Ranking the 10 Worst Seasons of ‘Supernatural’

Over its remarkable 15-season run, the CW’s Supernatural positioned itself as an iconic series, akin to the King of Hell. Its dedicated fanbase remained unwavering, consistently generating buzz online throughout its tenure. Despite this fidelity, one must question whether the series warranted such an extended lifespan. As a devoted viewer—one who even sports a tattoo of Baby—I can’t deny that while I cherished the show, the early seasons (specifically, Seasons 1 through 5) were nothing short of brilliant. They delivered top-tier television, particularly for a program from the early 2000s. However, after the departure of creator Eric Kripke, the subsequent seasons had their standout moments but generally felt less impactful, with some episodes etched in memory for all the wrong reasons.

It’s important to note that while Supernatural had its inconsistencies, each season typically presented at least one or two memorable episodes that reminded audiences of the show’s initial allure. In light of this, we present our ranking of the ten least impressive seasons.

(Warning: Spoilers ahead)

10. Season 6

A decade ago, I would have ranked Supernatural Season 6 much lower. In fact, during the initial airing, I often found myself dozing off. The season lacked a solid direction, contributing to a disjointed narrative. Nevertheless, it retained a certain charm, hinting at the show’s glorious past. Castiel (Misha Collins) also took on a uniquely eccentric persona, providing quotable moments that continue to resonate. “Sorry, my ‘people skills’ are ‘rusty’” remains a fan favorite.

9. Season 8

I must commend Season 8 for introducing Purgatory and delivering one of my favorite music sequences, featuring Dean reconnecting with the world via Styx’s “Man in the Wilderness.” The season deepened the narrative about angels, culminating in a season finale that stands out among the series’ best. However, the prolonged conflicts between Sam and Dean detracted from my enjoyment of their trials to seal the gates of Hell, especially as plots felt muddled with the introduction of significant new characters like the Men of Letters.

8. Season 11

Season 11 is notable for one of the most riveting plot twists in Supernatural history. In episode 20, titled “Don’t Call Me Shurley,” the unexpected return of our beloved writer Chuck (Rob Benedict) revealed him as God—an idea many fans had speculated about. Benedict’s transformation from a timid writer to an assertive figure once the truth is uncovered is a highlight, showcasing Supernatural’s potential for excellence at its best.

7. Season 9

Season 9 allows Castiel to explore humanity after losing his Grace, depicting a vulnerable side of an otherwise powerful character. The portrayal of angels in this season was refreshing, and it introduced the Mark of Cain, which Dean carries to wield the First Blade. The shocking finale, with Dean’s transformation into a demon after his death, contributed to a standout moment in the series.

6. Season 10

The Demon Dean arc is a standout highlight of the series, showcasing Jensen Ackles’ impressive acting range. This season features Dean in service to Crowley (Mark Sheppard), while the introduction of Rowena (Ruth Connell) as Crowley’s mother, a formidable witch, added depth to the narrative. “Fan Fiction,” a meta-episode highlighting a Supernatural musical staged by high school students, showed a surprising respect for the fandom, making it one of the more memorable moments of the series.

5. Season 7

While the Leviathan storyline had potential, it ultimately fell short, beginning to drag due to the difficulty of defeating such foes. The season introduction of Castiel taking on the role of God after absorbing Purgatory’s souls seemed promising but quickly fizzled. Nevertheless, moments like Dean keeping Cas’s trench coat after his apparent death offered bittersweet nostalgia for viewers.

4. Season 13

The episode “ScoobyNatural” elevates Season 13, merging the worlds of Scooby-Doo and Supernatural in a gritty twist. Much of the season takes place in Apocalypse World, reintroducing familiar characters in unfamiliar ways that amplifies the eerie vibe of their reality. Both Season 9 and 13 attempted to launch backdoor pilots, with “Wayward Sisters” and “Bloodlines,” respectively, although neither managed to move forward.

3. Season 14

This season revolves around Sam and Dean as vessels for Michael and Lucifer— a plot strand that parallels storylines from the initial five seasons. Revisiting this theme felt repetitive, particularly as much of the focus shifted to Nick, Lucifer’s previous vessel, seeking revenge for his family’s murder. The execution seemed to lack the magic that had originally characterized those early seasons.

2. Season 12

The decision to resurrect Mary (Samantha Smith) was contentious. The series had built its premise around her death and John’s quest for vengeance against the Yellow-Eyed Demon. Sam and Dean had finally reached some closure regarding her loss. Reviving her character felt like unnecessarily unraveling a carefully woven narrative. While there were some positives, such as the introduction of the Nephilim, Jack (Alexander Calvert), not all revivals serve the overall story.

1. Season 15

I’ll be candid: I was disappointed with the finale, and for various reasons beyond the superficial such as Sam’s questionable wig choice and Dean’s abrupt fate. This final season felt devoid of substance, almost hollow. While external factors like COVID influenced production, the storyline itself lacked cohesion. As a long-time fan, I anticipated a breathtaking finale that would elevate the show’s legacy—a finale that ended with a whimper rather than a bang left much to be desired.

In hindsight, Supernatural deserved a finale accompanied by Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty,” capturing nostalgic and bittersweet sentiments. It wrapped up the storylines while offering a montage reflecting years of memories. That’s how I wish to remember this iconic series.

Source & Images