Supernatural ran for a staggering 15 seasons and over 300 episodes. It started in 2005, the last year before The WB became The CW. That kind of longevity is exceedingly hard in the primetime television world (unless you’re a CSI or NCIS). More than sheer numbers, the fanbase for Supernatural is one of the most rabid and passionate in sci-fi/fantasy. It seemed, therefore, that the prequel series, The Winchesters, might have better than a fighting chance to find success. Not so, as the network has canceled the series after only one season.
According to Deadline, The CW has opted not to continue with the series, which premiered in October 2022. Set in the 1970s, The Winchesters followed the young love and monster-hunting of John (Drake Rodger) and Mary (Meg Donnelly), the eventual parents of Dean and Sam Winchester. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Samantha Smith played the characters, respectively, on Supernatural. Jensen Ackles as Dean served as narrator for the show. He was also one of its executive producers.
Warner Bros. Television, the studio which produces The Winchesters, has vowed to shop the series around elsewhere. The first season ended in March after 13 episodes.
Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.