The Winchesters

Main Title Card

Premiered

October 11, 2022

Finale

March 8, 2023

Seasons

1

Episodes

13^[1]

Run time

est. 42 minutes per episode

Genre

Adventure
Drama
Fantasy
Thriller
Mystery
Horror

Network

The CW

Created by

Starring

Country

USA

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Supernatural

The Winchesters is a Supernatural spin-off series for The CW centered on Sam and Dean's parents: John Winchester and Mary Campbell. It follows an untold love story of how John met Mary and how they put everything on the line to save the world. The series is told from the perspective of Dean Winchester.^[2] It premiered Tuesday, October 11, 2022 on The CW.^[3]

Synopsis

Official synopsis:^[4]

Supernatural star Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles team up with Supernatural writer Robbie Thompson for this thrilling prequel to the long-running hit series. Before Sam and Dean, there were their parents, John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester (Ackles), THE WINCHESTERS is the epic, untold love story of how John Winchester met The Winchesters 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 with young hunter-in-training Latika and easygoing hunter Carlos to uncover the hidden truths about both their families. Their investigation leads them to a rare book emporium, whose owner Ada takes an interest to the occult and could provide the missing pieces to their puzzle. But secrets run deep for both the Winchesters and Campbells, and despite the best efforts of John's mother Millie to protect her son from pursuing a dangerous life of demon hunting, John and Mary are both determined to work together to uphold their families' legacies while beginning to form a family of their own.

Characters

Main Cast

Guest stars

Gil McKinney as Henry Winchester (episodes 1, 7)
Michael Reagan as Clyde (episode 2)
Bridget Regan as Rockin' Roxy/Akrida Leader (episodes 3, 5, 7, 10)
Andrea Londo as Betty Donelon (episodes 3, 5, 9)
Ryan McCartan as Kyle Reed (episodes 3, 4, 9, 10)
Paul Schackman as Dr. Zimpano (episode 4)
James MacDonald as Mars Neto (episode 4)
Tyler Lofton as Tony Monroe (episode 5)
Audrey Marie Anderson as Tracy Gellar (episode 6)
Nicholas Duvernay as Anton (episode 6)
Tom Welling as Samuel Campbell (special guest star, episodes 7-8, 13)
Richard Speight Jr. as Loki (episode 8)
Jake Etheridge as Jericho Kid (episode 8)
Jared Wofford as Nikolas (episode 9)
Nicholas Duvernay as Anton (episode 9)
Austin Boyce as Diana (episode 9)
Charles Shaughnessy as Jack Wilcox (episode 10)
Ruth Connell as Rowena (episode 12)
Alexander Calvert as Jack Kline (episode 13)
Jim Beaver as Bobby Singer (episode 13)

Additional

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester (uncredited, narrator and photograph only; episodes 1-10; episode 13)
Rob Benedict as Tango (credited as "and introducing Tango as himself"; episode 8)

Seasons

Season	Episodes	Premiere episode	Premiere date	Finale episode	Finale date
Season 1	13	Pilot	October 11, 2022	Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye	March 8, 2023

Episode List

There was something about being there... It felt pure.

This episode summary is an official CW press release. It may contain errors.
DO NOT CHANGE!

