Celebrating 25 years of Roswell

[dreamon]

I can’t believe that it’s the 25th anniversary of Roswell, it's hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia wash over. This show, which first graced our screens in 1999, captured our hearts with its blend of science fiction, romance, and the ever-compelling struggle for identity.

From the very first episode, we were drawn into the lives of Liz, Max, Isabel, Michael, and the entire gang. Their stories of love, loss, and the quest for belonging resonated deeply, especially for those of us navigating the complexities of our own teenage years. The unique mix of teen drama and supernatural intrigue was groundbreaking, paving the way for many shows that followed.

Over the past quarter-century, Roswell has remained a touchstone for us fans old and new. It has inspired countless fanfictions that allowed us to explore "what if" scenarios, dive deeper into character backstories, and create new adventures that the original series never touched on. Fanfiction has been a vibrant part of our community, providing a space for creativity and connection where we can reimagine the stories and relationships we love. And it still has many of us coming to see if any of our favorite stories were ever finished. I know I can name at least 10 that I would love to see completed one day!!!

This anniversary is a perfect opportunity to reflect on how Roswell shaped our understanding of friendship, loyalty, and the idea that being different is something to be celebrated. Let’s come together to honor this beloved series by sharing our favorite moments, discussing our favorite characters, and showcasing the incredible fanfiction that has kept the spirit of Roswell alive.

Here’s to 25 years of mystery, romance, and unforgettable moments. What are your favorite memories from the show? Do you have a fanfic you’ve written or loved? Or have one that you are dying to see completed? Who are your favorite writers? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the magic of Roswell thriving!

[RoswellFan68]

I was late to discover Roswell. In the fall of 1999, I was a new mom. That newborn discovered Roswell as a teen on Netflix and shared with me. I was hooked. I purchased the DVDs. Then I found out there were fan fiction sites devoted to Roswell. That really pulled me into the world of Roswell.

[cameramandc]

Wow, has it really been 25 years? Where does the time go?

In 1999 I was in my senior year of high school when Roswell debuted. At the time I was aware of the show's existence but had never actually watched it. Occasionally I would see an article or tv listing mentioning the show, but didn't really think much of it. In fact it wasn't until after the first season had just ended that I became interested in the show. I remember being over at Fanfiction.net when I came across a story that caught my attention. It was a Michael/Marie fic that was both heartbreaking and heart warming. After reading several more fics I became hooked. I spent the entire summer watching reruns, visiting websites and reading fanfics of the show. I even remember this one time when our cable went out I hopped in my car and drove to my grandparents house so I wouldn't miss an episode. Good times.

Now originally I started out a Michael/Maria shipper, but over the course of watching the show and several fics I became a huge Alex/Isabel fan. Even though they had the least amount of screen time together, the couple really captivated me. I always felt there was a great deal of potential for their relationship that could have been explored.

I remember being so excited for the second season to begin. And I remember when I first heard the rumors about Alex's fate. At the time I didn't want to believe it, I was hoping they were wrong. But then it happened and needless to say I was very disappointed. I spent that next summer chatting with others about the show and reading fics that offered alternative and better outcomes. Heck, I even went so far as to get a petition going to bring back Alex. I was very wary about the third season, I kept hoping they would bring back Alex. But after all was said and done it didn't happen. I stopped watching the show after the episode with Colin's last appearance, the spark was gone. Everything I knew about the show from then was what I had read online. I never even saw the finale. I know it sounds like I'm being melodramatic, but what can I say that's just me.

Even though it's been so long what I remember the most was the community we the fans had online. I became friends with people across the globe in countries I had never visited. That might not seem like much today, but for a young man in the early '00's. It was nothing short of amazing.

And this site, I still visit this site very often. Reading the fics that made me laugh, cry and brought me great comfort when times were difficult.

So I just wanted to say, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping this board alive.

David

[totallizfan]

Ya I check the board everyday. Reread my fav fanfics and some new ones. Just wish we still had all the old archives.

[cameramandc]

Ya I check the board everyday. Reread my fav fanfics and some new ones. Just wish we still had all the old archives.

Same. Remind me again, when did we lose the old archives?

[cameramandc]

I was late to discover Roswell. In the fall of 1999, I was a new mom. That newborn discovered Roswell as a teen on Netflix and shared with me. I was hooked. I purchased the DVDs. Then I found out there were fan fiction sites devoted to Roswell. That really pulled me into the world of Roswell.

Glad to see even after all that time the show can still find new fans.

[Misha]

Twenty-five years... who would have thought that when I said, "always and forever a Roswell fan!" I wasn't kidding

Because of the way the school system works in my country, I watched the Pilot the first day after High School had ended, so it separates my "teen years" from my "adult-college years", even if I was 17 at the time I saw Max saving Liz and I was gone...

Thank goodness I was a broke college student, because otherwise, the amount of money I would have spent (or that I could spend now if the show was on) It was until 2009, when I had a US visa and a paying job to afford the trip, that I visited Covina, and went a second time in 2016. Even if all the sets are gone and there's little to see these days, it was just magical to go up there and place my hand on the "pod chamber" door

I met wonderful people through this show, which I wasn't expecting at all. Of course, back in 1999, what did we know about how the internet would change the world? I learned what "fanfic" and "spoilers" meant from the fandom. I exchanged videotapes with people in Argentina and Arkansas, even got credits at my college for helping out designing the 2005 Calendar (I'm a graphic designer, though back then, a senior year student). By sheer chance I saw someone on Twitter asking for help to design the 2015 fan booklet for a Roswell reunion in Texas (I think). I know the actors got the booklets, so a tiny piece of my work at least passed their eyes at some point

And I wrote my first fanfic ever for Roswell. I've written over 700,000 words for this fandom, and although I've been lapsing on posting my longest fic, I've finally come back to finish it. I have a faw favorites from other awesome writers: Innocent, The bitter dregs, One Max over the Max, and the Shapeshifter Series. And gosh, how I loooooved the fics where they were little kids

Fanfiction is the way we keep the fandom alive. I'm just so happy this website is still around!