The 3 Supernatural Episodes Every New Fan Needs to Watch ASAP

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Even though *Supernatural* ended five years ago, its fans remain incredibly loyal and continue to follow the actors’ careers. There’s a lot of excitement for the upcoming final season of the superhero satire *The Boys*, as it will reunite Jensen Ackles with his former *Supernatural* co-stars, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins. While Ackles has consistently worked since *Supernatural* ended, fans are thrilled to see the three actors share the screen again.

Even though *Supernatural* ended years ago, its fans remain incredibly dedicated. They continue to discuss the show online and enthusiastically attend conventions and related events. This ongoing popularity is even attracting new viewers who are discovering the series all the time. For those new to *Supernatural*, three episodes from the first season particularly showcase the show’s core themes.

The Horror of Supernatural Is Highlighted in Skin

While the first few episodes have some rough patches, most of Season 1 is fondly remembered as a great introduction to the characters, story, and universe. The season immediately introduces core ideas that run throughout the entire series, like the Winchester family’s monster-hunting work and their dedication to protecting people. It also sets up the central themes that remain important all the way through Season 15. Episode 6, “Skin,” particularly highlights the scary and unsettling aspects of the show’s supernatural world.

In the episode “Skin,” Sam persuades Dean to investigate a murder case involving a friend from college, Zach, who’s been accused of killing his girlfriend. They arrive to find Zach’s sister, Becky, claiming he was with her all night, but security footage places him at the crime scene. The footage also reveals a disturbing pile of human skin, leading Sam and Dean to realize a shapeshifter is responsible. The shapeshifter captures the Winchesters and disguises itself as Dean to attack Becky. They ultimately defeat the creature, but the situation is complicated when authorities discover what appears to be Dean’s body at the scene, leading them to believe he committed the crimes.

While shape-shifting creatures appear throughout *Supernatural*, the episode “Skin” is easily the most memorable and frightening. The idea of a being that can not only mimic others’ appearances but also steal their memories is particularly unsettling. For new viewers wanting a taste of the show’s scariest moments and a sense of the lingering dread it often creates, “Skin” is a standout early episode and a perfect example of the horror to come.

Emotions Are At an All-Time High in Faith

As a huge fan, I always loved the episodes that really dug into the bond between Sam and Dean, and Season 1 did a fantastic job of making you care about what happened to them. Remember Episode 12, “Faith”? It’s a killer! Dean manages to take down a demon with a shocking move – literally! – but ends up getting hurt himself. He basically has a heart attack and seriously damages his heart, which sets up this intense, ticking-clock situation where you’re worried he might not make it. It was a really powerful moment and totally raised the stakes for the whole series.

Dean is furious when their father’s hunter contact turns out to be a faith healer, someone he doesn’t trust. But after doctors confirm the healer somehow fixed Dean’s heart – the same day another young man died of a heart attack – Dean starts to wonder what’s really going on. Despite Sam wanting to just accept the help, Dean investigates. They discover a mother desperate to save her daughter is manipulating Reapers – beings who guide souls to the afterlife – to heal the sick by transferring their remaining life force, effectively causing another innocent person to die in the process.

This episode showcases Dean’s dedication to hunting monsters and his acceptance of the dangers it involves, contrasting with Sam’s initial hopeful outlook on life and their mission. While their perspectives evolve over the series, the episode consistently emphasizes the strong bond between the Winchester brothers and their willingness to risk everything – including their own lives – to protect each other. Furthermore, “Faith” explores the show’s complex take on religion, portraying both brothers as skeptics shaped by their experiences, yet still open to the possibility of a positive higher power. This perfectly captures the emotional heart of *Supernatural* and the intricate feelings at its core.

You Can’t Understand the Winchesters Without the Pilot

Some shows, particularly those with self-contained episodes, don’t require you to watch the very first episode to understand and enjoy the story. However, this fantasy show is different. Its pilot episode is essential, as it brilliantly sets up the main plot and quickly explains how the Winchester family became monster hunters. Even after twenty years, it’s still considered one of the best introductions to a fantasy series.

The episode opens by revealing a tragic event from Sam and Dean’s childhood: their mother, Mary, was killed by a demon in a horrifying attack – she was cut open and burned on the ceiling of Sam’s bedroom. This trauma drove their father, John, to dedicate his life to hunting supernatural creatures. Twenty-two years later, Dean finds Sam and his girlfriend and informs him their father has been missing for some time while on a hunt. The brothers briefly team up to finish one of their father’s cases, successfully stopping a ghostly figure known as the Woman in White. However, Sam is determined to return to college and leave the dangerous life of hunting behind, even though his father remains unaccounted for. Tragically, his plans are shattered when he returns home to find his girlfriend, Jess, has been killed in the same gruesome manner as his mother.

This episode of *Supernatural* is a strong introduction to the show’s core themes. It highlights how the Winchesters’ commitment to hunting monsters stems from their strong family bond and the difficult experiences they’ve shared. We also see the complicated relationship between the brothers and their father, get a sense of the creatures they fight, and understand the challenges of balancing a hunter’s life with normal everyday existence. While the storylines in this episode wrap up relatively quickly, it lays the groundwork for many of the series’ most important ideas and recurring elements.

A Good Place to Start Is the Beginning

With over 300 episodes, fans often disagree on the best way to start watching the series. Some popular choices for newcomers include the funny and self-aware episode “French Mistake” from Season 6, and the exciting season finale, “Swan Song,” from Season 5. These are often recommended by long-time fans.

Suggesting these episodes to new viewers might not be the best approach. They’re funny or moving because they rely on the audience already understanding the story and characters – having that background is key to feeling emotionally connected.

If you’re new to *Supernatural*, the early episodes are a great place to begin. While some, like “Hell House” and “Bugs,” aren’t the strongest, others really showcase what drew people to the show in the first place. The heart of *Supernatural* lies in the emotional connection to the Winchester brothers, their compelling history, and the frightening world they navigate. These early episodes perfectly introduce those key elements and will quickly get you invested.

Some viewers new to *Supernatural* might notice flaws in the first season, like the absence of the show’s major storylines or the fact that popular characters such as Castiel and Rowena aren’t introduced right away. However, understanding how the show carefully blends horror, drama, and fantasy makes those later elements even more enjoyable.

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2025-10-17 04:11