High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The first season of the television series Xena: Warrior Princess commenced airing in the United States and Canada on September 4, 1995, concluded on 29 July 1996, and contained 24 episodes. It introduces Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), the series co-star, beside Xena (Lucy Lawless), previously a secondary character in the TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Gabrielle becomes Xena's greatest ally; her initial naiveté helps to balance Xena and assists her in recognizing and pursuing the "greater good."