Only a few shows have managed to leave an indelible mark on television, and one of them is the widely celebrated, Supernatural! The series went on for a staggering 15 seasons and garnered millions of fans across the globe. In many of its accomplishments, the lesser known one is how Supernatural became a launch pad for multiple writers and showrunners.
Eric Kripke, the mastermind behind the show, reflected on this beautiful achievement with a sense of pride. It’s no joke to leave such a huge impact not only on the audience but also the entire industry, thanks to all the creative minds who emerged from the show.
How Eric Kripke Made Supernatural A Training Ground for Writers
In an interview with Deadline, Eric Kripke spoke about the talent that the show helped bring to the surface, “We’re really proud of that.” He also gave his two cents about collaborating in the writer’s room, where he made sure that everyone was heard. According to him, “Any good showrunner is only as good as their staff.”
His approach was certainly intentional because he aimed to cultivate an environment where writers could exchange ideas and learn from each other’s gifts. He believed that to be the foundation of good story-telling, and their collaborative spirit is what gave depth to the show.
Kripke was also adamant in making sure that all the writers stuck around in the production process so they could witness their episodes come to life. His dedication to mentoring these young minds had only one motive, i.e. making the best product possible!
The Legacy of Emerging Showrunners From Supernatural
It’s evident that his approach worked because today, many of the writers who started with Supernatural have carved their own space in the industry. Without a doubt, he turned the sets of this horror drama into a breeding ground for raw talent. Among them is Sera Gamble, who created the binge-worthy psychological thriller, You.
Another one of the show’s former standout writers is Ben Edlund, who is known for his work on Gotham. Every episode that he was a part of, had a familiar blend of humor and heart, which he likely learned from his time with Kripke and carried forward to other projects.
Kripke’s method turned out to be a game-changer, not only for the show but for the whole industry. Even as he spoke, one could tell that he truly cared about creating an environment where everyone could voice their opinions, and in doing so, he redefined how shows are crafted.
