Jason Fischer confirms Supernatural Season 14 episode order

The Supernatural Season 14 episode order rumors are unfortunately true. We’re getting a shorter season than normal.

Jason Fischer confirmed the rumors about the Supernatural Season 14 episode order. This season of the series is going to be its shortest when Season 3 isn’t counted (that was short for extenuating circumstances). So far, there isn’t a clear reason why, although there are plenty of theories.

When sharing the quote board for the season and asking for help for the symbol for the season, fans spotted the number of days for filming. @Suebsg9 pointed out that the number of days to film meant that there were, in fact, only 20 episodes. It takes eight days per episode, which means 179 days of filming for a 23-episode season. There were only 160 days of filming written down, taking us to 20 episodes.

Fischer quickly responded to confirm that the deduction was correct. The CW has only ordered 20 episodes of Supernatural Season 14. However, there isn’t a clear reason why.

Why only 20 episodes to Supernatural Season 14?

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One of the main theories is that Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki want to spend less time filming and more time with their families. Both have three children and lives outside of Supernatural and are currently flying back to Texas from Vancouver every weekend to be with them. Reducing the number of episodes means getting an extra 24 working days (which would equate to about 30-36 days including weekends and holidays) with their family members.

Fewer episodes could mean longer breaks during the season unless The CW chooses to finish Supernatural Season 14 earlier than the other main shows. This would allow a Thursday night free for the midseason shows, especially The 100 and iZombie that are returning and could deal with the first Thursday night slot–The 100 would likely fair better, but iZombie is airing its final season.

What could The CW do?

The CW could decide later to increase the episode order. This has happened with other shows before. Of course, the network has reduced episode orders in the past. Supernatural Season 3 was reduced to 16 episodes due to the writer’s strike in 2008, making it the lowest number of episodes to a season for the extenuating circumstances.

It does seem odd that The CW would want one of its best shows on its network to be reduced from 23 episodes to 20. Having 22 episodes to begin with would make more sense. It’s highly possible with this in mind that it’s not The CW’s decision at all and is to do with the actors negotiating a reduced appearance, which is totally fair and understandable.

One thing that the reduced order will mean is fewer filler episodes. This will mean more focus on the actual plot.

How many episodes left to the 300th episode?

While confirming the Supernatural Season 14 episode order, Fischer also confirmed which episode will be the show’s 300th. He’d confused a few fans when the quote board said that they were onto episode 286. They’re actually onto 287, making the 13th episode of the upcoming season the 300th episode.

With 20 episodes in the season, it still means that the 300th episode is not the end. We’ll have to just wait and see now as to whether there’s a 15th season.

Next: 14 major questions we have about Supernatural Season 14

What do you think about the reduced episode order for Supernatural Season 14? Are you happy with a reduced number of episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 14 premieres on Oct. 11 at 8/7c on The CW. Like SPN Hunters on Facebook for more news.