It’s a sad but busy time for the Supernatural and Walker family. Both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki’s spinoff series “The Winchesters” and “Walker Independence” have been canceled by the CW after just one season. Just goes to show you what years of loyalty means to The CW. Things are far from over for these two shows though, never doubt the power of a passionate fandom.
On June 24, 2021, it was reported that a prequel series of Supernatural, titled “The Winchesters” that focuses on Sam and Dean’s parents, John and Mary, was in development at The CW. The series is executive produced by Jensen Ackles who reprised his role as Dean Winchester, his wife Danneel Ackles (who portrayed Anael on the series), and Supernatural writer Robbie Thompson. A pilot order for the series was confirmed by The CW on February 3, 2022. The Winchesters was canceled after just one season.
“The Winchesters”, a prequel to the long-running series “Supernatural,” tells the epic, untold love story of how John Winchester met Mary Campbell and put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world. When John returns home from fighting in Vietnam, a mysterious encounter sparks a new mission to trace his father’s past. In his journey, he crosses paths with 19-year-old demon hunter Mary, who is also searching for answers after the disappearance of her own father. Together, the two join forces to uncover the hidden truths about both of their families. The series stars Meg Donnelly as Mary Campbell, Drake Rodger as John Winchester, Nida Khurshid as Latika “Lata” Dar, Jojo Fleites as Carlos Cervantez, Demetria McKinney as Ada Monroe and Bianca Kajlich as Millie Winchester.
Jensen Ackles took to Twitter to rally support from fans in order to find the show a new home simply tweeting his iconic line from Supernatural ““Looks like we got work to do” along with #SaveTheWinchesters.
Looks like we got work to do. #SaveTheWinchesters #spnfamily https://t.co/13emgJi2MQ
— Jensen Ackles (@JensenAckles) May 11, 2023
In talking to EW Jensen spoke about his hope for the getting the back on the air and the passionate fanbase “There’s a lot of story to tell here and there’s a huge fan base that is very actively engaged and willing to support it,” he says. “They are fired up, I love that about this fandom. I love that they are so passionate about this world and this universe and these characters that they are willing to go to the mat for a show like this. I think that speaks volumes, especially to those who are willing to listen and have the power to do something about it.” Says Ackles.
We also got a very special message from the cast.
And we’re off…#SaveTheWinchesters pic.twitter.com/9EAIJpblFd
— Jensen Ackles (@JensenAckles) May 12, 2023
The story of the Winchesters is not over, Jensen Ackles even revealed there was a plan for a five season storyline before the cancelation. Speaking with EW Jensen revealed “We were talking not only about the story and where we wanted to take our cast, we were talking about who we were going to bring back from the mothership. We were putting together a lot of tricks to keep up our sleeves and keep it exciting, not just for the new fans, but for the returning fans as well. Hopefully we get to execute that. I just think that there’s a way to keep this alive and it would be a shame to let that go.”
After the cast and EP Jensen Ackles called on the fans to help them find a new home by spreading the message “#SaveTheWinchesters”, in less than 4 hours it was trending at no 14 in the US on Twitter.
In December 2021, it was reported that a prequel series titled, “Walker: Independence”, was in development with Jared Padalecki as executive producer and Anna Fricke as showrunner. The CW was pleased with the pilot episode and gave a full series order in May 2022 for a fall premiere, pairing it with its parent series “Walker” which has been renewed for a 4th season. “Walker Independence” was canceled after its first season.
The show is set in the late 1800s, the origin story of the series “Walker,” “Walker Independence” follows Abby Walker, an affluent and tough-minded Bostonian whose husband is murdered before her eyes while on their journey out West. Abby arrives in the town of Independence, Texas, where she encounters diverse and eclectic residents running from their pasts, chasing their dreams, and keeping their own secrets. Abby runs into Hoyt Rawlins, a slippery rogue, thief, and con artist with a dented heart of gold who quickly eyes Abby as a mark, until she turns the tables on him. In seeking justice for her husband, Abby and Hoyt soon find themselves precariously aligned, both seeking to uncover the truth about the identity of Abby’s husband’s killer, and vow to save Independence — a frontier boomtown where nothing is what it seems.
The show stars Katherine McNamara as Abby Walker, Matt Barr as Hoyt Rawlins, Katie Findlay as Kate Carver, Greg Hovanessian as Sheriff Tom Davidson, Philemon Chambers as Deputy Augustus, Justin Johnson Cortez as Calian and Lawrence Kao as Kai.
Speaking to TV Line about the show’s cancelation, EP Jared Padalecki said “We are aggressively looking for a place that Walker Independence can land.” He went on to say “I’m so proud of Walker Independence. It’s such a great show. I think it’s a show that’s needed. We absolutely are thrilled about the show, proud of the show, and we all feel like it belongs somewhere people can see it. We love the cast. We love the writing. We love the setting. We love the storylines that it’s telling. It’s storylines unlike any other ‘Western’ show on TV or streaming right now.”
To say I love this cast & crew like they’re my own family is an understatement. I’ve become so deeply invested not only in the story this series is telling but everybody making it come to life. Help these kinfolk of mine. Let’s folking go: #SaveWalkerIndependence pic.twitter.com/M1r4u9fiA8
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) May 16, 2023
In an interview with TVinsider Jared Padalecki admitted “The book’s not closed on Independence just yet, It wasn’t canceled by 100% of the platforms that wanna air it. It’s just not gonna air on CW next year. And so we now are able to go and see if there’s another network or streaming service that would like to keep it going. Because I’m thinking, it’s a great show, great cast, great writers…I am keeping my fingers crossed.” Said Padalecki
These two shows were among the long-shot renewal prospects at the network under its new ownership. The bulk of the CW’s existing scripted series are being canceled as the network is transitioning to a new business model of lower-cost scripted programming in pursuit of profitability. However that is not stopping fans from mobilizing online by posting #SaveTheWinchesters or #SaveWalkerIndependence everywhere they can.
Fans are continuing to show their support every day. The fans are speaking, time for the studios and networks to listen.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
