The long-running American television show Supernatural aired for 15 seasons and gathered a dedicated fanbase before concluding in 2020. The show has captivated the hearts of millions and if like us, you miss the show then here’s a list of shows like Supernatural that you might like!
Supernatural follows 2 brothers, Sam, and Dean Winchester, as they travel across the United States, hunting supernatural beings and trying to save the world from various threats. One of the reasons for the show’s popularity is to do with the amazing chemistry between the 2 lead actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who helped draw in viewers and create a loyal fanbase. The show features a mix of horror, drama, and comedy with complex themes, such as family, sacrifice, love, and loss, that resonated with many viewers. Moreover, the show’s exploration of various mythologies and lore, as well as its inclusion of popular culture references, made it relatable and endlessly enjoyable to watch.
List of TV Shows Like Supernatural
1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997)
The 90s iconic Buffy the Vampire Slayer shares numerous similarities with Supernatural, including their initial focus on monster-of-the-week episodes. This show follows the adventures of Buffy Summers, a teenage girl who is chosen to be the Slayer and fight against vampires and other supernatural forces. With the help of her friends, Buffy battles evil creatures while navigating the challenges of high school and growing up.
Buffy, in particular, has been credited with paving the way for Supernatural’s success and pushing the boundaries of what typical genre shows can achieve. Additionally, the two shows feature many common actors, such as Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Amy Acker, Julie Benz, Amber Benson, and Mercedes McNab. While Buffy the Vampire Slayer is generally more light-hearted and cheesy, similar to shows like Supernatural, it also grounds it’s fantastical elements in real emotions between beings.
2. The X-Files (1993)
The X-Files is another iconic 90s sci-fi TV series that follows FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate paranormal and extraterrestrial cases while uncovering a conspiracy within their own government agency. The show explores the unknown, government secrets, and the complexities of human belief.
Similar to a series like Supernatural, the show combined the monster of the week format with an overarching myth arc that dealt with a global conspiracy to hide the presence of aliens on Earth. Supernatural even pays homage to The X-Files, starting with the first episode where Dean and Sam introduce themselves as Agents Mulder and Scully to a group of FBI agents. Throughout the series, there are nods to The X-Files, and many of the actors have appeared in both shows.
3. Fringe (2008)
Fringe is a science fiction television show that follows FBI agent Olivia Dunham, her partner Peter Bishop, and his father, Dr Walter Bishop, as they investigate a series of strange and unexplained events known as “the pattern.” With a mix of procedural investigation and intricate mythology, Fringe is a genre-bending show that kept viewers engaged in it’s parallel universes and time travel.
If you are a fan of engaging science fiction shows and are craving to watch shows like Supernatural, then Fringe is not to be missed!
4. Person Of Interest (2011)
John Reese, a former CIA agent, is hired by a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes before they happen with the help of a sophisticated computer system. As the show progresses, Reese becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. Interested in more of these types of shows? Then you can take a look at our list of shows like Person of Interest.
Person of Interest is a brilliant crime drama series similar to Supernatural in its themes of battling larger conspiracies and fighting for the greater good while navigating the murky waters of personal relationships and betrayals.
5. Crazyhead (2016)
Crazyhead follows the lives of 2 young women, Amy and Raquel, who become friends and demon hunters after discovering they have the ability to see and fight demons. Along the way, they face various challenges, including a demon possession of Raquel’s mother and the looming threat of a powerful demon lord who seeks to conquer the world.
Crazyhead has the energy of Supernatural‘s Season 1 but runs on a stronger plot, faster character development, and pure horror. Throughout the series, Amy and Raquel’s friendship is tested as they navigate the dangers of demon hunting while also dealing with personal issues such as family problems and romantic relationships. With a unique blend of horror, humour, and heartfelt moments Crazyhead offers a fresh take on the supernatural genre. If you’re looking for shows like Supernatural, then this a great choice.
6. The 100 (2014)
The 100 is a post-apocalyptic science fiction show that follows the story of a group of juvenile delinquents who are sent to Earth from a space station called the Ark 97 years after a nuclear apocalypse devastated the planet. The 100 must quickly learn to survive in a dangerous and unfamiliar world while facing new challenges such as savage Grounders, radiation, and internal power struggles. Alaina Huffman, known for her role as Abaddon in Supernatural, is a part of the cast of the sci-fi drama The 100 in the 7th season.
