10 Television Shows Similar to Supernatural
Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester, monster-fighting brothers who have been playing on this popular CW show for ten years now. This television series as gained great acclaim and a loyal fan base who has stuck with the show through each and every season. Whether it's for the monsters, suspense, family bonds or just the hunky actors these shows offer some great options for the Supernatural fan in all of us.
The Walking Dead
Years running: 2010-
Stars:Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Andrew Lincoln Network: AMC
Main themes: zombie apocalypse, survival, family
This AMC television show features all the guts and zombies anyone could ever want. Currently on its fifth season, this series stars Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies and Andrew Lincoln as survivors of the zombie apocalypse. These characters band together along with several others to make it through the days surrounded by the undead "walkers". Not only does this show feature guts and glory, it also shows how people react when everything they once knew is gone. Forced to rely on each other, the rate at which the survivors turn on one another is one of absolute amazement. This show is not for the weak-stomached or the light-hearted.
Sherlock
Years running: 2010-2017
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs Network: BBC
Main themes: Sleuth, friendship
This modernized version of Sherlock Holmes stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as his close friend and accomplice, Dr. John Watson. Sherlock works to solve unique crimes with his ability to hone in on details most others would neglect to notice. With its phenomenal cinematography and short seasons, Sherlock carries with it a loyal fan base similar to that of Supernatural.
Arrow
Years running: 2012-
Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland Network: The CW
Main themes: revenge, survival, business corruption, superhero
This CW series follows Oliver Queen, played by Stephen Amell, as he upturns a city of corruption. He spent five years on an isolated island after his fathers yacht sinks. There he learns survival skills and his fathers fraudulent business deals. Upon return home, he uses everything he has learned to exact revenge on all those that have wrought corruption on the city. Arrow is for fans of superhero plots, stories of revenge and adventure beyond bounds.
- The CW Television Network | CW Shows | Official CW Show Pages
CW Television Network Shows Directory: The official directory and schedule of the shows on The CW Television Network, including Arrow, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and The Originals
The Originals
Years running: 2013-2018
Stars: Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Phoebe Tonkin Network: The CW
Main themes: vampires, horror/mystery, family
This CW spin-off from the Vampire Diaries centers around a werewolf-vampire hybrid and his family as they battle threats. All the while, they try to take back their city of New Orleans. Starring Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Charles Michael Davis, and Phoebe Tonkin, The Originals is sure to please any fan of the supernatural.
American Horror Story
Years running: 2011-
Stars: Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Emma Roberts, Taissa Farmiga
Main themes: horror, mystery
American Horror Story is an interesting one, seeing as each season can watched as a stand-alone, with largely different actors, characters, themes, and plots. I only watched the first 2 seasons, where the first one centered around a 'hunted' house, and the second surrounded an asylum. While supernatural is definitely present in this series, the big thing here is the mystery - the show does an extremely good job keeping its viewer at the edge of their seats the whole season.
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Years running: 2013-
Stars: Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti
Network: FOX
Main themes: comedy, crime
At first glance, a comedic crime show sounds very different from Supernatural; however, the comedy that we all love so much in Supernatural is present in Brooklyn Nine Nine. This show centers around an ambitious, yet incredibly goofy, Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg). Each episode features a different case with him and his team (almost) always coming out on top. If you like the comedic relief and miss the monster-a-week format of Supernatural, check out Brooklyn Nine Nine.
Doctor Who
Years running: 2005- (org. 1963)
Stars: David Tennant, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Billie Piper
Network: BBC
Main themes: space travel, time travel, friendship
This beloved show warrants no introduction. Many Supernatural fans will already be familiar with Doctor Who, a classic monster-a-week space/time travel delight. The Doctor's do switch, so don't get too attached, but you will fall in love with all the characters just as you did with Sam, Dean, and Bobby.
The X-Files
Years running: 1993-2002
Stars: Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi
Main themes: cult, supernatural, sci-fi
I have to admit that this is one that I actually haven't seen; however, it has been recommended to me countless times. This is another one of those monster-of-the-week shows where special agents investigate supernatural crimes, much like Sam and Dean.
Smallville
Years running: 2001-
Stars: Tom Welling, Allison Mack
Main themes: crime fighting, lovable characters, supernatural
Smallville is a Superman adaptation where Clark Kent (aka Superman) is just your run-of-the-mill small town boy by day, but crime-fighting superhero by night. This classic tale features teenage drama, and a superhero forced to hide his abilities - living two lives. Through the seasons you get to see Clark Kent mature as his character develops.
Ghost Whisperer
Years running: 2005 - 2010
Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad
Main themes: supernatural, ghosts, family
Ghost Whisperer is another monster-of-the-week show, but every monster is a new ghost with a mysterious past that Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt) must help. She is able to talk to ghosts, reconnect them to love ones, and send them off into the light. This is a feel-good, sometimes emotional series that is a must if you love the relationships in Supernatural.
Honorable Mentions
Some shows that are also worth mention, but did not make the top 10 include:
Firefly: A one-season wonder starring Nathan Fillion as he explores space with a motley crew.
Star Trek: USS Enterprise...do I have to say anything more?
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A spin on the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch that features more supernatural, spells, and witchcraft.
