'X-Files' Facts: 9 Things Newcomers Should Know Before The Reboot Premiere

"The X-Files" was once one of the most popular shows on television, which spanned nine seasons and two feature films. Fans are excited to see the sci-fi drama return as a miniseries, where they'll get to see Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) reunite. "The X-Files" miniseries on Fox will also likely draw in newcomers as well.

The original run of "The X-Files" featured over 200 episodes, which built up several different storylines. Binge watching the show could be an intimidating task, but newcomers don't have to worry. Just because you never watched the series original run doesn't mean you can't jump into the upcoming miniseries. If you are new to "The X-Files," here are nine things to know heading into the Sunday's premiere:

1. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are the two main characters of the show who work for the FBI on strange cases known as the X-Files. Mulder has been drawn to unexplained phenomenons his entire life and wants to believe there's something else out there, especially alien life. Scully is a doctor and is the skeptic of the two, believing science can explain everything. The two were also once involved in a romantic relationship, but they will be separated when the show returns.

2. Walter Skinner

Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) is an assistant director at the FBI, who is also Mulder and Scully's boss. He looks out for the two of them and believes in the work that they do, while not making it known to his employer. Skinner is someone Mulder and Scully can always count on.

3. The Cigarette Smoking Man

The main villain of the show has always been the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis). Twice in the series it looked like he was killed, but the evil man keeps finding ways to survive. He'll be back when the show returns and he will not be happy that the X-Files are getting reopened.

4. Mythology

The overarching mythology of the show has focused on the government hiding the existence of aliens and their plan for the end of the world. When the first episode of the miniseries, titled "My Struggle," airs, Mulder and Scully will learn that the government cover-up could be even more evil than they ever imagined.

5. Mulder And Scully's Baby

Mulder and Scully had a child named William on the show. However, the two feared their work on the X-Files had put their son in danger so they put him up for adoption to protect him. William leaving their lives has left a mark on the two agents and their son not being in their lives will continue to be a big part of the story in the miniseries.

6. Samantha Mulder

One of the driving forces behind Mulder's obsession with wanting to believe is because his sister was kidnapped by aliens when he was child. Mulder has spent most of his life not only searching for answers, but also looking to see if his sister is still alive. It's later revealed that his sister is dead, but Mulder continues to use her as motivation to do good in her honor.

7. Monster-Of-The-Week Episodes

"The X-Files" not only told stories that contributed to the shows ongoing mythology, but the series also had standalone episodes referred to as a "monster-of-the-week." In these episodes, Mulder and Scully would investigate cases involving anything from sewer creatures, the Jersey Devil, psychics, and other monsters. Episodes 2-5 of the miniseries will all be standalone monster-of-the-week episodes

8. The Lone Gunmen

Skinner wasn't the only one helping out Mulder and Scully. Computer hackers and conspiracy theorists known as the Lone Gunmen would help Mulder with cases from time to time. The Lone Gunmen consists of three members — John Fitzgerald Byers (Bruce Harwood), Melvin Frohike (Tom Braidwood) and Richard Langly (Dean Haglund) — who were believed to be killed in the Season 9 episode, "Jump the Shark." However, it turns out their death was faked and the fan favorites are expected to return in the miniseries.

9. The Syndicate

Although Cigarette Smoking Man was the main villain of the show, he was part of a larger group opposing Mulder and Scully, which was known as The Syndicate. The Syndicate is basically a shadow government that has been covering up the existence of alien life to ensure their place in the world's future when the Earth gets taken over by an alien species. Members of the Syndicate are involved in high levels of government like the CIA and NSA. The Syndicate was believed to have been destroyed, but a new group similar to them took it's place. The Syndicate may return in the miniseries.

"The X-Files" get reopened on Sunday, Jan. 24 on Fox following the NFC Championship game.