My thoughts on why Supernatural spin-offs are actually failing

During SDCC, Brad Buckner shared his thoughts on why Supernatural spin-offs are failing. I have my own thoughts on the matter.

During SDCC, the cast and EPs got to talk about what’s to come for Supernatural Season 15. Naturally, the conversation of spin-offs came up. Supernatural spin-offs haven’t worked out, and not for lack of trying. EP Brad Buckner shared his thoughts on why that’s the case, but I have my own.

It all comes down to the success of the Winchester brothers, according to an interview with Cinema Blend. The show is more than just the actors or the writing. It’s about the chemistry between the two leads—the development of the Winchester brothers’ bond. The show started with just two lead stars and they’re the only two characters to have been in every single episode of the series.

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The show certainly sets a high bar for any spin-off. And let’s face it, it’s very uncommon for a spin-off to be better than the parent show. Frasier certainly succeeded, but you just have to look at even the procedurals to see that spin-offs aren’t as great. NCIS, CSI, and Criminal Minds have tried. While NCIS and CSI saw some success, they both continued to see the parent show gain a larger fanbase.

Yet, while the spin-offs aren’t usually as successful as the parent shows, is this really a reason not to give a show a chance? Personally, I think Wayward Sisters could have worked. Sure, there are members of the SPN Family who didn’t want it, but those people wouldn’t have to watch it! It’s not like the spin-off would have to affect them in any way, shape, or form.

Those who did want the spin-off could have had a female-led show to rally behind. Unfortunately, The CW didn’t think it would succeed last year. Maybe bad timing or maybe just The CW not really wanting a spin-off of its longest-running show, who knows? Does it matter?

Buckner has a point that what makes SPN special is the bond between the two original leads. Other characters have come and gone, but that bond between the Winchester brothers has remained unchanged. Well, it’s grown and developed, but the bond, the need for the two characters to have each other, remains.

It would be hard to recreate. But then, there’s an argument that nothing should try to recreate it. Shouldn’t a spin-off be able to last on its own? Isn’t that what made Frasier so successful? It took one character and put him back with his family. Mentions of the previous show are fine, but a spin-off needs to stand out for its own reasons.

It’s time to stop using the “but it won’t be Supernatural” as an excuse not to bring a spin-off. Of course it isn’t going to be the same. It’s not meant to be. A spin-off would become its own entity and needs to be treated that way.

The real reason the Supernatural spin-offs are failing is because too many people want the show to be the same as what we currently have. Too many people are so focused on getting the same chemistry as the Winchester brothers have that they’re not focusing on the real potential a spin-off could actually have.

What do you think about the potential for a spin-off? Could Wayward Sisters or Bloodlines have worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 15 premieres on Oct. 10 at 8/7c on The CW.