The Winchesters (2022–2023) User Reviews

Dull and forced

[olehaugset · 5/10 · 31 March 2023]

As an original supernatural fan, this show is hurting me. It doesnt come close to the original at all.

The acting is stiff and feels forced.

Also, the show has still to explain how the timeline and story is different to what we know from supernatural. Their dad didnt start hunting until their mother died.

Im also getting to much of a vibe that the cast is politcally correct. And it shadows the story.

Ill give it a chance for season 2, as sam and dean also needed some time to grow into their characters, But Im not keeping my fingers crossed.

If you need something to play in the background, then this is a show for it.

Please do better Jensen

[leonkimathi · 6/10 · 22 October 2022]

Series starts off okay..plot okay but scripting should be improved on.. conversations reminded me of Tyler Perry's shows and that's not a compliment..this Carlos character can be great if he would stop over the top acting.

My biggest issue is Plot Armour,the fight scenes are quite laughable and if this was the parent series Supernatural,they would all be dead!..lol. The monsters seem amateurish and at some point even hesitate to attack and wait for our heroes to take them out..lol..Jensen, you can do much better brother, considering you have the upper hand advantage of being down that road before.

Teen-fest

[lynnbarr-72128 · 5/10 · 15 October 2022]

I was looking forward to The Winchesters, but to be honest, I think this was made for a teenage audience, Supernatural was an absolutely brilliant series with good acting, story, and direction but The Winchesters just haven't got what it takes to hold an audience's interest, the main characters Mary and John were just OK, I didn't feel any connection to them, it all gives off a Scooby-Doo vibe, I was expecting to see shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne come running round the corner. I may watch the rest of season one episodes but I'm not expecting a great deal this is one of those shows that is canceled after the first season.

Maybe they'll find their groove

[ajones-237-472560 · 6/10 · 19 October 2022]

I went into this without high expectations, and it did surprise me a bit that it wasn't bad. The actors are likeable enough -- I was more impressed with the supporting characters than John and Mary who seemed a bit bland. So far the voiceover from Jensen Ackles doesn't really add anything. There's of course the issue of the whole John and Mary story being retconned. As others have mentioned, the VFX isn't great but then again the SPN leviathans were pretty bad. I'll keep watching in hopes that it may provide something more compelling, but as it is its not a bad way to spend your time with a show.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Alice_Is_Found · 9/10 · 13 October 2022]

I wasn't sure how this one would go but it surpassed my expectations. Greatly! I am a fan of Supernatural. Which had me cautiously optimistic. The more I learned about the direction the show was going, the more my optimism grew. I believe this show is in good hands. It usually takes a few episodes before I feel invested in a show. Often because it's hard to develop characters during a pilot. I am already loving Carlos and rooting for Latika. Overall, The Winchesters is very well written, directed, produced, and acted. I can't wait to see how Robbie brings it all together with the Supernatural canon.

Writers Aren't Paying attention

[dawzngd · 6/10 · 11 February 2023]

I really want to like this series, but whatever year this takes place, in episode 10 the words deep cuts were used . According to Webster's dictionary the first use of that word or phrase was in 1993. Also, they referred to Julia Child I don't believe she was famous yet I wish wriers would pay more attention to the details. There's no time traveling yet. It has potential but doesn't live up to its promise. I hope future episodes! If renewed, will fix the problems with word continuity. I agree with others that this is too much like Scooby-Do. What was Jensen Ackles even thinking! Feels nothing like John and Mary's chemistry.

How did Jensen miss what made SN Great??

[adamkelley-75150 · 3/10 · 23 November 2022]

It was never the monsters that made SN great.. It was Sam and Dean. The love they had for one another. The chemistry Jared and Jensen had. It was Cas, Crowley, Rowena, Chuck, Gabriel, etc.. All these great characters!. Hell, even Lucifer (pun intended).

The characters and relationships made Supernatural!

This show takes place in that universe (I guess). But, the bad writing, bad acting, and lack of HEART make it unwatchable to any true SN fan.

This show just reminded me how special Supernatural was. And goes to show that no one can recreate that magic. I think Jensen should stick to playing Soldier Boy for now. Maybe one day he and Jared will give it another shot.

