Recently, "Supernatural" fans received the news any television viewer loves to hear: the show has been renewed for another season! The announcement was made by Mark Pedowitz, president of The CW Television Network, at the Television Critic's Association press tour.
In all fairness, the news does not come as a big shock to any devoted "Supernatural" fan as the show has proven time and time again that it's longevity is, well, supernatural. Pedowitz has made that clear every chance he gets, this TCA announcement being no different. Forever a supporter of The CW's longest-running series in the network's history (including when it was previously The WB), Pedowitz stated: “I’ve said this ad infinitum, I’m sure most of you can quote me: as long as the show is performing and the boys want to do it and I’m sitting in this chair, the show has a long life." The fact that the series' stars, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles (Sam and Dean Winchester), have a say on when the show will eventually come to an end not only highlights Pedowitz's unending support and trust in the boys, the creators, and their writers, but gives proper credit to the actors' impact on the immortality of the show.
Still, while the renewal was practically guaranteed, "the longest-running fantasy series in television history" receiving an early renewal is an exciting achievement. It also allows for season-ending plots and cliffhangers to get fleshed out by the writers. “Early pickups...allow our producers to plan ahead for next season, and gives us a solid base to build on for next season," Pedowtiz stated at the TCA's.
After the announcement was made, stars Padalecki, Ackles and Misha Collins (Castiel), as well as many previous and current guest stars, celebrated on Twitter. Jared congratulated the #SPNFamily on the renewal while Jensen gave thanks to everyone who made the big news possible. Misha added how lucky they feel at hitting "number 13".
Last year, Jared and Jensen told Entertainment Weekly that the "next milestone" they want to hit is 300 episodes, which would take the show into season 14. Many fans and critics wondered if that meant the series would end at 300 episodes, but at "Supernatural's" 2016 Dallas Convention, Padalecki and Ackles reassured the SPNFamily that the number is simply the next goal they are shooting for. They also mentioned at the 2016 New Jersey convention that the last day of filming the series is going to be a difficult one, seemingly a day they are not planning on happening anytime soon. It is a series that thousands of fans have grown up with, and that includes Jared and Jensen, who began filming the show in their early 20's (over a decade ago). The show has been life-changing for its fandom as well as its stars and creators. No one feels ready to let go of this incredible show or its characters, especially not this fan.
Congratulations, "Supernatural" cast, crew, and fans on season 13! Here's to another season of the Winchester Family Business.
