The early 2000s heralded a significant era in television, with many projects from that period still considered among the very best. Since then, numerous high-concept sci-fi shows have emerged, vying for the title of an all-time great. While few can rival the iconic success of The X-Files, a notable contender is Fringe, the 2008 sci-fi series, which some now argue could stake a claim for one of the biggest hits in sci-fi history. Some 17 years after its debut, Fringe is experiencing a remarkable comeback on streaming charts, according to FlixPatrol, re-engaging audiences in an era still captivated by paranormal sci-fi.

Fringe premiered its first episode on September 9, 2008, as a collaborative production effort involving J.J. Abrams, who brought a strong pedigree from his hit series Lost as it was concluding, alongside Alex Kurtzman, who would later oversee Star Trek, and Transformers co-writer Roberto Orci. The series gained a reputation as a long-running sci-fi show, celebrated for its great storyline and character development, with several seasons spanning over 20 episodes—a rarity in contemporary television.

The core of Fringe revolves around the investigations of the Fringe Division, a specialized branch of the FBI. This division is tasked with confronting and unraveling a range of mysterious, inexplicable, and often terrifying phenomena, experimental technologies, and otherworldly occurrences. The show made complex scientific concepts such as teleportation, time travel, and alternate universes integral and accessible mainstays within its intricate storylines. Its distinguished cast includes Anna Torv, known from The Last of Us, as the protagonist FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham; Lance Reddick of The Wire as Fringe Division chief Phillip Broyles; John Noble, seen in Severance, as the troubled yet brilliant scientist Dr. Walter Bishop; and Joshua Jackson, from Dawson's Creek, as Bishop's estranged son, Peter.

The official synopsis encapsulates its essence: "FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham, brilliant but formerly institutionalized scientist Walter Bishop and his scheming, reluctant son Peter uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and realize they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology." While opinions vary on its conclusion, with some finding it satisfyingly ambiguous and others feeling more could have been explored, the show's inherent affinity for multiverses provides a compelling opening for a potential future reboot. All five seasons of Fringe are currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Adding to the current streaming landscape, David Duchovny, celebrated for his role in The X-Files, stars in the new psychological thriller series Malice, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Premiering all six episodes on November 14, Malice has quickly become a hit with viewers, defying the trend of new shows appearing and disappearing rapidly. Over a month after its launch, the series continues to hold strong positions on streaming charts, making the Amazon Prime Video Top 10 in multiple countries and securing the #2 spot in the United Kingdom, according to FlixPatrol.

At its heart, Malice presents a "Parasite-esque" narrative infused with elements reminiscent of The Servant and The Talented Mr. Ripley. The plot unfolds as a sociopathic tutor meticulously infiltrates the opulent lives of the wealthy Tanner family. When the family's nanny mysteriously falls ill, the tutor, Adam, seizes the opportunity to undermine the family from within. Duchovny portrays Jaime Tanner, the family patriarch, who gradually suspects that this charming new presence might be the source of their escalating problems. Despite strong performances and an intriguing premise, Malice has received less-than-glowing critical reviews, holding a 46% critic rating and an even lower 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, its sustained popularity suggests it is a show "built to autoplay," with each episode offering just enough twists to keep viewers hooked, making it an ideal easy-to-binge thriller for those seeking weekend entertainment.

The success of Malice coincides with growing interest in the highly anticipated X-Files reboot, spearheaded by Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director behind Black Panther. This new iteration is being framed as a complete reboot, expected to introduce a fresh, more diverse cast, aligning with Coogler’s distinctive style. Crucially, Coogler has revealed discussions with Gillian Anderson, the iconic Dana Scully, regarding her return. This development is significant, as Duchovny has historically been open to reprising his role as Mulder, while Anderson has typically expressed reluctance. If Coogler successfully brings Anderson on board, Duchovny's return is almost certainly guaranteed, promising an exciting future for the beloved franchise. Malice is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, and The X-Files is available on Hulu.