Unexpectedly delightful

[aprilegunn · 9/10 · 13 October 2022]

I'll be honest: I went into this series with extremely low expectations. I wasn't at all interested in a story about John and Mary's early years together, and I couldn't imagine how they could have chosen THIS out of all possible stories to tell for a spin-off.

But now? After just one episode I am all in. The writing, directing, acting, lighting, music, everything. It was so clear in every single scene that this was made by a lot of people who LOVE Supernatural and love the SPN fandom, and want to give us more of the world we loved for 15 years. I even dare say they made some immediate improvements on the original to address issues the fandom has talked about for years. Mary, John, Carlos, and Latika have immediate onscreen chemistry that is undeniable. John and Mary feel true to the characters we know, but new at the same time. And tying it all together is Dean, taking us a road trip and telling us a story HE wants to tell.

Is it a little cheesy at times? Sure. But so was Supernatural, and anyone who says it wasn't clearly missed something (like...a third or more of the show). So if you're not sure, give it a shot! It might surprise you.

It's so so

[ptcrossfit · 6/10 · 13 October 2022]

So HUGE supernatural fan here , so of course I was going to watch this.

Supernatural was awesome and it was mostly down to the chemistry of the main leads , and decent writing .

This just had neither, the first episode seemed super rushed , the acting was off , no chemistry between any of the leads .

The effects didn't really seem that great , and it just seemed a little bit cheesy for me

Literally the best thing about it was dean doing a small voice over at the beginning, and a brief appearance at the end .

I hope this will get better as it goes on , keeping my fingers crossed .

So I will be carrying on for a little longer.

No Love

[wraith01 · 3/10 · 7 March 2023]

As any guy who has fallen for a gal who doesn't reciprocate his attraction knows, chemistry cannot be manufactured. And what made Supernatural a fabulous success was the chemistry between the brothers and the audience. The Winchesters is an honest effort, but the chemistry just isn't there. Instead of being a fun, weekly, TV tryst, each episode of The Winchesters just reminds me of how much I miss Supernatural.

Watching this series generates all the excitement of dating my sister. When I.cannot arouse enough curiosity about the next scene to fast forward through the commercials, there is a handshake and a wave goodbye in the very near future.

Great prequel to a great series

[Tewi1 · 9/10 · 13 October 2022]

I am a big Supernatural fan. I enjoyed the growth and development of the series characters and storylines. This is a clever telling of how Supernatural began. Lots of great characters, with the makings for a lot more great storytelling. Interesting actors, fast-paced action, characters with original personalities, colorful sets and art design. This series shows promise and potential for making it's own mark in the genre, just as Supernatural did. Building on the success of it's predecessor, this show has come roaring out of the gate, and never once slowed down. Can't wait for more - Buckle up and let's go!!

The show that shouldn't exist

[Beauq81 · 6/10 · 14 October 2022]

Like I said, this show shouldn't exist. John had no knowledge of the supernatural world before Mary had died. So, this show is, basically, the Ackles' milking a cash cow by crapping on the 15 years that made them.

That being said, the pilot was OK, typical spin off series nostalgia mush, trying to get us, the fans of the original series, to bite, which will be hard due to the reason mentioned in the title of this review and many like it throughout the episode. Might turn out OK if you forget everything from the original series or if they put in A LOT of effort into filling the plot holes between the shows. Or if they find a new fan base.

Prequeling a series is Tough; Predating it RIGHT shouldn't be!

[cantrelayne · 1/10 · 24 November 2022]

I was an Instant Supernatural fan, from Day One. Was very hopeful about this series because Jensen Ackles is in charge. Now 6 eps in, very, very disappointed, and frankly insulted. You have to completely forget "In The Beginning" {Season 4 ep 3} , "The Song Remains The Same" {Season 5 Ep13} which look right, get the vernacular and clothing, as well as the details - newspapers, Tab advert, etc Right, let alone the seriousness and foundation of John and Mary. You have to forget too much of the foundation, you have to wipe it out completely! This is not about the show not being Supernatural, it's about the show being so far off that it would not be good as a stand alone.

There are 100s of series filmed in the early '70's to draw from in order to get the vernacular, clothing and time frame RIGHT, Supernatural got it right, this show does not and it matters! This is the trap of doing a show in a very specific time frame. People are going to notice.

