On Sept. 13, 2005, the CW premiered a show about two brothers driving a ’67 Chevy Impala down endless backroads, hunting monsters, and fighting demons. That show was Supernatural. Twenty years later, the Winchesters are still haunting us. Not just with ghosts and ghouls, but with memes, fan edits, and the eternal question of whether Dean really loved pie that much (hint: absolutely).
Despite ending its historic 15-season run in 2020, Supernatural has refused to stay dead (which feels very on brand). The fandom, affectionately called the SPNFamily, continues to thrive online, at conventions, and in the cultural imagination. TikTok edits rack up millions of views, “Destiel,” a popular name for the relationship between characters Dean and Castiel, still resurfaces in viral jokes, and hashtags like #SPNFamily trend every anniversary as if it’s still 2012 Tumblr.
So the question is: why, two decades later, can’t we quit Supernatural?
At its core, Supernatural has always been about family—both by blood and by choice. Yes, there were demons, vampires, and apocalyptic battles, but the real heart of the show was Sam and Dean Winchester’s brotherhood. Their loyalty to each other, no matter how messy, became the emotional anchor. Add in Castiel, the Seraph angel who joined their dysfunctional unit, and the trio became one of the most beloved “found families” in television.
Whether fans watched it week-to-week in 2005 or are now binging it on Netflix, the story of sacrifice, loyalty, and brotherhood still resonates. It’s a show that could make you laugh with a Scooby-Doo crossover one week and devastate you with a character death the next. That emotional rollercoaster and the bonds at the center of it made it unforgettable.
Supernatural has become the show that raised a generation. It isn’t just a TV show anymore. It’s a culture. The SPNFamily practically invented online fandom culture as it is known today. From the golden age of Tumblr GIF sets to fanfiction archives that are still going strong, the show became a playground for creativity.
Memes born from Supernatural shaped early internet humor. Destiel discourse practically fueled Tumblr for years. And even now, TikTok is full of edits soundtracked by The All-American Rejects or Kansas’s “Carry On Wayward Son.” The fandom has proven that nostalgia is powerful, but also that Supernatural is a comfort show people return to in stressful times.
Beyond memes and fanworks, the fandom has organized itself in powerful ways. Charity drives, campaigns supporting mental health, and online fundraisers led by fans and actors alike have raised millions of dollars over the years. One of the most impactful moments was Jared Padalecki’s “Always Keep Fighting” campaign, which encouraged fans to speak openly about depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. The slogan became a rallying cry within the fandom, a reminder that no one is fighting their battles alone.
Being part of the SPNFamily isn’t just about loving a show. It’s about belonging to a community that’s fiercely loyal, occasionally chaotic, and always passionate. It’s reasons like this that make me proud to call myself part of this family.
The cast never really left us, and that’s part of what makes Supernatural still feel so alive. Misha Collins, Jensen Ackles, and Jared Padalecki regularly post about anniversaries, reunions, or simply inside jokes. Conventions dedicated to the show still sell out, proving that fans want to keep that bond alive.
Recently, Collins posted about the 20th anniversary on Instagram, writing about how important it was for the fandom to answer the “call.” Ackles chimed in, too, calling himself proud to be part of the family for 20 years. That ongoing interaction makes the show feel less like a closed chapter and more like a long-running inside joke we’re all still part of.
Here’s the truth: Supernatural is basically our toxic ex. The one we know had its flaws, plot holes, and a finale that divided fans, but we can’t seem to let it go. The nostalgia is too strong. The characters feel too real. And every time we think we’ve moved on, a new edit, reunion panel, or anniversary post pulls us right back in.
And maybe that’s okay. Unlike a real toxic ex, Supernatural gave us more good memories than bad. It gave us comfort characters, iconic moments, and a fandom family that’s still thriving. Two decades later, Supernatural proves that some stories don’t really end. They just keep coming back, like the Winchesters themselves. And honestly? We’re not mad about it.
So here’s to Sam, Dean, Cas, Baby, and the fandom that refuses to let go. Carry on, SPNFamily. Always.