Return To The Past: Speculation for Supernatural Season Six and Season Seven?
For me, a more interesting question to speculate on is, WHY go back to a season one format? Well, kind of fun to think of it as being poetic in a way. The boys will be starting new lives, and the series will be as it was when the show started. Kind of neat, but of course, not real.
Seriously, and more to the point, the series was very popular in its first and second years. The episodes averaged about 5 million viewers, and the bottom line for any series is the advertizing dollars it brings in, and the more viewers, the more money the show makes. Season five episodes ratings have been dropping steadily, and while there are a lot of extenuation circumstances people can point to for reasons, an increase in rating would really help a season seven. Let’s face the RATINGS NEED TO GO UP!
Season four and five were very dark, and as I’ve stated before (Supernatural Appeal in Today’s Economy: Good or Bad?), I really believe economy does influence what people watch. In a depression, people want more happy stuff, uplifting, hopeful and filled with renewed possibilities, and fresh starts. A good example is Vampire Diaries. It is an escapist show, and escapism is what sells the best in a depressed economy. Ditto for Supernatural’s season one. In season five, I can only think of one episode that had a somewhat uplifting ending, The Real Ghostbusters. Even Changing Channels, with all it funny, comical and elaborate plots, ended on a sad note. And I won’t even mention Abandon All Hope! (Whoops, guess I did anyway.)
Really everyone who is watching Supernatural now also watched its first season, either at the start, or on DVD after finding the show. I really haven’t heard anyone say they didn’t like it. I think it’s a good way to keep the fans that the show has now, and attract new ones. The boys starting over with new hope and possibilities coupled with a season format that was also fresh and uplifting, and produced such good ratings, is a excellent combination, and a good way to bring in new viewers. To me, it seems like a win, win situation for all.
Possibility of a Season Seven
Guess it’s really earlier to start talking about a season seven, huh…….nope, believe it or not; it’s only a few months before Alice predicted the renewal of season six last year (Reality Check. Season Five Is Not Supernatural’s Last Season and Dawn Ostroff is Not Out to Destroy The Show). And many of the reasons for the prediction of early renewal of season six, are also relate to season seven. But there are more now then before.
Last summer much was made about Kripke’s comments about ending the series on a high note….stopping after season five. To me, I have always been of the concept that as long as a show is pulling in good ratings for its network, the show will continue. And indeed it has. Producers and showrunners don’t cancel a show, networks do, and as long as Supernatural has a good fan base, the show will go on. And we all KNOW about Supernatural’s fan base! And in all good consciences, I seriously doubt that will change and time soon. If anything, it looks like it will grow, not shrink…especially with all the new changes being made.
Last year, there was also the worry of Eric Kripke’s continuation with the show. He did have a five year contract, but changing showrunners is not the end of a series. In season six, the baton will be passed to Sera Gamble, and we all know she will do a fantastic job. If her contract is up next year and the show is still going strong, another showrunner will take over. As long as the ratings are there, so will be the show.
The biggest concern with season seven is that J&J’s contracts will be up, and a series without J&J will NOT survive, and that is a fact CW knows. There is also the factor that these wonderful actors will want to move on. The pace for a weekly show is grueling, and really takes time away from families, and loved ones. And both boys have/will be getting married and with families on their minds, a good income is a must. But there are other factors involved as well….the major one being the economy. Hollywood has not been immune to budget and productions cuts, and money for movies and new pilots is down, and that’s not likely to change soon.