As someone who was a kid in the '70's, so first hand knowledge - The clothing is wrong (wide collars and wide ties, no button downs, no loose jeans, John's white long sleeve wasn't invented yet, white t - shirts were tight, not loose, bell bottoms not boot cut, etc), the vernacular is wrong (no one said "Awesome", "Dude" or "Back in the day" in 1972!!) There weren't any EMT's (referenced in ep 5), - paramedics weren't even outside LA until 1975 (Emergency! Was created and factually based on that). The Carlos Cervantez character would be in the closet, and not talking or carrying himself the way he does in Lawrence, Kansas in 1972, he would have been murdered. He would also be in jail for having hair THAT long in Lawrence, Kansas. There is no way Millie Winchester would be able to run let alone own a garage in Lawrence, Kansas in 1972, she would not have any business, and women were Not Allowed, they were Not Allowed in the '80's (none of this is a good thing, however, again, this is the trap of doing a show in a very specific time frame).

This is Scooby Doo without the dog, and not in a good way. They are supposed to be adults, not high school kids (The Monster Club - really?!)! John is a Marine, and Carlos Cervantez is Navy Core coming back from Vietnam for God's sake!!! They are not kids in any way shape or form, certainly not cartoonish and over - the - top!!!! Latika talks about "violence in her country", except her accent is London, England not India or Pakistan; those countries achieved independence in 1947.

There is no depth, no fluidity and it is not matching up to what we learned in Supernatural about John and Mary's relationship, as well as Samuel and Deanna's (they never separated). It's an insult to Supernatural fans, especially the ones that watched the show from Day One. It is supposed to be a spin off, it does have to have continuity to be a spin off, especially when you are relying on the Supernatural fans to Carry On the new show so that show can grow. At this rate you are losing the core audience.

John did not know about hunting until after Mary died. Men Of Letters didn't even come about until season 8. Mary's family did not have any Men Of Letters connection, either, and Supernatural fans did not like the whole Men Of Letters thing which is why they were all basically killed off.

The stories are really flat, and this arching Akrida story is not interesting at all. In fact, there is no storytelling here. The forced diversity is a 2022 thing, not a 1972 thing, and in that time frame, it would have been dangerous in Lawrence, Kansas, plus it would have been black people, people from Mexico and Caucasians that's it in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence just isn't that diverse, not even today - and let's not forget that even Supernatural for 15 years was not that diverse, and it was sexist for the first 5 seasons, it even called itself on that with Jo and Dean.

The cast is goofy, amateurish and it seems like Drake Rodgers is the only grown up on set. He seems to be the only one trying to make the series work. They do need to do something with Meg Donnely's eye brows, lighten them - people just didn't have their eyebrows different than their hair - it wasn't 'a thing' back then. Unfortunately it is very, very distracting and it shouldn't be, but it is.

The episodes are not for adult viewing, seems to be aimed at children, and very cartoonish and over - the - top. The effects are bad, the CG is bad, and there is no drama, nothing scary, nothing original and ground breaking like Supernatural. It's insulting to everything Supernatural built, and it is sad to have to say that because Jensen Ackles really loves Supernatural and IS Dean.

Maybe Winchesters needs to be on a private network to be told properly or have the proper financial backing to get the production right; and Wayward Sisters would have been a much better choice of a spin - off. Jensen Ackles can do better, and I don't know if he's just not being allowed to or because he's on Big Sky he can't. They all can do better, and did for 15 years.

The show is not cohesive, and everything that made Supernatural special, relatable and different is missing, and so far it is not lining up with "Dad's Journal".

Update - Don't say it's a "Prequel" if it's a "Multiverse Cop Out" - and get your story straight if you do!!!!!

I kept watching, hoping it would get better... NO!!! It got WORSE!!!!

After watching the entire, boring 13 episodes Dean says he took a detour on his drive, looking for his family - hello! Bobby told him John and Mary were up the road, about 5 miles (over yonder by Rufus and Aretha) in the Series Finale BEFORE Dean takes the drive, so why is he looking for them? He knew where they were!!!!

Then he says to the "group"- "The Akrida were going to make their way to my world and I got family there" and then to Jack and Bobby he says "I couldn't let them (the Akrida) destroy our world. Sam's still down there,ok? He deserves a good, long life. Hell, they all do." Which is it?

