This series is one of the best ever produced. It quickly became not only a generally popular show, but piqued the interests of many people who have become true fans of this wonderful series. Whether or not you believe in extraterrestrials is unnecessary. The stories told in each season are compelling and the myth arc of the series is a magnet to many viewers.
Each episode was produced as if it were a film. They used ideas for telling their well-written stories which lead you to believe everything is more than just a serial television program, but an expose' of factual events. In some episodes, there are a few tongue-in-cheek scenes and lines which are pulled off quite well. The acting is superb in each episode, with the main characters becoming more believable with each story.
The entire 9-year series is, without a doubt, a seminal production. Homage to the creators, writers, actors, directors, producers, and every member of the crew in Vancouver and Hollywood is seen in many newer programs such as "Fringe". While some people may feel it lasted too long, I see the last few years being very innovative and leading towards a continuation of the characters which never fully developed either on television or in the theaters.
Fox had a chance to capitalize on the following of the many millions of fans, but procrastinated so long that when the second feature film appeared, it had no real story line which could have pulled in the series' myth arc. In doing so, an opportunity was lost and one which will likely never be recaptured. The actors are now older and while they might be interested in continuing the story on film, I cannot see Fox putting the money in-place as did others with the Star Trek series of films (an overall highly successful series). [Not that I know anything from behind the scenes, as I can assure you that I am not in the industry and do not know anything or anyone connected to the show. I am just making a logical analysis of the situation as I have followed it over the years.]
Watch each episode and enjoy every aspect of this incredible series. I can assure you that while newer programs might be more of everyone's cup of tea, so to speak, anyone interested in seeing the series which was the basis for a lot of these newer programs, will not be disappointed. Look past the older cell phones, cars, etc, and dive into the stories and characters... you will have fun. I know that I have enjoyed this program and now have the DVDs and have seen the many episodes many times, enjoying each one a little bit more each time, picking out nuances.
The truth is out there...