If you’re anything like us, you’re likely walking around with a Chevrolet Impala-sized hole in your heart right now thanks to Supernatural in the wake of the series finale. Though the latter half of the 15th and final season was delayed much longer than originally expected due to COVID-19, the extra time to prepare certainly hasn’t made this goodbye any easier.
So what now? We’re living in a post-Supernatural world, and those who are ready for their next television adventure may have already found themselves browsing the internet and streaming services for inspiration. If you haven’t landed on anything to commit to yet, Nerds and Beyond has got you covered. We’ve put together a list of seven shows we recommend, all of which are currently still airing! Viewers that find themselves absorbed in these shows can rest assured that we provide regular coverage on all of them as well.
The Boys
The Boys, which is based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, is set in a world where superheroes exist. Though that may seem all well and good, many of these Supes aren’t what you’d expect — they’re power hungry and abuse their powers at the expense of others. The most twisted of them all are The Seven, a group of celebrity Supes working under the villainous corporation Vought. A ragtag of group of wayward vigilantes, known as the Boys, work to fight back against the Supes to take them down once and for all … but the job is deadly. The Boys stars Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, and more.
Though The Boys is far more extreme than Supernatural from all angles (heed the content warnings!), it’s a great transition for fans because the showrunner is none other than Eric Kripke himself, and Phil Sgriccia is an executive producer and director. As it relates to the cast, Jim Beaver has appeared in a few episodes, along with Christian Keyes. And if you’re still not entirely sold, none other than Jensen Ackles will be joining the cast for the show’s upcoming third season.
Status: 2 seasons, renewed for season 3
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
9-1-1
9-1-1 is a procedural drama that dives into the high-pressure experiences of first responders, created by Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear, and Ryan Murphy. Set in Los Angeles, 9-1-1 is mainly focused on the firefighters and firefighter paramedics of Station 118, as well as the area’s local dispatchers and police officers. This is a show that’s full of heart, one that viewers should come prepared with tissues for, but it’s also jam-packed with action and laughter as well. Those who enjoy the concept of “found family” will feel right at home with the 118, as the show leans heavily on the strong relationships forged among the characters. 9-1-1 stars Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Oliver Stark, and more.
Status: 3 seasons, season 4 to premiere January 18, 2021
Where to Watch: FOX, Hulu
The show also has a spin-off series, 9-1-1: Lone Star, which stars Rob Lowe and more. Season 2 of Lone Star, which is set in Austin, Texas, will premiere directly after the season 4 premiere of 9-1-1.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy, which is based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, follows the lives of a dysfunctional family of adopted sibling superheroes. On October 1, 1989, 43 women around the world simultaneously gave birth, despite the fact that none of them were actually pregnant at the time. Seven of those children, Luther (Tom Hopper), Diego (David Castañeda), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Klaus (Robert Sheehan), Five (Aidan Gallagher), Ben (Justin H. Min), and Vanya (Elliot Page), were adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves. The Umbrella Academy is a quirky, funny, and adventurous series, dabbling in apocalyptic issues and estranged family problems, all to the tune of an absolutely killer soundtrack.
Status: 2 seasons, renewed for season 3
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian, which is the very first live-action Star Wars television series, follows the travels of a lone bounty hunter named Din Djarin (portrayed by Pedro Pascal) as he traverses the outer reaches of a post-Empire galaxy. Pascal’s masked Mandalorian is joined by the Child, a tiny, mischievous, green creature who has been unanimously dubbed by fans as “Baby Yoda.” Created by Jon Favreau and with Star Wars genius Dave Filoni on board as well, The Mandalorian is an incredible addition to this beloved franchise. The show, which is full of exciting and familiar nods and Easter eggs while still telling a brand-new story, truly feels like a love letter to Star Wars fans new and old.
Status: 2 seasons, renewed for season 3
Where to Watch: Disney+
Prodigal Son
What happens when the son of a notorious serial killer grows up? He becomes a criminal profiler with a whole lot of daddy issues, of course! This high stakes drama (with a lot of fun mixed in) follows Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), whose father Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen) is know for being The Surgeon, a killer with 23 confirmed victims. Malcolm is a genius profiler in the vein of Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds, but his psychological damage often comes into play in mysterious ways while investigating. Even more ominously, Malcolm begins to discover that he may have a bigger connection to his father’s past than he realized. With a terrific supporting cast including Lou Diamond Phillips as Malcolm’s father-figure coworker Gil and Bellamy Young as Malcolm’s socialite mother, Prodigal Son is the soapy, twisty crime drama you’ve been looking for.
Status: 1 season, renewed for season 2
Where to Watch: FOX, Hulu
Nancy Drew
Looking for a smart, sexy, and supernatural mystery to binge now that the Winchesters have official retired from monster hunting? The Drew Crew of Nancy Drew have you covered, and the teen sleuth would fit right in on Team Free Will 2.0. Executive produced by teen drama legends Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage of Gossip Girl and The O.C., this new take on the classic character sees Nancy as a girl haunted by ghosts of the spooky variety and of her past as she works to solve a murder in her small town — that she just happens to be the prime suspect for. Nancy Drew is one of the best new shows on TV this year, with great performances and a Nancy for a new generation in star Kennedy McMann. Nancy and her group of unlikely friends all have their own reasons for finding the killer, and the chemistry of the cast makes their scenes together a delight to watch. The major twists towards the end of the season were so well written, they felt natural and kept us hooked waiting for season 2. It avoids the tropes of both the teen and horror genres, and it provides genuine scares along with laughs and heart. With the new trailer promising even more horror for season 2, Nancy Drew is perfect for anyone who loved the “monster of the week” and “found family” aspects of Supernatural.
Status: 1 season, season 2 to premiere January 20, 2021
Where to Watch: The CW, HBO Max
Coming Soon: Walker
Those with a Jared Padalecki-sized hole in their heart can soon look forward to the series premiere of The CW’s Walker, a reimagining of the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger! Padalecki will lead as Cordell Walker, a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home. The series will also star Kale Culley, Violet Brinson, Keegan Allen, Molly Hagen, Mitch Pileggi, Coby Bell, Lindsey Morgan, and more. And, to truly make this a family affair, Genevieve Padalecki will be joining her husband in a recurring role as his late wife Emily.
Status: Season 1 to premiere January 21, 2021
Where to Watch: The CW
Is your latest binge something that isn’t on this list? Let us know what you’re watching in the comments below!