AGAIN forgetting that in the Series Finale Sam had the long life and shows up on the bridge! Plus if they are in a different 'Earth' why would he say they all deserve a good, long life?

This whole experiment was awful, disappointing and I hope it does not get renewed, and if it does, it needs a SERIOUS OVERHAUL!!!!

The only good parts were when Rowena, The Trickster, Dean, Bobby and even Jack showed up - and if you notice when they did show up the whole feel and chemistry changed because those actors are way, way above the acting done in the 13 boring episodes we got. It was like watching Phds with kindergartners. Lastly, Dean looks awful with a beard, it does not suit the character. It was fine for Big Sky, didn't make sense for Soldier Boy (beards not popular in the '40's), and makes even less sense for Dean, especially when he gets to the bridge in the Series Finale he doesn't have one, like his beard is going to grow in Heaven - really?!

The road so far is pretty bad (re-review after deletion)

[bcprabhu · 23 July 2023]

Sorry, Jensen but you should go back being Soldier Boy (or do something else). That was a good role but so far this show is absolute garbage and a waste of time. It brings nothing new to the established lore.

Bad acting, bad casting, zero chemistry, insufferable characters, stupid dialogues, nonsensical behavior, boring and illogical plot, copied premise, "blurry" image, cheap CGI, uninteresting monsters, talk-diarrhea about feelings, Scooby Doo imitation without the dog, usual CW teenage trash... Should I continue?

I simply cannot find anything good in this cringy Supernatural afterthought.

The ending of the first season is a colossal disappointment. Such a lame way the deal with the "big" bad. Some fan-service is not enough to make it good.

Does no one take notes???

[TheRealNygmobblepots · 6/10 · 12 October 2022]

I'm going to be honest. I love Supernatural so much. It's one of my favorite TV shows but what they've done here in the first episode of this prequal alone is confusing. There are two really big continuity errors in this show and I hope i'm not the only one who's done their homework here.

1. John met Mary and found out she was a hunter.

We see in season 4 ep 3 of Supernatural "In the Beginning" when Dean is sent back in time by Cas he meets young Mary and finds out she's a hunter. He then later finds out that she never told John that her and her family were hunter's. And John didn't even know about demons and monsters until she was killed by Azazle.

2. John found out that Henry was a man of letters.

We find out in season 8 ep 12 of Supernatural "As Time Goes By" when Henry time travels to the future and meets Sam and Dean he tells them that John didn't know that he was a man of letters and John even died not knowing that his dad was a man of letters.

This show isn't the worst thing i've ever seen and I can't judge how good it is just off one episode but the writers should've taken some notes from Supernatural before making this show. All in all the coolest part of this episode was Dean showing up at the end and driving off into the sunset in Baby.

Impressed

[meridaamanda · 10/10 · 13 October 2022]

I must admit, I had my doubts when I heard this prequel was coming. Jensen Ackles swooped in with comforting reassurances and asked for trust and time and I gladly gave both. I'm telling you, it paid off! He is the ultimate SPN fan and cares deeply about the story being told, as do the other crew and cast. It's evident with the amount of little nods to the mothership, in only the first episode, that they know the source material and are paying homage to it. Of course, it wasn't perfect, but it was damn impressive, especially for a pilot episode! I'm excited to see where this road takes us as a Supernatural family, because I only expect it to get better from here! It's nostalgic without being predictable and the up and coming cast is a treat! So far they've handled these roles like they were made for them and I love it! These young actors really should be commended for stepping into such a well loved and well worn universe like Supernatural. It's definitely not the easiest fandom to traverse, but it's a rewarding one if they stick with it. I'm ready for more! I'm ready for all the twists and turns they can throw our way!

Is this intended to fail?

[phil_consult · 3/10 · 24 November 2022]

I decided to give this show a try, and binge the first six episodes. I was somewhat disappointed, and that grew to an even greater disappointment. The only things this show has common with the original series is the subject matter encompassing "monsters" and "hunters", and the Winchester namesake. Other than that, its not remotely comparable.

Characters seem stiff and totally indifferent. They seem to go about monster hunting the way I might go to the grocery store - its just something I have to do. The writing seems to be in the mode of discover monster, find monster, kill monster. And, even the monster doesn't seem to care if he / she lives or dies.

