| The X-Files | |
|---|---|
| Season 9 | |
 DVD cover | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 20 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Fox |
| Original release | November 11, 2001 – May 19, 2002 |
| Season chronology | |
The ninth season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing in the United States on November 11, 2001, concluded on May 19, 2002, and consists of twenty episodes. The season takes place after Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) goes into hiding, following the events of the eighth season finale, "Existence". As such, the main story arc for the season follows Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), John Doggett (Robert Patrick), and Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) on their hunt to reveal a government conspiracy involving the elaborate and malevolent creation of "Super Soldiers".
After only appearing intermittently in the preceding season, Duchovny chose not to return; however, following the series' cancelation he appeared in the finale, "The Truth". Anderson also intended to leave the show prior to its cancelation. Doggett and Reyes accordingly became the show's central characters, and former recurring character Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) became a main character.
Season nine received mixed reviews from critics and garnered a negative reaction from many long-time fans and viewers, partially due to Duchovny's absence. During this year, ratings for the season fell dramatically. Critics blamed it on what they considered an increasingly incoherent story arc, while the cast and crew ascribed the drop in viewership to the September 11 attacks.[1] Regardless, Fox eventually decided to cancel the series.
During the airing of season eight, Carter and The X-Files production team created and aired a spinoff titled The Lone Gunmen. The show was unsuccessful and was canceled before any story arcs were resolved, but The X-Files episode "Jump the Shark" was written to give closure to the series. The X-Files storyline was continued with the 2008 theatrical film The X Files: I Want to Believe and later with a tenth season in 2016 and an eleventh season in 2018.
- ^ Newitz, Annalee (February 23, 2008). "Chris Carter Says 9/11 Killed X-Files". i09. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.