On Oct. 13, about 2.7 million fans sat down for the Season 12 premiere of “Supernatural” as the iconic opening words flashed over the screen and the theme song “Carry On My Wayward Son” blasted in the background.
Ever since “Supernatural” aired its pilot episode in 2005, The CW network’s fantasy and science-fiction television series has been a fan favorite.
Now, 11 years later, the show continues to be backed by a supportive network, devoted fans and its two leading actors, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, who do not want to let go of the show just yet.
Since its first season, “Supernatural” has created an enthralling storyline following two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who are thrown into the family monster-hunting business as children. Season 12 introduced new characters, like the brothers’ previously deceased mother and a new division of British monster hunters. At this point, though, some people are wondering whether the show should be wrapping up because of overused storylines.
In the first few seasons, fans were hooked by the brothers’ dynamic. Dean was full of charm and liked to fool around, but was also devoted to the family business. On the other hand, Sam was more quiet and logical and often dreamed of life outside of hunting, where he could get married and have kids. As the years have gone on, many viewers have seen that their personalities have combined and they have essentially become the same character.
As the two fought monsters together and saved lives, it was exciting to see the brothers learn more about each other while trying not to get killed. When the show started, each monster was different, whether it was a demon, ghost or other supernatural being. Episode after episode, the new featured monsters would progressively become more evil, more interesting and harder to beat.
However, by Season 12, the audience has already witnessed the best, the worst and everything in between. They’ve met the king of hell, the Devil, God himself and even God’s sister. For some, it is hard to imagine where the writers could take the story next.
Nonetheless, due to consistently high ratings and huge support, it is unlikely that The CW would even consider ending the show unless the cast and crew want to.
At the TCA Winter Press Tour last year, CW network president Mark Pedowitz said that the show “is performing better than it did last year. If [the writers] can keep delivering stories, the numbers keep holding and the guys want to do it, we will try to keep going.”
Every story has to come to an end, and the time will come eventually for “Supernatural.” Fortunately, the show does not seem to be losing its popularity just yet, and as long as people still want it to continue, it could go on for many years to come.
Fans can only hope that when the show inevitably ends, it won’t fizzle out, but end just as thrillingly as it started.