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Fan Phenomena: SupernaturalStock informationGeneral Fields
Special Fields
DescriptionSupernatural premiered on September 14, 2005, on what was then called the WB Network. Creator Eric Kripke was inspired by Jack Kerouac's On The Road, putting his heroes, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, in a big black '67 Impala and sending them in search of the urban legends that fascinated him. The series attracted a passionate fan base from the start and was described as a "cultural attractor" that tapped into the zeitgeist of the moment, reflecting global fears of terrorism with its themes of fighting unseen evil. The chemistry between the lead actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, contributed to the show's initial success, and Supernatural found its niche when it combined demon-hunting adventures with a powerful relationship drama that explored the intense, complicated bond between the brothers. Supernatural is as much a story of familial ties, love, and loyalty as it is of "saving people, hunting things." Fan Phenomena: Supernatural explores the ongoing fascination and passion for a show that developed a relationship with fans through eight seasons and continues to have an impact on fan culture to the present day. Author descriptionLynn Zubernis is a licensed psychologist and associate professor at West Chester University. Katherine Larsen teaches courses on fame, celebrity, and fandom in the University Writing Program at George Washington University. She is the principal editor and Zubernis the associate editor of the Journal of Fandom Studies. They recently coedited Fan Culture: Theory/Practice and authored Fandom at the Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships, and Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls. |