I decided to "click off" the series because of the way in which it portrayed its gay character. Nope - there is nothing wrong with having gay characters in a show. But there is something wrong when you make that character a "parody" of being gay. He chases every hunk in the show and speaks in a manner (both in his dialect and the subject matter of his discussions) that portrays his only purpose to being in the show is to profile his sexual preferences.

Think about it - when you think of this character, what do you think of? His monster hunting, or his sexuality? When this character opens his mouth to speak - what are you expecting to come out of his mouth - some contribution to the theme of the show, or some remark about sexuality? In the end - why is this character in the show? It seems to me that its because the producers wanted to showcase his sexuality.

Exceeded my expectations

[mlewisray · 10/10 · 13 October 2022]

I was incredibly nervous about the idea of a prequel. I couldn't see how it would work out well, but the pilot really held the spirit of SPN and then brought more. The new cast has great chemistry and intriguing backstories. John and Mary are great predecessors to their sons. Carlos and Latika are great additions to the SPN universe and I want to know their place in SPN canon as well! I really don't know how my expectations can be any higher for next week's episode, but I will certainly be tuning in and I can't wait to see the universe grow. I hope the cast know how well they've done and how appreciated everything they brought to SPN is.

AWFUL!

[postmeiska · 1/10 · 21 April 2023]

I am not even going to compare this to Supernatural which was a one of a kind series. The base story lines in this offering are cookie cutter content with more of a rom-com feel. There is a rehashing of plots that Supernatural once used so it also feels repetitive.

Then there are the actors. Having lived through the seventies, and the sixties, a flamboyant gay character who is ex military living openly in a small town is a bridge too far for that time period. Lakita is out of place as well having an unexplained background and a plethora of talents that often felt unconnected. Mary ... well ... 'What about Mary?' The worst actor of the bunch. Chemistry between characters was no where to be found. The whole thing felt like the 'Diversity' box had to get all the required ticks.

This would be a bad series regardless of the subject matter it aspired to. I suspect the only thing that gives it some higher marks is it's association with Supernatural. That is truly unfortunate because even though Supernatural was campy; the play off the relationship of the two brothers, it's signature comedic moments, musical references, interplay between all characters and timeless storytelling of good verses evil, it became relatable to a wide range of people.

Of course this was all during the hay day of the CW where other series such as Smallville and The Vampire Diaries became popular. Yes CW was aiming for the younger crowd but it also attracted adults who enjoyed Syfy/fantasy content that had a drama driven script. The Winchesters is a cheap attempt at that and will not amass enough of a following to go much farther.

SO GOOD!

[cfwmo · 10/10 · 12 October 2022]

Despite the hate campaign going on here over not the episode, but Padalecki's absence, this was a very solid pilot for CW. The original show was based on the idea of two brothers and a car, and that formula was repeated, but adapted to the 2020's, with representation (and as a latina myself, Carlos rocks!) and more than just two characters to be there week to week with the leads, John and Mary. It creates a scooby-doo ish atmosphere that I loved on the original show and still love here. The prequel suits the original fans dearly and hopefully can bring in newcomers too. I can't wait to see what's next!

Rough Start

[yaleni_aso · 6/10 · 2 November 2022]

I am only on episode 2, but I can definitely agree with other reviewers that it's not as attention grabbing as Supernatural was at its beginning. Also, it is way campier than the original show, I also agree with the Scooby Doo feel. That said, I'm hoping it'll pick up in the next few episodes.

I think part of the problem is the very obvious deviation from what we know of the Winchester family lore. However I do trust that Jensen knows what he is doing and I'm hoping that we will learn why the changes to Mary and Johns story were made. Also people are assuming that Dean is telling the story to us the audience, but as of episode 2 we technically don't know who Dean is actually writing/telling the story to.

I do wish they had brought back Matt Cohen, and Amy Gumenick to reprise their roles, I really miss their interpretations of these roles. However, I once read a theory on Pinterest that the way the characters look when we get glimpses of flashbacks from Sam and Dean is their perspective. This again makes me think that we are not Deans intended audience. Perhaps we are catching the perspective of the reader/listener of the story. We also asume that this is our Dean and that he's on earth, but maybe he is in heaven, or maybe this is a parallel universe so again maybe the changes to the story are valid. I suppose only time will tell. Here's hoping that we get some of these issues addressed as the story progresses.

