A captivating exploration of the television phenomenon that is Supernatural, with insights into characters, plots, and the show's impact on pop culture. When Supernatural first aired on the CW in 2005, it was dismissed by many for being "pretty guys fighting demons." Yet Supernatural persisted for 15 seasons to become the anchor of the network's line-up and the longest running genre series in US television history. In Supernatural: A History of Television's Unearthly Road Trip, Erin Giannini delves into the phenomenon of this cult series and its devoted fan base. Covering all 15 seasons, including the series finale that aired in 2020, this book examines the show's predecessors, characters, major storylines, and fan activism. It also revisits creator Eric Kripke's road to creating the series, draws surprising and revealing connections between the show and other series, and discusses the ways Supernatural responded to social and industry changes throughout its long run. Supernatural was the little show that could for 15 years, persisting beyond its original network's lifespan and surviving the departure of its creator and showrunner, in no small part due to its loyal fans. Inspired by shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and going on to influence many shows that followed, Supernatural offers insight into how a series can adapt and grow to become a mainstay of primetime television.
Erin Giannini has served as an editor and contributor at PopMatters and has published and presented work on television series such as Supernatural, Dollhouse, iZombie, and Angel. She is the author of Joss Whedon Versus the Corporation: Big Business Critiqued in the Films and Television Programs. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Introduction:The Family Business: Supernatural's Unlikely Success PART I: IN THE BEGINNING Chapter 1: On the Road So Far: A Trip through TV History Chapter 2: Creating (and Recreating) Supernatural Chapter 3: Sam, Dean, and the Great American Road Story PART II: THE SUPERNATURAL WORLD Chapter 4: "We Saved the World. A Lot": Supernatural and Its Predecessors Chapter 5: God(s) and Monsters: Supernatural, Folklore, and Religion Chapter 6: Blasting the Fourth Wall: Supernatural's Metafictional Episodes Chapter 7: Deals With the Devil: Supernatural's Political Hell PART III: "PEOPLE WATCH THIS?" SUPERNATURAL'S CULTURAL IMPACT Chapter 8: Supernatural and the Changing Television Landscape Chapter 9: Beyond "Sam" and "Dean" Girls: Supernatural and Fan Activism Conclusion: The End of the Road? Appendix: The 30 Must-See Supernatural Episodes Bibliography Notes Index About the Author
A captivating exploration of the television phenomenon that is Supernatural, with insights into characters, plots, and the show's impact on pop culture.
Erin Giannini's Supernatural: A History of Television's Unearthly Road Trip is an impressive road map through one of television's most-loved cult series. Giannini weaves together expert knowledge of television history and network production with a passion for Supernatural in her discussion of this show that defied the odds. Filled with the insight and conviction of a Winchester, this book is ideal for both the newcomer and established Supernatural fan, longing to revisit their favorite show.--Stacey Abbott, author of "Undead Apocalypse", coauthor of "TV Horror", and coeditor of "TV Goes to Hell: An Unofficial Road Map of Supernatural" Supernatural defied the odds since its beginning--a rare horror genre television show, surviving the crash of its network in its first year, and premiering in 2005 when the media landscape was changing dramatically. Despite those challenges, the show not only survived but thrived. Giannini investigates and ultimately explains Supernatural's success, writing from her perspective as both a media scholar with a vast knowledge of television and a fan of the series, to allow an in-depth understanding of the show's enduring appeal.--Lynn Zubernis, author of "Fangasm", "Family Don't End With Blood", and "There'll Be Peace When You Are Done"
