Happy Supernatural anniversary: Looking back at the Supernatural pilot

On this day, 13 years ago, Supernatural aired its pilot for the nation. Little did we know then that it would become the phenomenal cult classic that it is today.

There’s no doubt about it that Supernatural has become a cult classic. It will go down in history as the likes of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Halloween, Firefly, and Star Trek. The fandom has latched onto something amazing and (for the most part) supports and uplifts one another.

And all that started on this day in history. On Sept. 13, 2005, the Supernatural pilot aired for the nation. Little did we know it would have such an impact.

This is more than just a show that we can tune into each week. It’s one of those shows that many live and breathe. The actors are part of our lives, offering support, guidance, and advice when it’s most needed. They’re on a mission to change the world and make us better people at the same time.

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• Is a new episode of The Winchesters on tonight? (March 14, 2023)
• The Winchesters Season1 finale explained: Did it connect to Supernatural?

The Supernatural pilot was written by Eric Kripke, the man who is known as the creator of this amazing series. It continues to have a special place in his heart and was inspired by the book (which he has now turned into a movie he is waiting to be released in theaters later this month), The House with a Clock in Its Walls.

Directed by David Nutter, the episode did more than just introduce us to Sam and Dean Winchester and their world. We saw the darkness to expect in future seasons. There was the glimpse of the urban legends and stories we’d delve into over the course of the next 286 episodes, all thanks to Sarah Shahi’s Woman in White.

The series certainly went through a number of changes before it became what it was. The Winchesters were nearly called the Harrisons. Sam was nearly Sal. Dean was going to be tattooed and a smoker. John Winchester was supposed to die on the ceiling rather than Jessica Moore.

It’s hard to believe what the show could have been, but we know that it’s better now. Hell, the Winchester brothers weren’t even going to be brothers! They were going to be journalists on the road together.

Supernatural is the only show to still be around from the WB days. While a number of others moved to The CW with it, the likes of Smallville, One Tree Hill, and Gilmore Girls, the series is the only one to continue running this whole time. Gilmore Girls is the only other one to still have some sort of airtime in the original form, but it was one-off revival rather than the continued season that Supernatural has seen.

Nobody likely dreamed that the pilot would create the legend that the show is now. It’s a testament of time and shows that even bubble shows (because, yes, Supernatural was a bubble show) can go onto becoming networks’ successful shows.

What did the Supernatural pilot mean for you? Did you watch it when it first aired? 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 throwbacks to the past.