
At first, the network didn’t like it, so, he went back and really fleshed out the script, and re-pitched the idea to FOX. The second time was a charm, and the network picked up The X-Files. Using the now famous slogan “The Truth Is Out There,” The X-Files premiered in 1993 to much hype, and it slowly built up an audience until season four, when it leaped into the Top 20 in ratings, making it one of FOX’s flagship shows.
The series would stay at a high point until it came to an end in 2001, and many were sad to see it go. The X-Files got a revival in 2016, but it wasn’t the same as the old series as it was more of a miniseries than an actually full-fledged show.
Nevertheless, many will never forget the paranormal forays of Agents Mulder and Scully, and FOX is sure glad that they didn’t turn the X-Files down a second time.