Supernatural Episodes That Have Aged Well Over Time

Running for fifteen seasons, Supernatural had its ups and downs, but many episodes still hold up incredibly well today. The show premiered in 2005 on The WB and quickly became a flagship series for The CW. After more than 300 episodes, it concluded in 2020.

Led by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester, Supernatural quickly became a beloved show. A key to its success was the strong connection between the brothers, and the family they built – including blood relatives and close friends like the angel Castiel, played by Mischa Collins.

As a critic, I always thought what made Supernatural truly special wasn’t just the monsters. Sure, it started as a show where Sam and Dean hunted down things that went bump in the night, and they treated those threats with real weight. But over its incredible 15-season run, it blossomed into something far more profound. It became a story about the deeply emotional lives of these characters – their struggles with life, death, family, and everything in between. That’s what really hooked me, and kept me watching for so long.

With the end of Supernatural and its availability on streaming platforms, both longtime fans and new viewers have been revisiting the series. The adventures of Sam and Dean, whether lighthearted monster hunts or deeper explorations of their relationship, have consistently entertained audiences, and many find they hold up remarkably well on rewatches.

10. The Devil’s Trap

Season 1, Episode 22

Okay, let’s talk about the season one finale of Supernatural, “The Devil’s Trap.” This episode really had to deliver. You see, throughout the show’s early years, those finales were incredibly important. Supernatural was often on the verge of cancellation, so each season ender needed a big cliffhanger or something compelling to convince the network to renew it. They weren’t just wrapping up a season; they were often fighting for the show’s survival!

The first season ends with Sam and Dean turning to Bobby for help rescuing their father, John, from the demon Meg, who has been a recurring threat throughout the season. While a strong episode on its own, looking back at the entire series, it’s memorable as one of the first times ‘Supernatural’ really surprised viewers and set the stage for what was to come.

9. Mystery Spot

Season 3, Episode 11

While many episodes of Supernatural follow a similar pattern, fans especially enjoy those that cleverly adapt familiar story ideas within the show’s universe. For example, the season 3 episode “Mystery Spot” uses the classic “Groundhog Day” time loop concept, creating intense pressure for Sam and allowing him to take charge.

While investigating a missing person, Dean is fatally shot by the owner of a local attraction. Though heartbroken, Sam discovers the next day that Dean is alive and the day is repeating itself. Throughout the episode, Sam desperately tries to save Dean, but ultimately learns to accept the painful truth of a future without his brother.

8. Swan Song

Season 5, Episode 22

When Supernatural’s fifth season ended, the original story arc planned by creator Eric Kripke was complete. Kripke, who stepped down as showrunner after season five, had been building towards an apocalyptic event, and the season five finale, “Swan Song,” finally brought that event to light for Sam, Dean, and viewers.

The Supernatural episode “Swan Song” is a thrilling, action-packed installment packed with quick developments. As Sam and Dean confront the apocalypse with limited options, their resourcefulness is pushed to the limit. The episode fundamentally changes the storyline for Sam, Dean, and all the characters, and remains compelling even years later thanks to its clever writing and intense drama.

7. Baby

Season 11, Episode 4

Season 11, episode 4 of Supernatural, titled “Baby,” is often considered a beautifully crafted episode, especially as the series went on. Although Supernatural continued for many years after its initial storyline about the apocalypse ended, some seasons were stronger than others as the show explored new directions.

The episode “Baby” is unique because it’s told from the point of view of Dean’s car, the Impala. It follows Sam and Dean as they drive to investigate a potential case, and focuses heavily on their conversations and emotional connection. The episode offers a touching and unusual glimpse into the brothers’ relationship, revealing feelings they don’t often share.

6. In The Beginning

Season 4, Episode 3

The series initially focuses on the bond between Sam and Dean, but season 4, episode 3, “In The Beginning,” delves deeper into Dean’s character. Throughout the show, both Sam and Dean struggle with their relationship with their father, though Dean and John share a closer connection than Sam and John do.

In a memorable episode from Supernatural’s fourth season, Dean travels back in time to Kansas and meets his young parents, John and Mary, as well as his grandfather. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into Dean’s past and helps explain his character.

5. In My Time Of Dying

Season 2, Episode 1

The first episode of Supernatural‘s second season, “In My Time Of Dying,” feels like a classic horror movie. Picking up right after the dramatic ending of season one – where Sam, Dean, and John were seriously injured by a demon – the episode opens with the three of them in a strange hospital, each struggling to survive.

With Sam, Dean, and John each coming to terms with the accident and the demon that complicated their healing, the stage is set for the second season. Over time, rewatching “In My Time Of Dying” reveals new layers to each character, making it an episode that consistently improves with each viewing.

4. Death’s Door

Season 7, Episode 10

As a big fan of Supernatural, I’ve always loved how the show handled family, even beyond blood relations. While Sam and Dean’s story is largely about their complicated relationship with their dad, John, Bobby Singer really steps in as the father figure they needed. He shows up early on in season one, and honestly, he often gives them the kind of love and care that John just couldn’t – or wouldn’t – provide. It’s a huge part of what makes the show so compelling, seeing these two lost brothers find a real parental connection with Bobby.

Season 7, episode 10 of Supernatural delves into Bobby’s past, offering fans a deeper understanding of his life before his heartbreaking departure. The episode is filled with touching scenes and reveals layers of Bobby’s story with each viewing, making it particularly impactful.

3. Changing Channels

Season 5, Episode 8

While Supernatural is famous for its thrilling monster-of-the-week stories, some of its most memorable episodes cleverly use humor as a starting point for a larger mystery. Season 5, episode 8, “Changing Channels,” is a perfect example. When Sam and Dean get stuck repeating scenes from various TV shows, things get wild, and the show really shines.

This show playfully subverts familiar TV genres, seamlessly shifting between parodies like medical dramas and Japanese game shows. The episode “Changing Channels,” which features a classic sitcom opening sequence, is a standout and always enjoyable to revisit.

2. The French Mistake

Season 6, Episode 15

One of the most talked-about episodes of Supernatural is a clever, self-aware installment where Sam and Dean find themselves in a reality that mirrors the world of the show’s viewers. In season 7, episode 6, “The French Connection,” the brothers are transported to an alternate universe where they’re not hunters, but actors – Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki – on the set of Supernatural.

This episode skillfully acknowledges and playfully references the show’s significant influence on the supernatural genre, all while delivering a truly memorable installment. “The French Connection” from Supernatural holds up incredibly well on repeat viewings, consistently offering new comedic nuances.

1. Pilot

Season 1, Episode 1

The first episode of Supernatural is crucial for understanding the entire series. It sets the stage by providing essential background information and introduces both Dean and Sam. Dean is presented as a well-developed character, while Sam, though less defined at this point, is also established as a key figure in the unfolding story.

The relationship between the two brothers is a highlight of the show, and it’s perfectly introduced in the very first episode, setting the stage for everything that happens next. The pilot episode of Supernatural is excellent and holds up well even after multiple viewings.

2026-02-23 02:41