Here be spoilers.
Supernatural, the CW's hit show about two brothers (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) who battle all sorts of horrible things from the misty netherworlds begins its eleventh season tomorrow. In the fickle world of broadcast TV, this is a noteworthy achievement to say the least. But let's put this in perspective... when Supernatural premiered on September 13, 2005, Malcom in the Middle, That 70's Show, Will & Grace and The West Wing were all hits. The other brother-duo series on the air was a promising little crime drama called Prison Break which sadly never lived up to its promise. Every one of the aforementioned shows has now been consigned to history with none coming close to Supernatural's decade-long run. So what has Supernatural done so right for so long to make its popularity actually increase with age?
As a fan of the show from the first, I have a few thoughts on that...
Supernatural, the CW's hit show about two brothers (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) who battle all sorts of horrible things from the misty netherworlds begins its eleventh season tomorrow. In the fickle world of broadcast TV, this is a noteworthy achievement to say the least. But let's put this in perspective... when Supernatural premiered on September 13, 2005, Malcom in the Middle, That 70's Show, Will & Grace and The West Wing were all hits. The other brother-duo series on the air was a promising little crime drama called Prison Break which sadly never lived up to its promise. Every one of the aforementioned shows has now been consigned to history with none coming close to Supernatural's decade-long run. So what has Supernatural done so right for so long to make its popularity actually increase with age?
As a fan of the show from the first, I have a few thoughts on that...
They Mix Up The Mythology
The one thing that still amazes me is that Supernatural's general premise hasn't changed much since the show began. Dean and Sam are still fighting supernatural beasties in an effort to keep humanity safe. After a while, you'd expect the demons-and-angel things to get old, wouldn't you? Remember how tiresome that UFO-conspiracy mythology in The X-Files got after a few seasons? The difference is that Supernatural's world-view and mythology changes and adapts. Paradigms shift. God vanishes. Angels fall. Demons rise. And sometimes — often — the shows aren't about angels and demons at all. This all combines into good stuff which keeps us coming back for more.
They Don't Skimp On The Details
Many shows with paranormal or supernatural themes come off as cheesy due to poor special effects, terrible makeup and costumes and lame sets. Supernatural however has been amazingly consistent in creating and maintaining a certain look and quality throughout its long run. Even the venerable X-Files didn't do as good a job in this area with what was probably a much larger budget!
They Kill On Social Media
Whether through their official social media outlets, or just offering up the raw materials for their fans, Supernatural has a staggering internet footprint considering its audience size compared to other primetime shows. Facebook stats as of September 2015 tell the tale well: The X-Files (1.4 million likes), Fear the Walking Dead (1.4 million likes), American Horror Story (10.6 million likes), Supernatural (15.7 million likes), The Vampire Diaries (23.4 million likes), The Walking Dead (32.6 million likes). But where Supernatural really kills is with engagement — when, if and how followers respond to posts. Supernatural's fans, who are largely younger, have pretty much grown up with social media, they know how to use it, and they know how to reward those they appreciate.
They Offer A Little Bit For Everyone
Supernatural commands a huge female fan base even though, at first blush, the show would appear to be mostly for guys. Although some critics have pointed to the comeliness of the show's stars as the primary reason for this, that's a gross over-simplification. Regardless of how good looking Ackles, Padalecki and Misha Collins (who plays their resident guardian angel Castiel) are, it would be impossible survive ten years on TV if all you're offering is eye-candy. But add in some excellent female role models; storylines which embrace both male and female issues; frequent winks and nods to all the gay fans; the occasional romantic relationship; action balanced with mystery — and you have a winning combo!
...And Finally, The Cast
And just so it doesn't seem like I'm brushing off the importance of the Ackles, Padalecki, Collins, et al here... uh, yeah... awesome.
These are just my opinions of course, and you're welcome to offer your own insights using the comments tool to the right.
These are just my opinions of course, and you're welcome to offer your own insights using the comments tool to the right.
