The Shocking Twists and Turns: How Supernatural Deviated from Eric Kripke's Original Blueprint

After 15 seasons, it may be hard to imagine Supernatural any other way. However, the show did go through changes that diverged from its original plan by creator Eric Kripke. This drama-horror series follows the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, as they uncover details about their mother's death, battle supernatural beings, and occasionally save the world. Over time, the Winchesters expand their team to include unexpected allies such as angels, demons, a vampire, and other hunters.

Although many characters, storylines, and show-specific elements have become essential parts of the show, some of them were not initially considered by Kripke. He has previously discussed these alterations, revealing that they were a result of seizing the opportunities that arose and making the most of them. This sometimes involved recognizing which storylines would not work, like a discarded idea for a "horror movie ending" in the series finale, which Kripke mentioned in an interview with EW in 2020. With Kripke's flexibility, numerous changes were ultimately made to the original premise of Supernatural.

11 Supernatural's Impala Was A Different Car

10 Supernatural Wasn't Called Supernatural

It may be hard to believe, but Dean's beloved 1967 Chevrolet Impala, known as Baby, was initially intended to be a different car. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Kripke mentioned that he originally wanted "an American muscle car" for Sam and Dean, specifically planning for Baby to be a 1965 Mustang. However, after a conversation with one of his neighbors, Kripke became convinced that the Impala would be a better choice. What persuaded him was his neighbor's argument that the Impala was ideal "because you can put a body in the trunk." While this criterion may be unsettling, it is fitting when considering the Supernatural series and the multitude of challenges that Baby has endured.

It is almost unimaginable to think of Supernatural being called anything other than its current name, considering its long and rich history. However, during the initial pitch, the show was actually titled "Unnatural". Thankfully, the production team decided to change it to Supernatural. Perhaps this change was due to the negative connotations associated with the word "unnatural", which often implies something perverse or artificial. Regardless, the new title, Supernatural, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the monster-horror genre and the wide array of supernatural beings that have been showcased throughout the series, ranging from ghosts to golems.

9 Eric Kripke Wanted Supernatural To Be Super-Serious

8 Supernatural Season 3 Was Much Longer

When Supernatural delves into genres that typically tackle more serious tropes, it comes as no surprise that Kripke envisioned a show with a chilling and somber tone. In a candid interview with The Daily Telegraph, Kripke revealed his inspiration stemmed from 1980s cult classics such as Steven Spielberg's Poltergeist. What resonated with him was the notion that horror could lurk just around the corner of one's own home. To some extent, this darker atmosphere did find its way into the show. The earlier seasons, with their gritty visuals and hair-raising storylines, delved into Sam and Dean's pursuit of terrifying urban legends like the Hook Man. However, as the series progressed, the incorporation of a more balanced humor alongside apocalyptic threats ultimately proved to be a more successful and enduring formula.

Given that Kripke had meticulously planned Supernatural's original 5-season arc, it is worth questioning the noticeable decrease in episodes for season 3. In most seasons, the show typically consists of around 22 or 23 episodes, yet season 3 concludes with a mere 16 episodes. This significant reduction can be attributed to the Writers' Strike of 2007-2008, which resulted in the interruption of episode writing when 12 episodes were already in production. If the strike had not occurred, it is highly likely that the season would have adhered to the standard 22-episode format.

7 Supernatural Season 5 Was The Original Ending

Kripke disclosed in an interview with TV.com that he has a captivating story which requires more than 10 episodes to unfold. Recognizing the importance and complexity of this narrative, he emphasized the need for ample time to do it justice. In the Supernatural Original Magazine #8, Kripke shared that the initial plan had intricately delved into Sam's psychic abilities, intending for them to serve as a means to prevent Dean from descending into hell. However, in hindsight, the absence of this storyline allowed for a more straightforward season arc, as the unexpected turn of real-life events ultimately led to Dean's journey to hell. Nonetheless, the show still delivered its customary moments of humor to engage the audience.

Kripke had a clear vision for Supernatural when he started, planning for it to be a five-season journey. The main storyline revolved around the Winchester brothers defeating Lucifer, while also seeking vengeance for their mother's death and uncovering the connection between Azazel and Lucifer. However, Kripke acknowledged that the specifics of the story were not completely fleshed out from the beginning, and that they evolved with each season. Although the fifth season finale could have served as a satisfying conclusion, it would have left certain important questions unanswered, such as Sam's resurrection from hell. Even now, there is an ongoing debate about whether the show should have concluded earlier.

