Twelve reasons Supernatural made it to season 12

CW’s Supernatural premiered its 12th season Oct. 14. Yes, you read that right. Its 12th season.

The show, which first aired on Sept. 13, 2005, has won the hearts of its devoted followers, including my own, and kept them coming back for the past 11 years.

With such a devoted, almost cult-like, fan base (pun intended), those in the Supernatural dark may wonder what the hype is all about.

As a healthily-obsessed Supernatural fan, I feel obligated to explain why this 11-year running show made it through so many seasons.

So, here are 12 reasons Supernatural made it to season 12.

1. Ethical tension

First and foremost, Supernatural never leaves a viewer feeling completely at ease at the end of the season. Characters frequently toe the line of what is considered “right” and almost always find themselves in the grey area of ethics. It’s not uncommon for main characters to justify their actions as a means to an end, but even more so, you find yourself supporting them in those actions, which can be very unsettling.

2. Good characters

Of course, none of the ethical tensions, as explained above, would be as dramatic if it wasn’t for good characters, and Supernatural has got some great ones. Each character introduced has a very solid personality, making each character individual. Even more, each character brings a different thought process and approach to situations in the show, and it’s easy to get attached to ones you identify with.

3. Humor

Despite the show carrying heavy, dark elements (I mean, this show is about the supernatural, people), screen writers never fail to insert a few witty comments in the dialogue. The humor never feels out of place or forced, but flows easily when coming from certain characters. Castiel making a literal comment about the function of the heart or Dean being denied pie yet again are all little nuggets that help the show lighten up a bit.

4. Accurate folklore

Whoever is involved in the research on folklore for this show deserves a medal because there is tons of it. Not only does almost every episode introduce a new folklore scenario, but it remains accurate. Biblical references are almost always spot on as well. Each episode serves as a mini educational PSA about lore from all corners of the world.

5. Awesome music

If you call yourself a fan of the oldies, you might want to buy the soundtracks from all 12 seasons. From “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC, to “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, to “Heat of the Moment” by Asia, to its signature “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas, Supernatural isn’t scared to drop a great tune.

6. Brotherly love

With almost every show out there today having some type of romantic love as a driving factor, it is refreshing to see a show that has brotherly love at its core. Family is the steam that drives this engine down the road for Supernatural, and fans like it that way. Sure, there are love interests here and there, but at the end of the day, Sam and Dean make decisions thinking of family first (whether that is a good or bad thing, please refer to number one).

7. Eye candy

Ok, you knew this one was coming, didn’t you? It sure doesn’t hurt that Sam and Dean aren’t lacking in good looks. It may seem superficial, but it sure keeps people coming back for more.

8. Dean Winchester

This guy could have a miniseries on the CW and people would tune in like clockwork.

9. The creatures

With a show based on the supernatural, cool creatures are a must—and Supernatural delivers. Each evil thing is horrifying in its own right, and no two are the same. One thing I’ve learned: don’t trust the children.

10. ‘67 Chevy Impala (Baby)

Sam and Dean’s ride of choice since the beginning has been their dad’s ‘67 Chevy Impala. Each season, the car gets battered and beaten, yet still finds a way to be salvaged. The car is a great motif in the show and often reflects Sam and Dean’s situation in the season. If Dean has just about everything going wrong, on the verge of quitting and losing all hope, then the car takes a few tries to turn over. Likewise, Dean finds the strength to move forward just like Baby.

11. A devoted Supernatural fam—AKF

Outside of the show, Jensen Ackles (Dean) and Jared Padalecki (Sam) began a movement called the Always Keep Fighting campaign. AFK encourages fans battling depression or hard times to keep pushing through. Because of this, the show acknowledges that struggle is there and can be seen in real life, not just within the screen, and fans appreciate that.

12. The hunter’s dream

Ok, admit it. If you watch the show, you’ve thought about grabbing the table salt when you hear strange noises at least once. Supernatural may be fantasy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream.