How ‘Supernatural’ Carries on Via Its Huge, Devoted Fanbase

Ask any former Supernatural actor their response after they heard their character was being killed off, and so they typically reply with a smile: “Nobody actually dies on Supernatural.” And neither, it appears, does the present, which has managed to outlive lengthy after the ultimate monster-hunting episode aired on November 19, 2020. The 15 seasons reside on by way of syndication, streaming and, after all, within the hearts of thousands and thousands of followers.

Certainly, the collection continues to seek out new life from a rising fanbase. With all 327 episodes obtainable on Netflix, a youthful technology has been discovering the present. Their allegiance is clear within the spectacular numbers of followers faithfully attending Supernatural conventions throughout the nation and overseas — together with Australia, Germany, and the U.Okay. — the place they get to satisfy the celebs, store for signed pictures from the solid, purchase merch and, most meaningfully to many, line up for a private picture with their favorites. Different perks have included group karaoke, mini golf with solid members, and rocking out on Saturday nights with Louden Swain, a band fronted by God (a.ok.a. actor Rob Benedict) and a revolving roster of the present’s former castmates.

Followers Jennifer Gaylord (left) and Anna Knierim now run the seller desk for Ackles’ band, Radio Firm, at Supernatural conventions (Holly Diane White)

All this enjoyable doesn’t come low cost. At Creation Leisure’s Could 16-18, 2025, conference “The Street So Far…The Street Forward: Celebrating 20 Years of SPN” in Secaucus, New Jersey, visited by TV Guide Magazine, followers had been delighted to spend roughly $1,000 to safe a gold go that coated all three days and admission to each occasion, together with a particular VIP Q&A with Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who performed beloved brothers Sam and Dean Winchester.

Different fashionable style exhibits like Physician Who, Star Trek, and The Strolling Lifeless draw crowds to conventions with attendees typically paying tribute with elaborate cosplay. For Supernatural, although, it’s not about imitation however about feeling a part of the SPN household, as followers name themselves. “That face-to-face interplay has created extra reciprocal relationships than another fandom enjoys,” says Lynn Zubernis, a psychologist and college professor who has edited a number of books on the present’s enchantment.

Collins, Padalecki, Ackles, and Alexander Calvert with a cheerful fan (Holly Diane White)

The devoted kind robust bonds with Sam and Dean, whose brotherly ties are by no means damaged (besides perhaps when one in all them is demon-possessed), in addition to with the siblings’ highly effective angel ally Castiel (Misha Collins). “New followers uncover the present and are drawn in by the depth of these relationships, their complexity and the braveness of the actors to point out quite a lot of emotionality and vulnerability onscreen,” says Zubernis.

As I spoke with followers from throughout the nation on the conference, one other emotional tie to the present grew to become clear: the shut buddies they met by way of their shared love for the collection. SPN conference royalty undoubtedly appears to be North Dakotan Andrea Hurtt, who has been to 93 of the gatherings. After attending a number of cons 10 years earlier, she closed her clothes retailer and commenced making “assist pillows” modeled after the present’s characters and promoting the merch on the cons. “It will get very emotional right here,” she explains, “and I assist lots of people with a tangible reminiscence of assembly their heroes.” She says she’s raised $250,000 for charity by way of the pillows.

Household legacy can be widespread on the cons. I met a father and his 13-year-old daughter from Connecticut who was fortunately going by way of her Supernatural goody bag. Her dad started watching the present earlier than she was born, he stated, and couldn’t look ahead to her to be sufficiently old so they might binge it collectively. It was their second time on the New Jersey conference. “It’s like just a little neighborhood right here,” he says.

Rianna Melton (heart), who owns Charlie’s (Felicia Day) automotive, a yellow
AMC Gremlin (Holly Diane White)

Alabama’s Stephanie Gentry was one other legacy fan. “Supernatural was my dad’s favourite present,” she says. “When he was recognized with terminal most cancers, we acquired him passes to a con, however he handed away three weeks earlier than the occasion.” Regardless of her ache, her mother urged her to go; she did and has since saved coming again. “I really feel like my dad led me to having all these new buddies,” she says. “I’ve achieved 14 conventions as a result of I like the present, the solid and all my buddies right here.”

Followers and actors alike could be thrilled to see a brand new restricted collection or a film, which Ackles and Padalecki have publicly mused about, particularly since Netflix will drop Supernatural in December after their five-year contract ends. Whether or not there are any unique episodes sooner or later or a brand new bingeing life on one other streamer, it’s protected to say that the followers — and the devoted solid —  will keep it up.

— Extra Reporting by Damian Holbrook