It's been over two decades since the Winchesters first rolled into our lives, and while the main series wrapped up in 2020, the Supernatural universe refuses to stay dead. With both Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles expressing interest in revisiting their iconic roles, fans are left wondering: what's next for the franchise? But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a trip down memory lane and examine the many spin-off attempts that have tried—and mostly failed—to capture the magic of the original.
The First Attempt: Bloodlines
Long before The Winchesters came along, the show's creators tried to expand the universe with a backdoor pilot in Season 9. Titled "Bloodlines," the episode introduced us to Ennis Ross, a police trainee thrust into the supernatural underworld of Chicago after a personal tragedy. The proposed spin-off, initially called Supernatural: Tribes, was set to follow Ennis as he navigated a city controlled by five monster mafia families, with a shapeshifter and a werewolf caught in a star-crossed romance.
On paper, it sounded like a recipe for success—a younger cast, a fresh setting, and plenty of romantic tension to appeal to the CW's demographic. Shows like Angel and The Originals had proven that spin-offs could thrive by focusing on different characters in the same universe. But Bloodlines missed the mark. The episode was poorly received, and the concept felt too disconnected from the gritty, road-trip vibe that made Supernatural special.
Co-creator Andrew Dabb later admitted that the timing wasn't right and that the idea was "probably a little too similar to The Originals." But the deeper issue was that Bloodlines tried to be both a part of the Supernatural world and something entirely different, and it ended up satisfying neither. It lacked the emotional core that made Sam and Dean's story so compelling, and the new characters didn't have the same gravitas.
The Wayward Sisters Setback
Undeterred, the franchise tried again in Season 13 with "Wayward Sisters," a backdoor pilot that focused on fan-favorite characters like Jody Mills, Donna Hanscum, and Claire Novak. This one felt like a no-brainer—these women had already earned a place in fans' hearts, and their dynamic was ripe for exploration. The episode was well-received, and many believed the spin-off was a sure thing.
But despite the positive buzz, the CW passed on Wayward Sisters. The network cited scheduling and budget concerns, but many fans suspected that the show's female-led cast was a factor. It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since the episode had set up so much potential. The characters were strong, the story was engaging, and it felt like a natural extension of the Supernatural universe. Yet, it wasn't meant to be.
The Winchesters: A Prequel That Missed the Mark
Then came The Winchesters, a prequel series that promised to explore the love story of Sam and Dean's parents, John and Mary. With Jensen Ackles on board as an executive producer, the show had a lot of hype. But it struggled to find its audience, and after just one season, the CW pulled the plug. The series tried to balance fan service with new mythology, but it never quite hit the right note.
Part of the problem is that Supernatural is so deeply tied to the Winchesters' journey. The show's heart is the bond between Sam and Dean, and any spin-off that doesn't feature them feels like it's missing something essential. Even The Winchesters, which was set in the same family, couldn't escape the shadow of the original.
What's Next for the Franchise?
So, what does the future hold? With both Padalecki and Ackles open to returning, a revival or a proper sequel series could be on the table. But the franchise needs to learn from its past mistakes. A successful spin-off needs to honor the original while carving out its own identity—a balance that has proven elusive.
Perhaps the answer lies in a more serialized approach, or maybe it's time to explore a completely different corner of the Supernatural universe. Whatever the case, fans are hungry for more, and the potential is there. But as history shows, it's not easy to replicate the magic of the Winchesters. Until then, we'll keep rewatching the original series and dreaming of what could have been.
