Key Takeaways:
– Eric Kripke, the creator of Supernatural, left the show after the fifth season.
– Despite original plans to end after its fifth season, the show continued for nearly double its initial projected lifespan.
– Kripke’s decision was driven by a personal fear of creative exhaustion and a decrease in overall quality.
– Following his exit from Supernatural, Kripke developed other projects, including The Boys.
– Sera Gamble replaced Kripke as the showrunner on Supernatural, serving in this role until season 7.
Looking Deep into the Journey of Supernatural
Supernatural surely needs no introduction. This popular CW show starred Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki as brothers on an intense mission, traversing the expanse of America to track down their father, a skilled demon hunter. Their travels led them to confront a new demon in each episode, spinning tales of the supernatural that held the viewers in a firm grip.
The Man Beyond the Scenes: Eric Kripke
The primary force behind Supernatural was creator Eric Kripke, who had worked ten long years putting the show together before The WB agreed to air it. Interestingly, Kripke had an entirely different storyline in his original blueprint, pitching the two main characters as tabloid journalists rather than brothers. However, Kripke soon decided to switch gears, and Supernatural, as we know and love it, came to life.
After steering the show successfully for five seasons, Kripke shocked fans in 2010 with the announcement of his departure. Although Supernatural kept its engine running for another decade, the reasons behind Kripke’s exit remained a mystery until the impending final season in 2020 stirred up the topic.
The Reason Behind his Withdrawal
Many fans might find it difficult to comprehend the massive work that goes into creating 22 episodes per season. Imagine crafting an enthralling hour-long narrative, episode after episode, and you’ll understand the mental toll it must have taken.
According to Kripke, maintaining this demanding regimen led him to fear decreasing quality in his work and developing creative exhaustion. Consequently, when he heard rumors of the studio’s intention to continue Supernatural regardless of his involvement, he resolved to find a successor who would maintain the show’s high standards.
Passing the Baton: Sera Gamble Takes Over
In his search for a worthy successor, Kripke stumbled upon a name that echoed his passion for the show: Sera Gamble. Like Kripke, Gamble held a deep regard for Supernatural, and Kripke believed she would invigorate the show with fresh vigor, which he felt was diminishing in his work.
Embracing Kripke’s trust with open arms, Gamble helmed Supernatural as showrunner until the seventh season. She later moved on to work on other popular shows, including The Magicians and the Netflix hit, You.
Life After Supernatural
For Kripke, leaving Supernatural did not mean an end to his creative journey. He continued to develop new ideas and create compelling shows, with The Boys being one of his more recent offerings. Interestingly, The Boys is also set to wrap up with its fifth season, mirroring Kripke’s tenure on Supernatural.
Today, Supernatural is still available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans and newcomers alike the chance to dive into the enthralling world of the demon-hunting Winchester brothers over its fifteen-season run. While Kripke’s departure may have been bitter-sweet, the hallmark he left on the popular show will forever remain etched in its legacy.