To quote Alice (1-10-10): “Hollywood isn’t going to recover from this recession for another couple of years, if ever. Actors know that if steady work comes along, they need to stick with it as long as possible. There are 150 less films on slate for the movie studios next year and that likely won’t recover anytime soon either. There are far fewer meaty movie roles too. “
Of course, our heroes will want a raise, and well they deserve it. CW is a small network, and despite eight-figure losses, the network says they are in it for the long haul. Melissa Grego (Broadcasting & Cable, 2/1/2010) writes: “…according to the people who really count in determining The CW’s fate—the network’s owners and affiliates—The CW will be here for a long time. The actual network’s red ink is just part of the picture, according to CBS and Warner Bros. executives who say that despite the losses on the network level, the profitable programming assets created by the venture overall are a big win. Legacy shows carried over from UPN such as America’s Next Top Model, and former WB shows such as Smallville, Supernatural and One Tree Hill, continue driving revenue for the parent companies.â€
In addition, Supernatural is now in syndication to TNT, and actually earning a profit for WB. Shows usually operate in the red until syndication and that doesn’t happen for shows until they reach their 100th episode. Now, for all intents and purposes, Supernatural is in the green. Also it is not uncommon for viewer numbers to increase with a show’s syndication. Some shows in syndication are more popular now then on their originating networks. No one is going to kill (or should I say ‘gank’) a cash cow. Further thoughts from Alice: “…if The CW goes on, Supernatural isn’t planning on ending anytime soon The CW (and Warner Brothers) will pay for Jared and Jensen to stay. …as they did for Tom Welling. Granted, Tom Welling also started a production company and got a co-executive producer title, but they will pay.
As soon as The CW paired Supernatural with The Vampire Diaries, which came to the network with a three year plan, Supernatural was penciled in through season seven……. The way Jared and Jensen were talking in Chicago, there is no end in sight. So, my philosophy is that unless The CW actually comes out and says “final season,” it isn’t. I doubt they ever will and one day it quietly ends like other CW shows. NO ONE thought Smallville would go beyond their five year plan, let alone ten. Ditto for One Tree Hill. So, no counting Supernatural out yet!!!â€
CW is expanding, especially now after its new hit, Vampire Diaries, and will keep profitable shows around a long time. And with the economy in a slump, I’m thinking we may have the boys all to ourselves for a while (I know I’m naughty), but we all know how wonderful their acting is, and we might as well as enjoy it while we can, certainly through a season seven. Frankly, I’ll watch no matter how long it’s on (or what day for that matter.) So, people, I plan on hunkering down and enjoying Supernatural’s return to the past….. because it could very well be the start of an incredibly long future!
Hi Sablegreen.
Love this article, I’m always up for some thinkyness 🙂
You pose really good thoughts and theories here…
I personally would like to see the show end on a high note, like after season 6. At first I was quite happy that we go for 5 seasons and no more, and honestly didn’t even want anymore. But as time went on, I realized that the idea of a world after the Apocalypse could be really interesting (esp. since the rumours that they weren’t going to stretch this storyline)… But if they can make S6 work effortlessly, then maybe I’d be game for another season. But honestly, I don’t want it to wither away either… The Show does need better ratings though, and I’m hoping they will get it, this show is so underappreciated (well except by fans lol) that it’s ridiculous…
I personally don’t like it when people start to go on and on about “What can top the Apocalypse? They should end it now!!”. I don’t think it will be anticlimatic, I’m sure it will be fascinating. All the possibilities are brilliant, it all depends on the execution. And we all know that the guys and gals working on this Show CAN deliver 🙂
I’m also ready to get this mytharc wrapped up so we can just focus on the boys again, roadtripping, bitch/jerk bantering, sleezy motels… You know, that little bit of saving people, hunting things 😀
Ps. *a feeble voice squeaks out* I miss the “I would die for you” -vibe *sniff* 😉
Seconded, Supernarttu … I was quite tickled by the idea of some Bro V. Bro nastyness but now it’s here I’m thoroughly fed up with it and pining for the good old days of Winchesters Against The World so a return to the halcyon days of fighting stuff and saving people ( with a goodly dollop of snark, of course ) would suit me fine …
Very interesting, Sablegreen, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I’m still uncertain about my feelings about the show continuing after S5. For one, I love it so much that, if you ask me, it would go on forever 🙂 And for the other, well, I’m actually not used to following a tv show and sometimes I find it annoying to watch out not to miss an episode. I mean, I go away for weeks and can’t access the internet and then “worry” about what has happened to my favorite brothers. It’s insane! So, sometimes I just wish it’ll be finally over. But,…. I can’t wait to see how the story continues!!!