Similar to what we witness in shows like Supernatural, the plot thickens as the protagonists uncover hidden secrets and face challenges greater than imagined. Although a series like Supernatural is more focused on supernatural creatures and mythologies, The 100’s dystopian futures are just as interesting. If you are interested, check out our list of shows like The 100.
7. The Vampire Diaries (2009)
The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural are 2 of the most popular supernatural dramas on television. And at one time, the supernatural realm of vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures of these two shows almost had a crossover. Before The Vampire Diaries’s season finale, its showrunners were approached by the Supernatural team about doing some kind of crossover during the first 2 seasons. Unfortunately, The Vampire Diaries’s makers refused.
The Vampire Diaries follows the life of human Elena Gilbert, who meets the 2 vampire brothers, Damon Salvatore and Stefan Salvatore. However, as she becomes more entangled in the supernatural world, she discovers that there is a long-standing feud between the Salvatore brothers and their enemies. The long-standing journey of the Salvatore brothers will remind of shows like Supernatural and make you wish they had done a crossover!
8. The Originals (2013)
To mention another great show of the same world, The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. It follows the story of the original vampire family – Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah – who return to their hometown of New Orleans after centuries away. There, they become embroiled in a power struggle with the city’s other supernatural factions, including witches, werewolves, and vampires.
Perhaps the themes of family, loyalty, and redemption in The Originals might make it closer to a series like Supernatural than The Vampire Diaries. The Originals is a stand-out supernatural series for you to watch.
9. Grimm (2011)
Grimm is a supernatural fantasy about the life of Portland homicide detective Nick Burkhardt, who discovers that he is a descendant of a group of hunters known as “Grimms.” This group is responsible for maintaining the balance between humanity and the supernatural world. Nick must use his newfound abilities to protect the citizens of Portland from dangerous creatures called “Wesen.”
Like the rest, Grimm also explores supernatural and mythological creatures and the struggle between good and evil. Grimm has a unique spin on the fairy tale genre, as each episode is based on a different fairy tale or mythological creature, adding an element of mystery and suspense to the series. If you enjoyed shows like Supernatural, then you should definitely give Grimm a try.
10. Once Upon A Time (2011)
A young woman, Emma Swan discovers that she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Emma is brought to a town called Storybrooke, where fairy tale characters are trapped in the real world without their memories. Emma sets out to break the curse that trapped them, with the help of her son and the residents of Storybrooke.
As you might have guessed, Once Upon A Time has plenty similar to shows like Supernatural. Surely, Once Upon A Time is more focused on fairy tales and mythology, while Supernatural has a horror element with a focus on ghosts, demons, and monsters. Regardless, you will enjoy this one just as much!
11. Lucifer (2016)
Lucifer is based on the biblical DC Comics character Lucifer Morningstar, who is portrayed as a charming and charismatic fallen angel. Lucifer, played by Tom Ellis decides to live on Earth, primarily Los Angeles, where he runs a nightclub and becomes involved in solving various crimes. As you may remember, Lucifer is one of Sam and Dean Winchester’s arch-nemeses, so this series is a great change of perspective.
Throughout Lucifer, viewers get to see a complex and charismatic character who struggles with his identity, relationships, and his past as the ruler of Hell. The show has garnered a loyal fanbase with it’s supernatural elements and witty humour. As a fan of a series like Supernatural, Lucifer is a great show to binge on the weekend.
12. Stranger Things (2016)
Netflix’s Stranger Things has become of the most popular series in recent times as it offers a unique combination of horror, sci-fi, and drama. Taking inspiration from many 80s classics films, the show follows a group of friends as they search for their missing friend in a small Indiana town in the 1980s.
The show deals with conspiracies and supernatural elements, including its depiction of parallel universes. Furthermore, its nostalgic 80s setting adds an extra layer of charm to the show. Stranger Things offers an exciting and captivating experience and is perfect for anyone who loves shows like Supernatural.
