The final days of The CW’s Supernatural are upon us, and fans are seeking new shows to watch once the finale has aired. There’s no reason to worry, though, as there’s a wide selection of TV series for you to indulge in for the future.
To be clear, we’re not listing shows that are strictly similar to Supernatural here. Rather, we’ve put together a list of series that will be great palate cleansers for your viewing needs. These range from science fiction, action, crime, horror, and even comedy, making for a diverse set of shows that will ensure your future binge-watching will consist of a wide net of entertainment.
Haven (2010-2015)
FBI agent Audrey Parker is dispatched to the town of Haven to investigate a series of strange happenings. She discovers the people are plagued with “troubles,” conditions that give people horrific powers. Her stay is prolonged when she learns she’s been to Haven before, over a number of centuries.
Haven is a mystery series that relies on intrigue to hook audiences in. With paranormal elements in place, the show retains its grounded nature. It finds a good balance between fantasy and drama as Audrey’s relationships also get significant attention.
Ghost Whisperer (2005-2010)
Melinda Gordon has lived with the gift of communicating with the deceased all her life. With thousands of ghosts seeking her help to allow them to move on, Melinda faces intense personal challenges as her psyche is threatened along with her life.
Ghost Whisperer isn’t the action-oriented show that the premise might make it out to be, but it does offer an insight into the concept of death in a variety of tear-inducing scenarios. You’ll find there’s much to learn about the deceased once you take the time to listen.
Doctor Who (1963-Present)
The Doctor, a centuries-old alien, has control over a machine called the TARDIS, which can be used to travel through space and time. During these travels, the Doctor encounters countless foes and companions, all of whom journey with the title character across time.
Doctor Who is a must-see for every science fiction fan, with a history spanning more than half a century. The many regenerations of the Doctor allow the show to refresh after every few years, with the large variety of villains also making for a show that can never go out of style.
Angel (1999-2004)
After leaving his previous life behind to make up for his crimes, the vampire Angel becomes a private detective who tackles otherworldly cases. During his battles, Angel continues his path to redemption while bringing in new friends as his enemies become increasingly dangerous.
Angel is an example of a well-rounded series, with episodes featuring humor, dark fantasy, and elements that appeal to younger and older fanbases. Its pace is such that you won’t find a lot of boring filler stories, as the series lore expands away from Buffy into carving out a world of its own.
Bones (2005-2017)
Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI agent Seeley Booth team up for hundreds of cases investigating the murders of mysterious human remains. Over the years, they grow to become more than partners, and their colleagues form together to make a surrogate family.
Bones generally slipped under the radar despite being on-air for over a decade. Supernatural fans can appreciate this kind of longevity, and it’s worth venturing into this crime-procedural since it also has a flavor for comedy and singular episodes that focus on the theme of crime-solving. Not to mention the lovely chemistry between the two leads that forms the backbone of the show.
Dexter (2006-2013)
Dexter is a serial killer who goes by a code to hunt down and kill only other killers. However, with so many murderers out there, and Dexter’s own inclination to veer away from his principles, he finds it difficult to juggle his daily life with his dark enger.
Dexter is far from a show that’s only about the killing, with storylines paving the way for this murderer to become a well-rounded character who learns to care for others. The abundance of quality villains and the chilling execution of the various murders contribute to the show being a riveting experience.
Smallville (2001-2011)
Taking a look at the young days of Superman, Smallville details Clark’s struggles with coming to with his powers and his responsibility as a superhero. Making his path difficult are all of Superman’s classic villains, some of whom transition from Clark’s friends into hated foes.
Smallville was one of the first series to fully dive into the superhero genre, and it remains a widely popular show to this day. Also featured for a time is one Jensen Ackles, which should intrigue Supernatural fans more. On its own, though, the show is a wonderful case for teaching viewers how Superman can be responsible and badass.
The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
A group of nerds learns what it’s like to be part of the mainstream world when an attractive girl moves in next door. With this new influence, these friends begin to evolve as people. This introduces new women to their group, which takes a lot of getting used to.
Who says you only need to watch fantasies or science fiction shows after Supernatural? The Big Bang Theory is perhaps the best viewing experience for a refreshing change of pace, as it packs in hilarious episodes over more than a decade’s worth of seasons. Plus, you’ll find that geek culture is great fun to immerse yourself in.
The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
A bounty hunter’s exploits take him across the galaxy, with a number of unexpected cases for him to tackle. After being thrust into the role of a guardian, the bounty hunter has to figure out where his priorities truly lie.
The Mandalorian was the breakout series from 2019, and this places it as a great option for viewers who are just getting out of following another show for a long time. As it’s set in the Star Wars canon, you’ll find there’s a lot of familiarities to go around, making this both a safe option and a show that is a delightful surprise.
The Walking Dead (2010-Present)
The zombie apocalypse is in full flow, as Rick Grimes wakes up from his coma to realize. After reuniting with his family, Rick undergoes a continuous journey across the apocalyptic country as the ever-evolving group looks to survive against the undead and menacing human foes.
The Walking Dead should probably be your first watch after Supernatural, considering it not only has similar longevity, but the action, horror, and dramatic moments are easily as intriguing. Late in the series, we get Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s villainous turn to enjoy, and Supernatural fans will definitely be comparing John Winchester to Negan. Regardless, The Walking Dead is an apocalyptic show that keeps you on your toes guessing, while bringing in tons of bloody fun.