Talk about duality 🙂
So, what I really want is the show to continue forever, being regularly and always available on tv/internet/dvd/whatever, and watch J&J in movies playing roles that actors like P.S. Hoffman, B. Pitt, L.diCaprio, D. Day Lewis and the like get.
And no, I don’t think I’m asking for anything impossible 😉
I was thinking maybe God never shows up, and once this whole thing is over and done with they go looking for him with more intensity than Cas is now (still with Dean’s necklace =[). All with MOTW stories.
I also hope that it gets scary again. The first and second seasons still scare me to death every time I watch them, but since then they haven’t been so much.
Thanks for the replies!
Dany, I don‘t think the show will end for a few years…..100 would be fine with me! As long as J&J stay, their chemistry will keep the ball rolling. I also can’t wait for a renewed season one. . I really think a season 1 format with our s5 boys now will be awesome!
While I’ve enjoyed the myth arc, we really need a lighter pace. Like Supernarttu and Suze said, I want to focus more on the brothers again. They work so well together. I don’t think the show will wither away and die, either. As long as the fans want it, it will be there…as long as J&J stay!
Joelsteinlover, I also thought season 1 and 2 were scary…and I didn’t find an eppie I wouldn’t re-watch. Those seasons were novel in many ways
Sablegreen, fascinating speculations! Well, the boys have grown, they are men now and when we watch the early episodes the difference is striking. Jensen has been very ‘grown up’ from early on, Jared has changed significantly. Which serves the storyline beautifully, as both have made experienced that changed them.
Of course, they will start the next season as different people, as I have always said. There is no going back to season one – but perhaps to the spirit of it. I didn’t mind the myth arc at all, and I’m curious what the writers will give us.
And, hey, at least the actors will have jobs for as long as the show will be running. I’ll be a loyal fan till this show will be taken off the air (somewhere in the far twenty-fifth century). I also hope to see the guys in great movies (I have to second Freebird here). We’ll see what the future (and this business) will hold for them. I watched Friday 13th over the weekend, and kept thinking – a shame that this movie isn’t better, as Jared gives a fine performance, despite the lacking script… He has so much to give as an actor. I hope he (and Jensen, of course) will get the chance.
Okay, let’s see how this show will connect the dots. I’m a bit afraid of the (probably inevitable) cliffhanger at the end of this season… If I were Kripke, I’d leave the fans hanging… you know, with a promise that will be fulfilled next season… Perhaps the leads will be able to say something about the plans at the con in L.A. .
I’m certain the coming season will focus on the brothers, but I’m also certain that it will be a different approach, perhaps still ambivalent… I wish I was a fly on the wall in the writers room right now…
thanks for these ideas, Sablegreen.
Best, Jas
Hi, Jas. Movies are in J&J’s future at some point. But a steady paycheck is a good thing. And if they LIKE doing the show, it works for everyone.
As for a cliffhanger, I don’t know what would be suspenseful this time around. They have died enough times, and they have split up. Of course, we still have Bobby that something could happen to, but I’m hoping that this season will end on more of a happy note. After all, they will have ended with Michael and Lucifer, so that alone should be worth celebrating!!
Hi Sablegreen
Great article. I’m pretty much in agreement with you and all the commentators so far.
I don’t mind Season 6 going back to its roots and taking on the Season 1 format.
I do miss the Jerk/Bitch moments, the witty lines, the sparkle of life in their eyes.
Of course it will never be exactly the same. The characters are no longer the same young men that stole our hearts 5 years ago. They have grown up and have been altered by their experiences. But I hope some of that old charisma and love for each other will surface again.
As long as the writing remains exceptional, I’ll be there. Who am I kidding, I’m so invested and in love with these character’s I’ll be there til the bitter end. I just hope that they will end the series before things starts to go flat.
