Eric Kripke created Supernatural, one of the longest-running fantasy drama shows. The series gained immense popularity for its inventive concept, which revolved around two estranged brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who travel across America, fighting monsters while trying to solve mysteries related to their past.
However, this ingenious premise almost did not exist as Kripke’s original idea for the series was entirely different. Moreover, the original idea was more in line with another popular series exploring urban legends and conspiracy series in the form of The X-Files. Thankfully, Kripke was forced to change this approach, and here is what you need to know about it.
Eric Kripke’s Original Idea For Supernatural Revolved Around Two Journalists
Supernatural tells the story of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester and gained popularity for its paranormal exploration from the perspective of its main characters. However, creator Eric Kripke had originally envisioned the series as something entirely different.
During an interview with The Age, Kripke revealed that while his original plan was to make a show with a paranormal element, it was planned as more of an anthology. However, the creator soon realized that such a concept would not work in Hollywood.
Kripke then reworked the concept to revolve around two reporters traveling across America fighting demons and searching for the truth. However, the pitch was rejected by the network, forcing Kripke to retool his concept, eventually landing on the final version.
The “searching for truth” part of Kripke’s original idea in particular would have made the series extremely similar to The X-Files. The latter is one of the most popular sci-fi shows and follows two FBI agents undertaking similar cases, which would have made Supernatural simply a cheap ripoff with journalists as the main characters.
Eric Kripke Pivoted Supernatural‘s Original Idea by Taking Inspiration From Another Classic Show
In the same interview, Kripke reflected on the germ of the idea that eventually became Supernatural. The creator explained that he wanted to base it on his fascination with urban legends and obsession with paranormal elements. Describing his thoughts while crafting the premise, Kripke said:
I landed on this idea to have this mythic road trip across the country, and it became the best vehicle to tell these stories because it’s pure, stripped down, and uniquely American.
From Kripke’s words, it is evident that making the series truly American was more important to him than the reporter angle. As a result, the creator pivoted by seeking inspiration from the adventure crime-drama series Route 66.
Following the show’s 300th episode, Kripke shared his original pitch document for the series, which described it as a cross between The X-Files and Route 66. Instead of simply ripping off the former series, Kripke borrowed the American values from the latter, creating a unique series that entertained audiences for fifteen seasons.
Supernatural is streaming on Netflix.
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