'The X-Files' renewed for 11th season by FOX, production to begin this summer

"The X-Files" has been renewed for an 11th season by FOX.Facebook/thexfilesonfox

It's official: "The X-Files" is returning for an 11th season on FOX.

FOX announced on late Thursday that 10 more episodes has been ordered from the hit sci-fi drama. Production on the upcoming batch of episodes begins this summer, with the series slated to premiere during the 2017–2018 TV season. Further details about the plot and possible additional characters are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

"Iconic characters, rich storytelling, bold creators — these are the hallmarks of great TV shows. And they are some of the reasons why The X-Files has had such a profound impact on millions of fans worldwide," said FOX president David Madden in a press release. "Chris' creativity, along with the brilliant work of David and Gillian, continue to propel this pop culture phenomenon, and we can't wait to see what fresh mysteries Mulder and Scully uncover in this next chapter of 'The X-Files.'"

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, who play the agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, are both confirmed to star in the next season. Both actors excitedly shared the renewal news on their Twitter accounts right after FOX's announcement.

 "You ready for more of this @davidduchovny? #TheXFiles," Anderson tweeted, along with a wacky photo of her and Duchovny while taking a break from filming. Meanwhile, Duchovny re-posted a short teaser clip from FOX when the pick-up was first revealed.

Debuted in September 1993,"The X-Files" featured FBI Agents Mulder and Scully as they investigated paranormal phenomena for nine seasons. In 2008, both Duchovny and Anderson reprised their respective roles in the film "The X-Files: I Want to Believe."

Almost 16 million viewers tuned in when FOX revived the program in 2016. The network said it became the most mentioned series of the season on Twitter at the time. 

FOX has yet to announce an official premiere date for the upcoming 11th season of "The X-Files."