Do yourself a favor and DON'T watch this shi.t

[Viking_vp3 · 2/10 · 26 May 2023]

As original supernatural fan i am so disappointed.

Awful spin off. The whole story is different from what is background in original series. Poor narrative, poor casting, poor everything. Don't waste a second of your time on this show.

They could done much much better yet they decide ruin the while thing. Very bad acting. So boring to watch Awful spin off. The whole story is different from what is background in original series. Poor narrative, poor casting, poor everything. Don't waste a second of your time on this show.

They could done much much better yet they decide ruin the while thing. Very bad acting. So boring to watch.

An Unintentional Parody

[dk777 · 1/10 · 21 October 2022]

Another disappointment. The first episode was enough to conclude that it is not worth spending time on this disaster.

The casting just isn't good, although the actors aren't that bad, but those roles just aren't for them. Almost every show today is the same, you know in advance what will happen, what the characters must be like, and the story comes last.

The script is unfortunately not good enough, the dialogues are comically bad, but the actors should not be blamed here. They can't do better with such a bad script.

Here, the writers try desperately to make everyone happy, and in the end, no one is. The introduction of John and Mary is hilarious. But later, it gets even more hilarious.

I don't know who this was made for, but it's obviously not for me, since this is the first and last episode I'll be watching. No point wasting time on another poorly written series.

Some of the characters are really hilarious, the show would actually be a good parody, too bad they didn't really go in that direction. But they unintentionally came to the point where the show can be called a parody.

Maybe I'm a little too harsh, but this is one of the few shows I was looking forward to, so my disappointment is even greater.

Too bad, another missed opportunity.

I wasn't that keen on the concept but I was pleasantly surprised.

[anniea-87495 · 7/10 · 13 October 2022]

Much better than I expected. The tone, lighting, music and sets were excellent. Maybe a little too much crammed into one episode as it moved very fast, and the acting was uneven, but overall I enjoyed it. Has a real vintage SPN feel and I loved all the nods to the original. Drake and JoJo were particularly good in their roles, Meg not go much but it's early days. I'm ignoring all the haters review bombing the show, they were determined to hate it no matter what. Seeing now the twists will line up the existing canon will be interesting, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the MoL. Off to a good start.

Don't listen to the haters

[lbooth1 · 9/10 · 12 October 2022]

Was this Supernatural? No. It's definitely different, but with enough touches of the "mothership" to be highly satisfying to this fan.

First, let's address the elephant in the room. No, Sam wasn't there. We don't know why yet. Is Dean "on a break from Heaven"? We don't know yet. But Dean is certainly thinking of him. Jared and Jensen are ok with each other and that's what counts.

Drake definitely feels like John. There are enough mannerisms from Jensen, Jared and Jeff to make him feel authentic in the role, and we knew he was already a fan, so that tracks too.

Meg is wonderful and to me feels like a younger Mary. There are some solid feels of Sam and Amy, I like her personality and she already seems haunted by the people she wasn't able to save, and has clearly decided she does not want to be a hunter forever.

Some caveats. John would have had hand-to-hand combat training as a Marine. Not just rifle training. Marines are not just dumb grunts. In order to become a Marine, you do have to have a brain (I know, my son is a Marine and had a high ASVAB score- so high the only thing he wasn't qualified for was black ops). A Loup-Garou is a kind of werewolf.

I like the rest of the new crew, Latika, Carlos and Ada (she should really be around more!), Carlos is interesting and I can't wait to hear more of his story, same for Latika and Ada. I really like that it's an ensemble cast and I really like them all. I loved the "Indiana Jones" feel to the first part with Samuel and when John and Mary found the box. The new "big bad" is going to be very interesting! Can't wait to see what other new monsters we get to meet!

I loved the little nods- the postcard in Ada's store that said "Manners", a nod to Kim Manners, one of SPN's best directors. Others spotted D. Nutter on a file, and I'm sure there are others, with more to come.

All in all, I'm so so damn pleased. So happy that I trusted Jensen to steer this ship. If this is the first step in the journey to getting both Sam and Dean back, then I'm strapped in for the trip!