Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The X-Files is now available to watch free on Pluto TV in the United States. The ad-supported service launched the series on January 1, 2026, with all 11 seasons and 218 episodes available through both an on-demand library and a dedicated 24/7 channel.
That means viewers can either choose a specific episode or watch the series as scheduled television, beginning with the pilot and continuing through Pluto TV’s programmed lineup.
What is included on Pluto TV?
Pluto TV’s The X-Files package covers the complete television run:
- All nine seasons of the original series
- The 2016 revival season
- The 2018 revival season
- 218 episodes in total
The series follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate paranormal events, unexplained crimes and other cases that fall outside conventional explanations. Its format makes the Pluto TV arrangement useful for different kinds of viewers: fans can plan a chronological rewatch around the mythology episodes, or simply drop into a standalone “monster of the week” story when one appears on the live channel.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Two ways to watch The X-Files
The dedicated 24/7 channel
The linear channel operates like traditional television. Episodes are scheduled continuously, so you can tune in and watch whatever is currently airing without choosing a title first. Pluto TV positioned the channel in its Sci-Fi category alongside other franchise-oriented channels.
The launch programming was described as starting with a chronological run from the pilot, followed by curated weekend marathons. The exact schedule and channel placement can change, so viewers should use the current Pluto TV guide rather than rely on a fixed channel number.
The main trade-off is control: a live channel may require waiting for a particular episode, and advertising is part of the experience.
On-demand playback
When the title is listed in your market, Pluto TV’s on-demand library lets you select an episode directly. This is the better option if you are following the series in order, revisiting a specific case or trying to catch up without waiting for the 24/7 schedule.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
On-demand access does not mean the service is ad-free. Pluto TV is a free, advertising-supported streaming platform, and the precise playback experience, account requirements and available catalog can vary by device and location.
How to watch
- Open Pluto TV in a supported web browser, desktop app or mobile app, or launch the service on a compatible television or streaming device.
- Search for The X-Files, or browse the Sci-Fi category for the dedicated channel.
- Choose the live channel for scheduled viewing, or select an episode from the on-demand listing when that option is available.
Pluto TV’s published device information includes web access, mobile devices, smart TVs and streaming hardware. Supported platforms listed by Pluto TV include Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Samsung smart TVs, LG webOS, selected Hisense devices, Xbox consoles, PlayStation consoles in the United States, Vizio SmartCast and certain cable or set-top-box platforms.
A streaming device is optional. If Pluto TV is already built into your television, or if you are watching on a computer or phone, you do not need to buy additional hardware. Viewers whose television lacks the app can use a compatible device such as a Fire TV Stick, Roku device or Apple TV instead.
Is The X-Files free everywhere?
The confirmed launch and platform information support the offer for U.S. viewers. Streaming rights and Pluto TV channel lineups can vary by country, and a program available in the United States may not appear in another market. Availability can also change after launch.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If you are outside the United States, check Pluto TV’s current local catalog and channel guide rather than assuming that the U.S. lineup applies to your region. Even in the United States, the on-demand listing and live-channel schedule may not be identical at every moment.
Rank #3
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
“Free” also means free to access without a subscription fee for Pluto TV’s general service—not commercial-free viewing. Advertising supports the platform, and Pluto TV’s sign-in behavior can differ depending on the device and the way you use the service. No universal claim about account requirements should be made across every platform.
Why the 218-episode total matters
Some streaming announcements cover only the original run of a series. This one includes the revival seasons as well as the original nine seasons, bringing the total to 218 episodes. Viewers who want to follow the franchise beyond its original 1993–2002 run can therefore continue into the 2016 and 2018 returns without treating them as a separate service search.
The large episode count also suits both viewing styles Pluto TV offers. A planned rewatch benefits from on-demand selection, while the 24/7 channel recreates the serendipity of encountering an episode already in progress or discovering a story without having chosen it in advance.
Recommended Free Tools
What if you want a permanent copy?
Pluto TV is the no-subscription-cost option, but it remains dependent on advertising, internet access and changing streaming rights. Viewers who want offline access, a collector’s edition or a more durable backup can consider The X-Files: The Complete Series 1–11 Blu-ray, which contains all 218 episodes, including the revival seasons.
That physical collection is an alternative—not something required to watch the Pluto TV channel. Before buying, check the current seller, disc region, condition, included extras and price. Retail listings and inventory can change, and a Blu-ray set may not be compatible with every player in every country.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
For collectors or viewers who want a physical collection of all 218 episodes, the Blu-ray is the clearest ownership option. For viewers who simply want to revisit the show without buying anything, Pluto TV remains the more accessible starting point.
Which option is right for you?
| What you want | Best choice | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Free access without buying a box set | Pluto TV | Advertising, internet dependence and changing availability |
| To choose an episode immediately | Pluto TV on demand | On-demand listings may vary by market |
| Lean-back, scheduled viewing | The dedicated 24/7 channel | You may need to wait for a particular episode |
| Offline viewing or long-term collection | The complete 1–11 Blu-ray set | It costs money and requires a compatible disc player |
The bottom line for fans
For U.S. viewers, The X-Files is free to stream on Pluto TV through both a dedicated 24/7 channel and an on-demand library. The package includes all 11 seasons and 218 episodes, so it covers the original series and both revival seasons. Use the live channel if you want scheduled, traditional-TV viewing; use on demand if you want to control the order and timing. If you want permanent or offline access, the complete-series Blu-ray is the separate physical alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of The X-Files are on Pluto TV?
The Pluto TV package includes all 11 seasons and 218 episodes, including the original nine-season run and the 2016 and 2018 revival seasons.
Does Pluto TV have a live X-Files channel?
Yes. Pluto TV offers a dedicated 24/7 linear channel for The X-Files, in addition to on-demand playback when the title is available in the viewer’s market.
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Is Pluto TV ad-free?
No. Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service, so viewers should expect advertising.
Can viewers outside the United States watch The X-Files on Pluto TV?
Not necessarily. Pluto TV catalogs and streaming rights vary by territory. The confirmed launch information supports the offer for U.S. viewers, so viewers elsewhere should check their local Pluto TV catalog and channel guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDo I need a streaming device to watch Pluto TV?
No. Pluto TV can be accessed through a web browser and mobile apps, as well as supported smart TVs, game consoles and streaming devices. A device such as a Roku, Fire TV Stick or Apple TV is useful only if your television does not already support the service.
The Bottom Line
For U.S. viewers, all 11 seasons of The X-Files—218 episodes in total—are free on Pluto TV through a dedicated 24/7 channel and an on-demand library. The service is ad-supported, and availability can vary by region. For offline access or permanent ownership, consider the complete 1–11 Blu-ray set instead.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
