ASupernaturalreunion occurred on the picket lines as show creator Eric Kripke joined the cast, writers, and fans in showing solidarity with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Among the people there were Rob Singer, Misha Collins, Meg Donelly, Drake Rodgers, and Deadline. While there, Kripke spoke withDeadlineabout a wide range of subjects, including the importance of having writers rooms, one of the WGA’s stipulations. According to Kripke, a “showrunner is only as good as their staff.” He also made it clear that being able to listen to others and be challenged by them was also important.
“I always give the same speech for every show, which is, ‘Now that we’re inside this room, there are no labels or levels. We’re all trying to figure this out. There’s only one asshole in the room, and that’s me. And no one in this room is allowed to say no, except me. So let’s just start talking. And if you think I’m wrong in saying no, you have to get in my face and tell me.’ That’s how good shows get made…the minute people stop saying no to you, your sh*t is terrible.”
Kripke spoke of the importance of making sure that you’re writer’s room is diverse. “There’s so many interesting perspectives and backgrounds and points of view that make the work better.” Kripke has never understood the mentality of writing the show by yourself. A far cry fromothers such as Taylor Sheridan, the creator ofYellowstone,it’s spin-offs, and several other shows.
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The Importance of Writing
Besides the need for a writer’s room, another thing that Kripke feels strongly about is having the writers stay on and produce their own episodes. That way, they can learn the ins and outs of making a show themselves. “It’s just so short-sighted to not train the next generation.” Several of the writers on Supernatural have gone on to become the showrunners for successful shows themselves. Such as Sera Gamble (You) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol), both of whom also served as showrunners onSupernaturalafter Kripke left.
Towards the end of the interview, the conversation turned towards the difficulties of working as a tv writer in the age of streaming. “Writers still get paid per episode. That’s insane to me.” According to Kripke, the young writers of Supernatural were making $7k or $8k an episode for 22 episodes. “After commissions and taxes, you could still get an apartment and live your life.”
Kripke also shared a memory of his back in 2007, duringthe last writers strike. What he remembers is walking “past these titans” who were saying that they were striking for him. “Now I feel like I’m that guy who’s [got] my cigar and my gold chains, but it’s true.” Kripke said that he’s striking for all the young writers out there because he thinks it’s important. Though only time will tell how fruitful the efforts of him and others are.
