Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki in Supernatural Season 1 Image via The CW By Michael John Petty Published Oct 13, 2026, 11:37 PM EDT Michael John Petty is a Senior Author for Collider who spends his days writing, in fellowship with his local church, and enjoying each new day with his wonderful wife and precious daughters. At Collider, he writes features, reviews, recaps, interviews, and breaking news on select occasion. In addition to writing about stories, Michael has told a few of his own, from supernatural thrillers to historical fiction. His Western short story, The Devil's Left Hand , received the Spur Award for "Best Western Short Fiction" in 2025 from the Western Writers of America, of which he is a member. Michael currently resides in North Idaho with his growing family. Sign in to your Collider account Add Us Add on Google Preferred Source Google Discover Summary Generate a summary of this story Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Listen Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap When a show runs on television for as long as Supernatural did, it can be difficult to wonder where to start — and if all 327 episodes are actually worth the momentous binge. Whether you're already a die-hard fan of Sam ( Jared Padalecki ) and Dean Winchester ( Jensen Ackles ) or looking to climb into the Impala for the first time, we've put together a list of essential episodes you simply cannot miss . Of course, personal opinion is a factor here, but there's no doubt that most of these installments are vital to the Winchesters' journey.
Supernatural ran for 15 seasons, but the truth is that much of the main story was wrapped up after the first five. Indeed, the core of Supernatural is Sam and Dean, their bond and how that relates to their family . So, we've pulled together some of the most important episodes from a handful of seasons that put the Winchesters front-and-center. Gear up, because we're about to hit the road.
Sam and Dean Winchester shake hands after being reunited in Heaven in the 'Supernatural' series finale. Image via The CW Despite how controversial the series finale is with many, "Carry On" remains one of Jared Padalecki's favorite episodes because of the way it concludes Sam and Dean's story. While not the most essential installment on this list, it's a sobering reminder that although the brothers stood by each other's side throughout 15 seasons of television, they were always on different paths long-term . If you plan on seeing the Winchesters' story through, you can't forget about the ending.
"Carry On" may leave some to be desired, but Supernatural ended on its own terms, and you can't argue with that . Ackles and Padalecki deliver bitter-sweet performances that feel like true send-offs to their most famous on-screen roles, and as routine as their final hunt together feels, there is something truly poetic about their final moments together. Just don't expect some big cosmic finale with tons of cameos — this one is a bit bare bones.
Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) holding a dead Dean in his arms in a parking lot in the Supernatural episode "Mystery Spot" Image via The CW Easily one of the funniest episodes of Supernatural , "Mystery Spot" works because it's basically Sam Winchester stuck in Groundhog Day – but that's not all it is. After Sam catches himself in a time-warp where Dean dies every day , he…