13. Doctor Who (1963)
Doctor Who is a long-running British science fiction TV show that follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. The show first aired in 1963 and has become a cultural phenomenon with a dedicated fan base. The Doctor travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine that is disguised as a 1960s British police box. The Doctor often teams up with a companion to battle various alien threats and to save the universe.
Here’s the trailer for the latest Doctor Who:
Similar to shows like Supernatural, Doctor Who has a strong focus on the concept of time. And despite their differences in location and storytelling style, Doctor Who also offers imaginative journeys that captivate audiences worldwide. If you’ve already seen it, check out our list of shows like Doctor Who.
14. Angel (1999)
Angel is a supernatural series that follows the story of a guy called Angel, a vampire with a soul. This show is a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and features the character’s struggle to find redemption for his past sins. After leaving Buffy and Sunnydale, Angel moves to Los Angeles to start a new life and run his detective agency, Angel Investigations, with the help of his friends.
Along the way, Angel and his team fight demons, evil law firms, and various supernatural threats to help the helpless. It’s rare for a spin-off to do well but Angel’s brilliant storyline and thrilling action make it a beloved cult classic. Be sure to give Angel a try after watching shows like Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
15. Salem (2014)
This supernatural TV series depicts the infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. Salem follows the lives of several characters, including witches and puritans, and the treacherous and complex political landscape of Salem, Massachusetts.
At the centre of the story is Mary Sibley, a powerful witch who controls the fate of the town. Her struggle for power and revenge against the town’s leaders unfolds over the course of 3 seasons as she battles not only her enemies but also her own personal demons. Salem is a thrilling and dark exploration of the human condition, greed, and power and a must-watch for fans of series like Supernatural.
16. Preacher (2016)
Preacher is a dark, violent, and biblical horror show based on a comic book series of the same name. It tells the story of Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher who gains the power to command people with his voice after a supernatural event occurs in his church.
Together with his ex-girlfriend Tulip and an Irish vampire named Cassidy, Jesse embarks on a journey to find God and hold him accountable for abandoning humanity. The show delves into religious themes and social issues and explores the twisted nature of humanity. With its graphic violence, profanity, and dark humour, Preacher is not for the faint of heart but certainly for fans of series like Supernatural.
17. Evil (2019)
A great choice for shows like Supernatural, Evil is a supernatural drama series which premiered in 2019, revolving around a sceptical forensic psychologist, Kristen Bouchard as he joins a priest-in-training, David Acosta, and a contractor, Ben Shakir, to investigate supernatural occurrences and demonic possessions.
The trio works for the Catholic Church, investigating unexplainable phenomena, from miracles to possessions, and assessing whether they are genuine or the work of evil forces. As the investigation proceeds, they confront a series of terrifying and inexplicable cases, including demon-possessed nuns, haunted hospitals, and haunted forests.
18. The Walking dead (2010)
The well-known post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies. The story begins with police officer Rick Grimes waking up from a coma to find the world he knew gone. He sets out to find his family but soon realizes that the living is just as dangerous as the undead.
Rick and his group struggle to survive in a world where resources are scarce and trust is hard to come by. The show explores the human psyche and the lengths people will go to survive while also incorporating themes of love, loss, and hope. Intense in nature, The Walking Dead is one of the best shows similar to Supernatural.
19. Smallville (2001)
Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Smallville is based on the comic book character of Superman. The show follows the life of a young Clark Kent before he becomes Superman.
It shows his journey as he learns to control his powers, makes friends, and battles with his inner demons. The series also delves into the lives of the other characters in Smallville, including Clark’s parents, his best friend, Chloe, and his love interest, Lana Lang. The show was a hit among audiences and gained critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, brilliant cast, and spectacular special effects so try to watch if after a series like Supernatural.
20. True Blood (2008)
The supernatural show True Blood tells the story of vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, and other supernatural beings who live amongst humans in a fictional Louisiana town. The show centres on Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a vampire named Bill Compton.
As their relationship develops, they become embroiled in a web of supernatural politics, ancient rivalries, and dangerous conspiracies that threaten to destroy both their lives and the fragile balance between humans and the supernatural. Through its 7 seasons, True Blood has more than enough to entertain if you are looking for a series similar to Supernatural.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few shows like Supernatural that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out as well:
- American Horror Story
- Bitten
- The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
- Teen Wolf