Title	Writer(s)	Director(s)	Airdate	#
Pilot	Writer: Robbie Thompson	Director: Glen Winter	10/11/2022	#1 101
“Pilot” – Before Sam and Dean, there were their parents, John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester, THE WINCHESTERS is 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 with young hunter-in-training Latika and easygoing hunter Carlos to uncover the hidden truths about both of their families. Their investigation leads them to a rare book emporium whose owner Ada takes an interest in the occult and could provide the missing pieces to their puzzle. But secrets run deep for both the Winchesters and Campbells, and despite the best efforts of John’s mother Millie to protect her son from pursuing a dangerous life of demon hunting, John and Mary are both determined to work together to uphold their families’ legacies while beginning to form a family of their own.
Teach Your Children Well	Writer: Robbie Thompson & David H. Goodman	Director: John Showalter	10/18/2022	#2 102
FAMILY MATTERS – John and Millie are on different pages about his new interest in hunting and Ada tries to bridge the gap. Mary follows a trail from her father that points to the disappearance of a teenage boy in Topeka. Meanwhile, Carlos has a heart to heart with Mary as Latika dives into her books to identify the monster.
You're Lost Little Girl	Writer: Gabriel Alejandro Garza	Director: Claudia Yarmy	10/25/2022	#3 103
FACE YOUR FEARS – When Mary’s next-door neighbor mysteriously goes missing, she and John start digging into the disappearance. During their investigation, John unexpectedly reunites with someone from his past. Carlos and Ada bond as they stakeout a potential lead for the demon’s partner. Meanwhile, Latika taps into old folklore passed down from her family in hopes it helps Mary and John.
Masters of War	Writer: Julia Cooperman	Director: John Kretchmer	11/01/2022	#4 104
FIGHTER’S INSTINCT – After the details of a veteran’s death don’t add up, Carlos brings everyone in to investigate and he shares a detail about his past that makes John see him in a new light. Mary finds an unexpected ally who has been hot on the trail of this monster and Latika tries to help Mary heal and find closure with someone she lost. Meanwhile, John’s habit of running headfirst into danger leaves Millie worried for her son.
Legend of a Mind	Writer: Sehaj Sethi	Director: Lisa Soper	November 15, 2022	#5 105
SECRETS UNCOVERED – Hidden secrets from Ada’s past comes to light when the gang goes undercover to look into a suspicious death. Still reeling from the last Hunt, Millie asks Mary to keep an eye on John as they split off from the others to get intel on the new case. Carlos and Ada’s stakeout connects the victim to the next target. Latika’s research comes up with some interesting results that lead John to be Mary’s lifeline out of a sticky situation.
Art of Dying	Writer: Jess Kardos	Director: Geary McLeod	November 22, 2022	#6 106
CALL FOR HELP – Mary gets a call from an old family friend who’s looking for some help but when the team arrives, they learn that some crucial details were left out. While Latika struggles with being a Hunter and questions her future with it, John’s eagerness, and commitment to the Hunt worries Mary. Carlos finds himself in a situation he’s never experienced before and doesn’t know what to do with himself.
Reflections	Writer: David H. Goodman & Robbie Thompson	Director: Richard Speight Jr.	December 6, 2022	#7 107
IT ALL ADDS UP – The Hunt heats up and Mary and John find trails that lead back to their fathers. Carlos helps Mary investigate where the Akrida might be hiding but they discover more than they bargained for. Meanwhile, Millie steps in to help Latika, Ada, and John to decipher notes left behind and they stumble upon a way to get some answers.
Hang on to Your Life	Writer: Nic Chatree Sridej	Director: Amyn Kaderali	January 24, 2023	#8 108
A TIME FOR HEALING – With some intense emotions still lingering after their high stakes recovery mission, Mary and John stay close to home to watch over a newly returned Samuel Campbell. When Latika and Carlos split off to investigate the death of a musician, Carlos is forced to face a part of his past he has been avoiding. Millie spends time helping Samuel recover from his injuries and learns a little more about the Men of Letters.
Cast Your Fate to the Wind	Writer: Rachel Lynett	Director: Kristin Windell	January 31, 2023	#9 109
CONTROL YOUR DESTINY – When Vampires make their way into Lawrence, Carlos corrals the gang to find out why. Latika’s weeks of sorting through the Men of Letters clubhouse provides vital information when John gets a scary glimpse into the future and enlists Millie’s help with his plan. Meanwhile, Mary struggles with the tedious balance between feelings and action when it comes to John.
Suspicious Minds	Writer: Gabriel Alejandro Garza & Julia Cooperman	Director: Andi Armaganian	February 7, 2023	#10 110
AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR – While Carlos talks through a problem in his personal life, it gives Latika a new idea about how to find the Akrida Queen. Millie’s new security system for the Clubhouse proves helpful when Mary and John find an unexpected guest inside. Meanwhile, Latika’s idea brings her and Carlos face to face with an unexpected ally.
You've Got a Friend	Writer: Nicol Desperito	Director: Lisa Soper	February 21, 2023	#11 111
TAKE A BREATH – In the aftermath of the fight with Golem, Carlos, Mary and Latika are cleaning the clubhouse when they hear a noise from outside. They creep out to investigate and spot a figure but can’t quite make it out until it turns, and they are shocked to see John standing before them, covered in blood. Meanwhile, Carlos and Latika set out in search of something important.
The Tears of a Clown	Writer: David H. Goodman	Director: Menhaj Huda	February 28, 2023^[5]	#12 112
THE HARDEST LIES - Mary and John's tense discussion is interrupted when Carlos and Latika arrive to discuss a mystery involving a creepy clown. Meanwhile, Ada makes an interesting discovery.
Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye	Writer: Eric Kripke & Robbie Thompson	Director: John F. Showalter	March 8,2023^[5]	#13 113
John receives a message from a mysterious stranger. Meanwhile, Carlos, Latika and Ada work together to find answers, but time is running out. Lastly, Mary and John have a warm but awkward reunion. There is a lot to unpack, but they realize this isn't the time or place.

