Fan Phenomena: Supernatural Format: Paperback

Supernatural premiered on September 13, 2005, on what was then called the WB Network. Creator Eric Kripke was inspired by Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, putting his heroes, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, in a big black ’67 Impala and sending them in search of the urban legends that fascinated him. The series attracted a passionate fan base from the start and was described as a “cultural attractor” that tapped into the zeitgeist of the moment, reflecting global fears of terrorism with its themes of fighting unseen evil. The chemistry between the lead actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, contributed to the show’s initial success, and Supernatural found its niche when it combined demon-hunting adventures with a powerful relationship drama that explored the intense, complicated bond between the brothers. Supernatural is as much a story of familial ties, love, and loyalty as it is of “saving people, hunting things.”

Fan Phenomena: Supernatural explores the ongoing fascination and passion for a show that developed a relationship with fans through eight seasons and continues to have an impact on fan culture to the present day. Essays here explore the rich dynamic that has developed between fans and producers, actors, writers, directors, the show creator, and showrunners through online interactions on Twitter and Facebook, face-to-face exchanges at conventions, and representations of fandom within the show's meta-episodes. Contributors also explore gender and sexuality in the show and in fan art; the visual dynamics, cinematography, and symbolism in the episodes as well as the fan videos they inspire; and the culture of influence, learning, and teaching in the series.

Lynn Zubernis is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at West Chester University, Pennsylvania. She has published two books with chapters from the actors and fans of Supernatural about how the show has changed all of their lives, Family Don't End with Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Has Changed Lives and There'll Be Peace When You Are Done: Actors and Fans Celebrate the Legacy of Supernatural. Dr. Zubernis was coproducer and cowriter of the documentary Squee, has a regular column in Psychology Today on the science of fandom, and has written for Slate, The Conversation, Frolic and MovieTVTechGeeks. 

Katherine Larsen teaches courses on fame, celebrity, and fandom in the University Writing Program at George Washington University.