The series premiered in September 2005 and steadily gained viewers- and a very large fandom. With numerous appearances at Comic Cons over the years, it's clear the team behind Supernatural loved the fandom. Originally planned for just five series, after this milestone passed it meant that writers had to keep coming up with ideas to raise the stakes and keep the show fresh, meaning that series finales cliff-hangers went from car-crashes in season 1, to God deciding to end the world in season 14.
The show revolved around Sam and Dean’s brotherly love and undying commitment to saving each other- it was simple but effective.
The characters of Supernatural fought their way into viewers’ hearts making it so hard to say goodbye. Following Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), two brothers who hunt monsters and save the world along with the fallen angel who captured the hearts of viewers- Castiel (Misha Collins). There were a slew of memorable characters including; Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) a self-explanatory and intriguing character, Charlie (Felicia Day) the witty and unique hacker, Crowley (Mark Sheppard) the demon scene stealer and memorable king of hell, and Jack (Alexander Calvert) a Nephilim.
The show revolved around Sam and Dean’s brotherly love and undying commitment to saving each other- it was simple but effective. The characters were able to laugh at themselves, commenting on their co-dependent relationship to how no one ever really stays dead. Dean’s anger, Sam’s passion, Lucifer’s dark-comedy, Jack’s innocence are only a few traits that made viewers root for them. These characters were everything that they needed to be to become a hit, and despite their frequent deaths, we always knew we’d see them again.
Until Supernatural ended and we didn’t.
The show learned not to take itself too seriously in its latter years, evolving from a gritty, dark fantasy to a dramatic (and comedic) sci-fi show. Some viewers may argue that the show lost its way into its elder years, but I have to argue this is not the case.
On paper, falling angels, God’s family drama and alternate worlds do sound far-fetched, but there are only so many times we could’ve seen Dean decapitate a vampire or Sam shoot a witch. The show planned for its future, for example, God’s absence is noted in season 4 leading to the climax in season 11. The final series linked back to the start, noting how the characters' actions over the last fifteen years led to that point.
Like other long-running fantasy shows, Supernatural relied on support from the audience. Nobody can say other fantasy/sci-fi shows haven’t been accused of dropping the ball in their writing after so long, a few examples being Doctor Who, Legends of Tomorrow and Star Trek. While Supernatural wasn’t perfect, increasing stakes and different story directions kept the show fresh.
Like other long-running fantasy shows, Supernatural relied on support from the fans.
The show could’ve ended after season 5 as planned, but with ratings and viewership so high, it would’ve been a crime to not continue the story so far then and there. Whilst part of me has hope for a reboot in the future, I know that this is unlikely. With such a wrapped-up (and disputed but I believe fitting) ending, there is no gas left in the Impala for any more cases. It was a wonderful fifteen years, but, for now, like Crowley said- goodbye boys.
