Here’s why Supernatural should have 13 episode seasons
Supernatural’s 14th season is only going to have 20 episodes. We think they could go even shorter and still be great.
When Supernatural announced their 14th season would only be 20 episodes instead of 23, the initial reaction was disappointment. Less Supernatural?! How rude!
This summer, the writers, cast, and crew have all gone on the circuit reassuring fans that fewer episodes is actually a great thing. Jensen Ackles has even argued that the show could even do less episodes and it would be a great show. And I have to agree with Jensen. I think that Supernatural could benefit greatly from a shorter, 13-episode season.
If you look at shows on premium cable channels and streaming services, like Game of Thrones, Westworld, and The Handmaid’s Tale, they all have shorter 13-episodes or less seasons. These are some of the highest rated, most critically acclaimed series on television right now.
I think the CW should look at these critically acclaimed shows with shorter seasons and look at maybe giving Supernatural the 13 episode season treatment. Here’s why.
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More quality episodes
With only 13 slots to fill, the writing of each episode would be tighter. There would be less filler episodes and more quality episodes. With only 13 episodes, there would be less time to solve the overarching story of the season. So, the writers would be forced to tell the story more concisely, and not drag it out unnecessarily.
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It would cut out some of the out of character actions and unnecessary arguments that drive the brothers apart in order to fill time. The focus can be on telling a great story.
A lot of the issues the show has right now is we’ll be in the middle of a great season story, and then a random, one-off story will pop up that doesn’t further the plot. Sometimes these can be fun (hello “ScoobyNatural“), but sometimes these can be annoying.
You can tell that the writers needed to fill a spot on the episode roster. With only 13 episodes, there wouldn’t be a need to just plop in an unnecessary episode. The season would feel smoother and more cohesive.
Happier actors
Happier actors means more seasons. Supernatural is filmed in Canada, while Jensen and Jared, and their families, live in Texas. They both have very small children who they want to spend time with.
If there are only 13 episodes each season, then J2 can spend more time with their families. They will be more relaxed, and much happier to be on set. They will be able to give their best performances, not that they already aren’t doing so. And if they’re happy, and get to have that work/life balance, they’ll be more willing to sign up to keep doing the show season after season.
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What do you think? Do you like having 20-something episode seasons? Do you think 13 episodes would be a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.
Supernatural returns October 11 at 8/7c on The CW