Development

The Winchesters was first announced on June 24, 2021, with Jensen and Danneel Ackles both executive producing and set to appear in the series, Robbie Thompson would be writing and executive producing.^[6] On February 3, 2022, the CW ordered a pilot.^[7]

The main cast were announced in March-April 2022. On March 15, 2022, Nida Khurshid and Jojo Fleites were cast in the roles of Latika Desai and Carlos Cervantez.^[8] On March 21, 2022, Drake Rodger and Meg Donnelly were cast in the roles of John Winchester and Mary Campbell.^[9] On March 30, 2022, Bianca Kajlich was cast as Millie Winchester.^[10] On April 1, 2022, Demetria McKinney was cast as Ada Monroe.^[11]

In April 2022, the pilot was filmed in New Orleans; filming wrapped on April 29, 2022.^[12]^[13]

On May 12, 2022, the CW officially picked up the pilot and ordered it to series.^[14]^[15]

On May 19, 2022, during the CW Upfronts, promo images were released.

On October 9, 2022, during the Winchesters NYComicCon, promo images were released. Jeffrey Dean Morgan was there and Tom Welling's introduction to the cast was announced.^[16]^[17] It was revealed that he would appear from episode 7 (although his brief cameo with a hidden face and a hat could be seen at the beginning of the pilot).

On October 25, 2022, it was announced that Richard Speight Jr. would return to his role of Loki in episode 8.^[18]^[19]

On February 21, 2023, it was announced that Ruth Connell would reprise her role as everyone’s favorite Scottish witch, Rowena MacLeod, on the February 28 episode. ^[20]

Trivia

The three co-creators of the series all previously worked on Supernatural. Jensen Ackles starred in all fifteen seasons as Dean Winchester, a role he is reprising. Danneel Harris-Ackles portrayed the role of Anael from season 13 to season 15. Robbie Thompson was a writer from season 8 to season 11.
The story of Millie Winchester, who was last seen in 1989, will finally be revealed. Once Adam Glass wanted to have Millie appear in the main series, but could not figure out how.^[21]
When news of the show first broke in 2021, Jared Padalecki posted on Twitter, expressing disappointment of not being informed of the show before it was publicly announced. The apparent conflict between him and the Ackles couple was quickly settled with a phone call, where Jensen told Jared that the series wasn't officially picked up or even written, so "it was just something that [Jensen] didn't feel really even existed yet".^[22] Later, Padalecki also met with the two main stars (Drake Rodger and Meg Donnelly) and expressed support for the new show.^[1]
On August 27, 2022, during a Jus In Bello convention panel, Jensen said that the series has not yet been given a full season order, since it needs to prove itself first. He also stated that he's hoping to direct a future episode of the series.^[23]
Supernatural's unofficial theme song, "Carry On Wayward Son", is playing in one of the trailers.
Every episode (not including the Pilot) is named after a song.