ManySupernaturalfans remain hopeful that the show’s revival will eventually be in the works, but there’s a major obstacle inSupernaturalseason 16’s way—and it’s likely a good thing.Supernaturalhad an impressive 15-season run spanning as many years, yet even with that extensive history,theSupernaturalseries finaleleft many viewers devastated and wanting more.
The ending ofSupernaturalseason 15 had a clear sense of finality—complete with a time jump decades into the future—but, years later, discourse aboutstoryline possibilities forSupernaturalseason 16remains prevalent. Unfortunately,there’s been one considerable obstacle inSupernatural’sway, but that may actually be good news for a potential revival.
Jensen Ackles' Schedule Is One Of The Biggest Obstacles Facing A Supernatural Revival
Ackles Has Been Booked And Busy Since The Conclusion Of Supernatural
Despite myriad theories about whatSupernaturalseason 16 could entail, one thing remains universally agreed upon:anySupernaturalrevival would need to get both Jensen Ackles, who played Dean Winchester, and Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester, back. No matter how their stories ended in season 15, the show simply cannot go on without both of them.
Yet, therein lies a challenge toSupernatural’srevival, as a new season would require both Ackles and Padalecki being available. This is particularly challenging in Ackles' case, as he has continued to play major recurrent roles in the years sinceSupernaturalconcluded, from his ongoing part as Soldier Boy inThe Boysto his current leading role inCountdown.
In fact, Ackles himself explained that this is a significantobstacle forSupernaturalseason 16. Given Amazon is behind several of Ackles' current and upcoming projects, includingThe Boys,Countdown, andVought Rising, Ackles said:
“Well, it sounds like Amazon’s going to have to come up with an idea on that one, because they’re controlling my schedule right now.”
This comment suggests, as many statements from Ackles and Padalecki have in recent years, that theSupernaturalstars are open to reprising their roles. However,in Ackles' case, there’s a serious scheduling matter to consider, and it’s largely out of his hands.
A Longer Wait Is Actually Good News For Supernatural Season 16
It May Be Difficult For Fans Of The Show To Wait, But It Will Likely Be Better In The End
Although some may find Ackles' comments discouraging, as it seems there’s going to be some difficulty in makingSupernaturalseason 16 happen,this delay will likely be good news for a renewal in the end. For one, it’s only been 5 years since the show concluded.
That may feel like an eternity for those who love the show, but realistically, a revival needs time to pass to be truly effective. It not only gives fans time to really miss the show, which is an essential component of a successful revival, but it also means more time for the plan to be perfectly executed.
The need to get this right was arguably only intensified by the outcome of theSupernaturalspin-offThe Winchesters, headed up by Jensen Ackles himself. There were, sadly, multiplethings that went wrong withThe Winchesters, which ultimately led to the show’s cancelation after just one season.
The need to get this right was arguably only intensified by the outcome of theSupernaturalspin-offThe Winchesters.
Despite the outcome of that spin-off show and the complications with Jensen Ackles' schedule, audiences likely shouldn’t abandon hope for aSupernaturalrevival. Clearly, even the stars of the original show are interested inSupernaturalseason 16; it’s just a matter of getting the timing right.
Supernatural
Cast
Supernatural is a television series that follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised by their father to hunt and combat supernatural entities after losing their mother to a demonic force. Traversing the American landscape in their ‘67 Chevy Impala, they face numerous paranormal threats.
The Winchesters
The Winchesters is a prequel series to Supernatural created by Eric Kripke. It follows monster hunters John Winchester (Drake Rodger) and Mary Campbell (Meg Donnelly) as they search for their missing parents in the years before the birth of their sons Sam and Dean. The Winchesters is narrated by Jensen Ackles, who serves as the show’s executive producer, and also stars Tom Welling as Samuel Campbell.
The Boys
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
Countdown
Countdown, released in 2025, follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum as he joins a secret task force composed of undercover agents from various law enforcement branches. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer, they uncover a deep conspiracy, igniting a time-sensitive mission to protect millions.