6 Supernatural's Original Plan Didn't Have Angels

5 Sam Winchester Knew Nothing About Monsters

When Castiel (Misha Collins) made his debut in season 4, the angels' inclusion was not part of Kripke's original 5-year plan. In Supernatural: The Long Road Home, Kripke admitted that he initially avoided incorporating powerful beings like angels as he believed it would make things too easy for the characters. However, despite his reservations, the introduction of angels and the concept of heaven opened up the opportunity for compelling storylines. We witnessed the involvement of God himself in the Winchester brothers' journeys and their gripping escapes from the depths of Hell. This addition of angels and heavens enabled a delicate equilibrium amongst the various forces that shaped the narrative of the show.

Sam quickly became Team Free Will's go-to researcher, providing monster lore whenever it was needed. However, Kripke's original plan was to keep Sam completely oblivious to the existence of monsters and all things supernatural until the show began. This would have greatly impacted flashback-heavy episodes, Sam's decision to leave home, and his dynamic with Dean and their father. Without Sam's recurring rebellion against the supernatural and his yearning for a "normal" life, his character would have been significantly different, especially in the earlier seasons. Additionally, the pilot episode would have undergone significant changes, affecting Sam and Dean's initial interactions and the tragic death of Jessica (Adrianne Palicki).

4 Bobby Singer's Character Was Improvised

Bobby (Jim Beaver) became a beloved character as he filled the paternal void left by John for Sam and Dean. His wisdom and sarcastic humor added a captivating and entertaining dynamic to the Winchester brothers' on-screen relationship. Interestingly, Kripke had initially intended for Sam and Dean to seek help from Missouri Moseley (Loretta Devine) in season 1, episode 22, "Devil's Trap," but due to her unavailability, he created the character of Bobby instead.

Considering Kripke's original plan, it is intriguing to wonder if Bobby would have been included in the series beyond season 1. It is difficult to imagine a version of Supernatural where he is not just a phone call away, providing the Winchesters with their fake federal contact.

3 Sam & Dean Winchester's Names Changed

The name Winchester is well-known both within and beyond the Supernatural universe. Interestingly, creator Eric Kripke disclosed on Twitter that the original plan was for the brothers to be called Harrison. However, a legal issue arose due to the existence of a real-life Dean Harrison in Kansas, prompting Kripke to opt for the name Winchester instead. Given the reported hauntings at the renowned Winchester Mystery House, it is only fitting that Sam and Dean, adept marksmen and seasoned hunters of supernatural creatures, bear the name of this prominent family.

2 Supernatural Had A Non-Character-Based Format

In an interview with EW in 2019, Kripke revealed that he initially found the concept of Supernatural embracing a "monster-of-the-week" structure more fascinating. This would entail each episode highlighting a distinct urban legend. This may sound familiar as the first 10 episodes of season 1 explore self-contained legends or monster stories that have minimal impact on the show's main plot. However, in the subsequent seasons of Supernatural, the narrative evolved to incorporate overarching storylines while still featuring standalone tales of various supernatural threats. Departing from the anthology format proved beneficial as it allowed the storylines to delve deeper into character relationships and construct more intricate and extended story arcs.

1 Sam & Dean Weren't Characters To Start With

There is arguably no Supernatural without Sam and Dean Winchester, but they were not always part of the initial plan. Originally, creator Kripke envisioned a reporter character who would travel across the country investigating urban legends in each episode, following a more anthological idea. However, this concept did not receive much excitement. Kripke then pitched the idea of "two guys cruising the country, diving in and out of these legends." The inclusion of Sam and Dean's quest to find Azazel, along with everything that unfolds thereafter, played a crucial role in the show's ability to sustain itself for 15 seasons. By allowing room for character development over time, the show maintained its intrigue beyond the realms of monster fighting and supernatural twists.

The decision to anchor a story about supernatural beings in the bonds of two brothers striving to preserve their sense of family is what truly captivated viewers. This approach also offered relatable elements such as loss, grief, and love within a fictional universe that was otherwise difficult to connect with. Supernatural's deviations from Kripke's original plans opened up creative possibilities that exceeded his initial expectations, allowing the show to explore new narrative territories that contributed to its long-lasting popularity.

Sources: EW, The Dailly Telegraph, TV.com, Collider, TV Insider