When Supernatural ended its 15-year run in 2020, it left behind more than salt circles and exorcisms—a legacy. The Winchester brothers’ ride through monsters, angels, demons, and death itself became one of the most lasting tales of contemporary television. With all the buzz about a potential comeback, fans and creators alike are left with a huge question: Should the show return at all?
These are eight of the most important factors that would have to be taken into account before Supernatural is revived.
1. The Timeless Popularity of Supernatural
Supernatural wasn’t simply a television show to many fans—it was a way of life. Through more than 15 seasons, it amassed a committed fan base that remained faithful even through its narrative ups and downs. The show’s combination of horror, comedy, and emotional brotherhood resonated long, and five years since the series finale, fervor has not dissipated. Convention events continue to thrive, and demands for further Winchester exploits confirm the series world remains relevant to millions.
2. The Cast and Creators Are Open—If the Story Is Right
Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki never closed the door on coming back to their legendary roles. Padalecki stated he’d play Sam “100%,” and Ackles has spoken in similar terms, albeit both stressing it would only be done for the correct story, not out of nostalgia. Creator Eric Kripke has also hinted at being open to a revival, but with the caveat that it would be something that brings something to the franchise and not simply repeats what’s been done.
3. Can That Early Magic Be Recaptured?
The first half-dozen seasons of Supernatural—mostly written by Kripke—are universally considered the show’s golden age. The monster-of-the-week format combined with slow-burning mythology found a perfect blend of frights, heart, and suspense. Subsequent seasons pushed the show to more epic, more cosmic places, but some fans longed for the closeness and simplicity of those early episodes. Any return would have to recapture that early charm without being perceived as going backward.
4. Recasting Sam and Dean? Don’t Think So
Let’s be real: Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are Sam and Dean. Their chemistry and dedication propelled the series for more than a decade. Using new actors to reboot the franchise in those roles would be a huge gamble—and probably a nonstarter for most long-time fans. A spin-off or continuation could work, but a full recasting of the original characters would be a virtually impossible sell.
5. The Finale Still Sparks Debate
The series finale, in which Dean is killed on a hunt and Sam has a complete life before being reunited with his brother in the afterlife, polarized the fanbase. Some enjoyed its real, downbeat tone. Others believed it didn’t live up to the grandeur of the story. Even Ackles initially questioned Dean’s fate but grew to accept it after talking with Kripke. A reboot would have to navigate this tactfully—either picking up from there, retconning some of it, or having some clever means of visiting the characters without undermining their ending.
6. The Winchesters Spin-Off: A Cautionary Tale
The Winchesters, the prequel series about John and Mary Winchester, tried to extend the Supernatural universe. Although it had some great moments and was created and narrated by Ackles, it wasn’t able to engage both new audiences as well as dedicated fans. Its brief lifespan and cancellation serve as reminders that it’s not easy to build upon Supernatural’s legacy—and that any new tale has to strike the right balance between respecting the original and introducing something different.
7. Preserving the Legacy
Fifteen years is a remarkable streak, and Supernatural was able to leave its mark on pop culture history. But reviving it solely for the sake of it undermines the effort. A stumble threatens to ruin what made the show unique. That’s why both Ackles and Padalecki have emphasized that any revival would have to result from a place of passion and respect, not as a fan-service venture or business decision.
8. A Fandom That Resonates With Every Choice
If Supernatural has anything, it’s a hugely passionate fanbase. They’ve sustained the show on fan fiction, fan art, conventions, and internet forums. But that same passion comes with extremely high expectations. A revival would be greeted with close inspection, and fans will be demanding intelligent storytelling that honors the characters they’ve been in love with for years. Getting through that emotional investment will be one of the biggest hurdles for any potential project.
There’s no doubt that Supernatural remains a part of television history—and of fans’ hearts. But it isn’t as easy as reviving Sam and Dean to do it once more. It would require the proper story, the proper time, and a creative staff that knows what made the show work in the beginning.
As any hunter will tell you, some things are best left undisturbed… unless, of course, you know you can get them back in the proper manner.