For over a decade, Supernatural captivated audiences with its gripping mix of folklore, horror, and unforgettable sibling banter. As one of the most popular shows of the late 2000s and 2010s, it built a fiercely loyal fanbase that stuck with it through 15 seasons of demon hunts, apocalyptic showdowns, and emotional goodbyes. When it wrapped up in 2020, it left a major void in the TV landscape, and in fans’ hearts.
Plenty of shows have since tried to fill the gap. From dark procedurals to mystical monster hunts, a number of series have worn the supernatural genre like a well-fitted coat. However, Supernatural wasn’t just about ghosts and ghouls – it was the mix of emotionally layered storytelling, quick-witted dialogue, and long-term myth-building that made it a once-in-a-generation kind of show.
Thankfully, there’s one underrated gem that might be the next best thing. It ran during Supernatural’s heyday, carries a stellar 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, and delivers the same combination of thrills, lore, and emotional investment. That show is NBC’s Grimm, and it should be considered a must-watch for all Supernatural fans.
Grimm Is The Perfect Replacement For Supernatural Fans Looking For More
Grimm Delivers The Right Balance Of Dark Fantasy, Compelling Characters, And Addictive Mystery
If Supernatural left you wanting more dark mythology, weekly monsters, and emotionally grounded heroes, Grimm should be next on your list. Premiering in 2011 and running for six seasons, Grimm blends procedural crime drama with supernatural fantasy in a way that hits many of the same satisfying beats as Supernatural.
The series follows Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a homicide detective who discovers he’s descended from a line of hunters called “Grimms” – humans with the power to see creatures known as Wesen hiding in plain sight. These Wesen range from terrifying to tragic, and many are inspired by old European folklore.
As Nick juggles his double life, he becomes part protector, part hunter, and eventually a key figure in a brewing war between ancient factions. And just like Supernatural’s emotional backbone – Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) – Grimm builds its foundation on strong relationships.
Nick’s evolving dynamics with his partner Hank (Russell Hornsby), ally Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), and love interest Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch) provide a grounding emotional core that elevates the show beyond simple creature-hunting.
What makes Grimm feel like such a natural follow-up to Supernatural is how confidently it blends darkness and heart. The series isn’t afraid to explore the horrors lurking under the surface of modern society, but it also never loses sight of its characters. It’s smart, suspenseful, and often surprisingly emotional – the very traits that made Supernatural so beloved.
What Grimm & Supernatural Have In Common
Grimm Shares Supernatural’s Best Qualities, From Monster Lore To Deep Character Arcs
At its heart, Grimm is cut from the same cloth as Supernatural. Both shows built fanbases by taking myth and legend seriously while still having fun with their respective universes. If you’re the kind of viewer who loved Supernatural’s balance of high-stakes mythology and weekly monster confrontations, Grimm offers a similar rhythm.
The “monster of the week” format thrives in both series. In Supernatural, the Winchester brothers take down everything from shapeshifters to gods. In Grimm, Nick faces off against countless Wesen – each with their own origins, cultures, and secrets. Like the most memorable Supernatural episodes, Grimm often uses its creature plots as metaphors for real human issues.
Both shows also shine thanks to their long-form storytelling. Supernatural’s layered arcs about heaven, hell, and family are echoed in Grimm’s slow-burning conflict between Wesen factions, the mysterious Royal Houses, and Nick’s evolving place in this hidden world. The lore builds gradually, rewarding viewers who stick with it across seasons.
Another major strength they share? Character development. Much like how Supernatural made viewers invest in the emotional growth of Sam, Dean, and Castiel (Misha Collins), Grimm slowly deepens its characters across multiple seasons. Relationships shift, alliances form and break, and the personal stakes only grow heavier. Monroe, in particular, stands out as Grimm’s version of a fan-favorite sidekick – equal parts comic relief and emotional anchor, much like Castiel or Crowley (Mark Sheppard).
Even the tone feels familiar. Both shows blend horror, fantasy, and procedural structure with moments of levity and human warmth. The writing never takes itself too seriously, even when the mythology gets deep. If Supernatural’s charm came from its ability to balance scares with heart, Grimm learned from the same playbook.
What Sets Grimm Apart From The Long-Running CW Series
Grimm Takes A Darker, More Grounded Approach That Makes It Distinct From Supernatural
While Grimm and Supernatural share plenty of similarities, fans should know that Grimm also carves its own identity. The most noticeable difference is in tone and presentation. Where Supernatural leaned into genre-bending episodes and apocalyptic stakes, Grimm keeps its world more grounded, focusing on its unique folklore and police-procedural roots.
Grimm’s setting in Portland, Oregon adds a moody, misty backdrop that enhances its gritty, urban-fantasy feel. The show often feels more like a detective thriller with supernatural elements than a full-on fantasy epic. This allows Grimm to explore themes like identity, duality, and hidden histories through a slightly more restrained lens than Supernatural’s high-concept battles between heaven and hell.
The visual style is another key distinction. Grimm uses practical effects and subtle CGI to bring its Wesen to life, giving the show a more textured, eerie atmosphere. While Supernatural occasionally dipped into stylized or surreal aesthetics, Grimm maintains a consistent visual palette that reflects its darker, more mature vibe.
Narratively, Grimm avoids the near-constant world-ending threats that defined much of Supernatural’s later seasons. Instead, it builds tension through political intrigue, hidden alliances, and the danger of secrecy unraveling Nick’s life. The stakes feel more personal and less cosmic, which can be a refreshing change of pace.
This isn’t to say one approach is better than the other – just different. For fans of Supernatural who loved the brotherly bond and epic scale, Grimm might feel more low-key but no less intense. It’s a grounded supernatural thriller that slowly ramps up in complexity, with just as much payoff. If you’re ready for a show that honors the spirit of Supernatural without copying it, Grimm is the one.
Where To Stream Grimm
Grimm Is Currently Available To Stream In Full On Both Prime Video And Peacock
For Supernatural fans ready to dive into the world of Wesen and Grimms, Grimm is incredibly accessible. At the time of writing, all six seasons of the series are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock. That’s 123 episodes of high-quality dark fantasy just waiting to be binge-watched.
Whether you want to experience it from the beginning or pick it up after a few episodes, both platforms make it easy. Peacock offers free streaming with ads on select tiers, while Amazon Prime provides an ad-free experience for Prime members. The full series is also available for digital purchase if you want to own it outright.
And for longtime Supernatural fans who crave that blend of mythology and mystery, watching Grimm in full is a rewarding experience. It’s the kind of show that builds with every season – just like the Winchesters’ journey – offering twists, emotional stakes, and a world you won’t want to leave.
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