This is Kolchak the Night Stalker..
Kolchak the Night Stalker was a television series that aired from 1974 to 1975. The show focused on a Chicago newspaper reporter (Carl Kolchak) played by Darren McGavin from "A Christmas Story" fame.
Kolchak investigated strange and unsolved crimes. Particularly those that law enforcement would not follow up on. In many cases, the crimes had to do with supernatural elements that involved the occult, werewolves, witches, etc. It was a great show, and scared the living crap out of me as an eight year old boy watching it in syndication. The series is now a cult classic, spawned a new series in 2005, and has inspired several comic books and novels.
Fast forward to 2016, and the special six episode revival of the X-Files. Myself along with many other eagle eyed fans observed the following in the upcoming preview for next week's X-Files episode..
I mean come on.. this has got to be Kolchak right? Taking to social media, I found a legion of Kolchak and X-Files enthusiasts that have the same thoughts. I've even learned that the creator of the X-Files Chris Carter originally wanted to feature Kolchak on a few episodes in the original series, but McGavin had no desire to reprise his role.
In retrospect, I can see how Kolchak the Night Stalker was a big inspiration for the X-Files, and Chris Carter has indeed acknowledged that it greatly influenced its creation. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday, February 1st to see for sure, but I am already expecting to see good old Carl Kolchak to be getting himself into trouble once again.
Now.. if Carter would only bring back "The Lone Gunmen" Myself and countless other X-Files fans will be some happy campers!!
!!UPDATE!!
2-10-2016
Well, It's been a week now, so I think this is spoiler safe. Sadly, the character in this episode was not the beloved Kolchak. The character was a creature that could transform from a reptilian creature to human. The clothes he sported were ones he took from a serial killers victim at the scene of a crime. The reptilian was innocent, and was a very loveable and funny character. The episode had a great comedic element to it, and was very fun to watch.
It does make one wonder however, was Kolchak snooping around the crime scene when he in turn met an untimely demise? One thing is for sure, I along with other Kolchak fans will always have a sneaking suspicion that this whole thing was at the very least, a nod to Kolchak the Night Stalker.