The X-Files returned to their home on FOX in 2016 in a season that both brought Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), and introduced a collection of new characters, creating the possibilities for both the further continuation of the series with the original characters and/or spinning out new adventures with the supporting cast. Since The X-Files revival season ended, fans have been left wondering when/if it will return to illuminate more of the truth that is out there.

The X-Files was not only FOX's most popular new(ish), show of 2016, but it also posed a very real threat to other series in its same timeslot - including then-CBS' Supergirl. It now appears that FOX is very close to ordering additional episodes of the show too.

EW, reporting at the Television Critics Association's press tour in Pasadena, California, confirmed that David Madden, the President of FOX, told reporters there that the deal-making process with Duchovny and Anderson is "complex," but that the network expects “to have an announcement shortly” regarding The X-Files' future.

During the executive session, Madden went on to reveal that FOX had been hoping to have a reveal ready for Wednesday's TCA event, but deals and negotiations were not quite tied up. They are currently looking to have more episodes than last year's six episode X-Files mini-series, although not as long as the traditional 22-episode season order. The studio is looking at a 2018 air date right now for the next round of X-Files goodness.

It's great to see such a beloved genre show as The X-Files still being actively developed and worked on by a major television studio. There is a sense of FOX really listening to feedback from the audiences. While 2018 is a release frame that may seem very far away right now, it's nice to see that The X-Files is not being rushed and whatever incarnation the show takes moving forward, is going to be given the time it needs in development and production to ensure that it turns out for the best.

Conversely, there is little new to report here besides the indication that more X-Files episodes are coming. If FOX is going to be rebranding The X-Files with the show's new co-leading cast members (Robbie Amell and Lauren Ambrose, who could plausibly get a spinoff of their own), it will be interesting to see whether or not the show continues to be the ratings giant that it was in 2016.

We will keep you updated on more X-Files developments as they are announced.

Source: EW