The X-Files may be one of the most groundbreaking series of all time, but even it drew inspiration from a classic TV show that paved the way. In the year 2020, it may seem like TV is a very old medium, with it first enjoying widespread use in the 1950s, and having technically existed decades before that. At the same time, in the grand scheme of human history, a six decade span of time really isn't that long at all.
Either way, there have certainly been thousands and thousands of TV shows produced, possibly extending into the millions at this point. Each new generation of TV viewer has their favorites, whether they be brilliant but canceled fare or long-running hits. It makes perfect sense that when viewers grow up to become TV show creators, they would fall back on shows which they had fond memories of for inspiration. That was the case with The X-Files, and its creator Chris Carter.
When putting together The X-Files in 1992, Carter looked back at several different things for inspiration, and one of them was a classic 1970s TV series that pioneered the idea of shows about investigating the paranormal. It only ran 20 episodes, but its influence is still felt today.
The Classic TV Show That Inspired The X-Files
When creating The X-Files, Chris Carter was primarily influenced by three things: widespread reports of alien abductions, the infamous Watergate political scandal of the md-1970s, and the 1974 TV show Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Starring Darren McGavin as the titular reporter, Kolchak saw its lead investigate stories concerning the supernatural, paranormal, and just plain unexplained. He was the lone true believer in a world of skeptics, clearly an inspiration for the character of Fox Mulder. While Kolchak only ran one season - following two TV movies starring McGavin - the show made a huge impression on many, and is arguably an influence on every paranormal investigation series made since.
To honor Kolchak's part in The X-Files creation, Carter even ended up bringing in McGavin to guest star as Arthur Dales, a veteran FBI special agent who helped create The X-Files office at the bureau. More recently, The X-Files' revival episode "Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster" had the titular creature dress like Kolchak when in human form. Carter has never been shy about Kolchak: The Night Stalker's influence on The X-Files, and considering it led to another great show, there's no reason he should be. Interestingly, many X-Files crew members attempted to launch a Night Stalker revival in 2005, but it proved even shorter-lived than the original.