Sablegreen, I think you might have gotten a wrong impression – of course I am celebrating that we’re going to enjoy another season. I have no idea either what might be a suiting cliffhanger for this one, but I’d love one, even though I hate the suspense when we have a cliffhanger….
And I am also aware of the advantages of a regular paycheck. Believe me I know, especially in this business. There is an ocean of not working actors… There are so many sharks in this biz. I would love to see the guys in movies that suit their age, in the not too far future, they’ll be too old to sell romantic comedies or certain action movies. I think they could be what we call ‘character actors’ like Ed Harris, they certainly have the talent and the charisma. But – what are we talking here about? It is their choice, and whatever they will decide to do, I’ll remain a fan and be happy to watch them in this tv show for as long as it’s running and whatever movie they might be making in the future.
I’m with you, dear, Love Jas
Great article and I’ve got nothing to add since I tend to agree with you and everyone else that it’s probably logical (and seems to be desired, at least on some levels) to return to a season one matrix, Brothers vs. evil. I can dig the idea of short mytharcs. It works in comics, so why not on the boob tube? Plus, it would provide a nice backdrop to have them begin working through their issues *together* without them having to worry about, oh, The World Ending.
Well, let’s do this again.. the website just ate my comments. 🙁
Karen, I really hope the brother’s charisma will come back too. Without the ‘end of the world’ any more, seems it should.
Jas, I know you are happy about the renewal, never thought otherwise..just was wondering what kind of ‘suspenseful’ cliffhanger they could do now. 😆
As for movies, I hope J&J get whatever roles they audition for…I just don’t think it will be for a while, and we can enjoy their acting in the series until then. 😉
Randal, Just think of how much pressure will be gone, when they don’t have to worry about 6 billion people anymore. Maybe they should take that Hawaiian vacation…oops forgot Dean doesn’t fly. Okay, maybe the Florida keys! 😛
I’m sure there are boats that float from Frisco to Oahu for the flight-impaired. 😀
Haunted boats!!! YEAH!!!! 😀
Randal, what was that boat , ah ship, from The Fog called? You think it’s still afloat? 😎
Ah come on, the flying’s not a problem… the crashing however is… Oh, I should be careful… Don’t anger the Gods, woman….
Sablegreen, great, I can sleep now… 😆
Best ,Jas
Thanks for sharing this!
I’m really excited about season 6, but I don’t know how they’re going to do for to keep or get more viewers, cause for me Supernatural has like 3 stories from each season and that is why is super interesting:
Story 1:The story of the brothers relationship.
Like in the first season they were like knowing each other again, after the separation when sam went to college; season 4 the brothers were kind of separated and season 5 is like they re trying to reconcilate things
Story 2:The Monster of the week (every episode)
Story 3:The Mithology, (like this season the Apocalipse)
I mean, how they are going to continue doing this, and I know the writers can do very different and good episodes with respect of MOTW, but what about the relation of the brothers, Kripke said that this is the season they get together (they stop fighting) and then what?…. and the mithology how they can bit the Apocalypse?
And I don’t have any idea how Supenatural lost a lot of viewers, cause every season gets better… the story is better the special effects got better; the performance of Jensen and Jared its excelent,
It’s really different season 1 from season 5 in every aspect and sense
I don’t have any idea how they lost that qty. of viewers I remember I watched season 1, and season 2 I watched a few episodes and then I stopped watching Supernatural (wich I regret), but then I watched one episode of season 3 (in the writers strike) and I don’t know what happened and I became a BIG fan, I loved season 4 and I love season 5
But well that’s why I’m not a writer hehe; I just hope next season gets as good as this or better… I love Supernatural
And sorry for my bad english! 😳
Hi Maggie. Your English is fine! Glad you like Supernatural, and that you planning on sticking around for season 6. Everyone should at least give it a chance. I think it will be as good as any of their other seasons, and will have plenty of challenges for the boys.
Thanks for commenting!