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"Pilot" is the pilot episode of the science fiction television series The X-Files. The pilot aired...

"Pilot" is the pilot episode of the science fiction television series The X-Files. The pilot aired on September 10, 1993 on the Fox Network in the United States and Canada. Both episodes subsequently aired in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The story was written by executive producers Chris Carter, and directed by Robert Mandel. As the pilot, it would set up the mythology storyline for the series. The pilot introduced the two main characters, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who were portrayed by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson respectively, and the recurring characters of the "Cigarette Smoking Man", Scott Blevins, Billy Miles and Theresa Nemman. The "Cigarette Smoking Man" would go on to become the series signature antagonist, appearing in all seasons (with the exception of season eight). The episode follows the newly appointed FBI Special Agents Mulder and Scully on their first case together. The episodes earned a high Nielsen and syndication ratings in the United States compared to other X-Files episodes of the first season, and received meager attention in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The episode itself was generally well-received by fans and critics alike, which led to a