The CW's Supernatural season 15 can resume filming, as productions begin to reopen in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fans of the Winchester brothers have known since March of last year that the long-running drama would be ending. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic altering the entertainment industry, Sam and Dean’s battle with God had to be put on hold. In keeping with social distancing recommendations, production on Supernatural was halted with 18 of the final season’s 20 episodes partially ready to air. Andrew Dabb, an executive producer on the series, explained the situation and promised fans that they’d get to witness the conclusion of Supernatural.

More positive news followed when The CW unveiled its schedule for Fall 2020. In contrast to shows that were moved to January 2021, like all of the Arrowverse, the line-up revealed that Supernatural would air its remaining episodes later this year. The plan would be for filming to pick up in the late summer or early fall, providing Jared Padalecki ample time to begin work on Walker, which will also be airing on The CW. Supernatural, which shoots in Vancouver, British Columbia, is on track to complete its unfinished episodes.

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As revealed by the British Columbia’s new COVID-19 production-restart plans, the cast and crew of Supernatural could be revving up production very soon. Industry experts caution that even with the reopening process taking its first steps, it might not be until early July before everything really gets moving. The news has wide-ranging ramifications, nonetheless. Most of The CW’s primetime line-up, including Riverdale, films in Vancouver. So does Lucifer, which streams on Netflix. Altogether, more than 30 shows would be affected by the reopening plans.

Jensen Ackles, who plays Dean Winchester, has opted to take a positive view of the unforeseen delay that Supernatural season 15 has experienced. Giving remarks back in April, the actor noted that the break has provided everyone on the show a chance to refocus and return stronger as a result. Fans have made similar arguments, referring to the unexpected pause as a potential blessing in disguise, which might result in improvements that address prior criticisms of the season.

Supernatural has had a long run already, with a detailed catalog of triumphs and misfires. Undoubtedly, there’s a certain segment of the audience that would prefer for the show to stay in production for as long as possible. There are many more who have watched Sam and Dean grow, as well as the supporting characters in their orbit, and have prepared themselves to say goodbye for several months. To fans in either camp, the news that new episodes of Supernatural will soon be airing is sure to be welcomed. The initial steps in that process are now underway.

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