Between Countdown and The Boys, Jensen Ackles is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight — and Supernatural prepared him for these projects in one important way. Ackles portrayed Dean Winchester in all 15 seasons of Supernatural, and the CW show remains the title he’s best known for. That likely has to do with Supernatural’s enduring legacy, which still has many viewers clamoring for a revival or 16th season of the show. At the moment, one of the biggest obstacles to more Supernatural is Ackles’ busy schedule. He just made his debut in Prime Video’s Countdown, he has a role in the CBS series Tracker, and he’s a fan-favorite as Soldier Boy in The Boys universe.
Ackles is clearly thriving on the heels of The CW series, which ended back in 2020. He recently told People how it prepared him for his other roles. The television landscape has changed significantly since Supernatural, and most of Ackles’ newer projects don’t require nearly the same time commitment: “We’d spend nine and a half months filming 23-episode seasons. It was a marathon.”
Newer shows tend to have much shorter runs, especially on streaming. Ackles jested that Countdown’s “13-episode season feels respectful” by comparison. Tracker still has 20-episode seasons, but Ackles notably isn’t in every installment. And The Boys runs shorter than Supernatural as well, averaging about eight episodes per outing.
For fans of long-running TV dramas, Supernatural wasn’t just a series—it was a cultural phenomenon. But for Jensen Ackles, who portrayed Dean Winchester for 15 seasons, it was something far more personal. In a recent interview, Ackles peeled back the curtain and offered fans an honest look at how Supernatural prepared him for life after the show. With the words, “It was a marathon,” he captured the essence of the grind, growth, and grit that shaped his future roles. Let’s dive deep into how playing one half of the iconic Winchester duo molded Ackles into one of the most versatile and prepared actors in the industry today.
The 15-Year Acting Bootcamp
More Than Just a Job—It Was Training for Life
Spending a decade and a half on the same show isn’t just rare—it’s grueling. Supernatural was a demanding production, often filming for long hours, pushing emotional limits, and delivering cinematic-quality episodes on a weekly basis. Ackles didn’t just survive; he thrived. Imagine doing CrossFit for your acting skills—every single day. That’s what Supernatural was for Ackles.
Building Stamina: Why “Marathon” Was the Perfect Word
Most shows don’t last more than a few seasons, but Supernatural ran for 327 episodes. That’s equivalent to running multiple emotional sprints back-to-back with no timeouts. Ackles describes it as a “marathon,” not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. The consistency, discipline, and adaptability he built during that time became second nature.
Character Depth Like No Other
Dean Winchester Wasn’t Just a Role—He Was a Journey
Dean Winchester evolved from a cocky, guns-blazing hunter to a layered, emotionally conflicted, and deeply human character. Ackles navigated every nuance, turning Dean into one of the most beloved TV characters of all time.
This intense character development served as a crash course in emotional storytelling.
Emotional Range That Carries Over to New Roles
After playing Dean, Ackles found himself prepared to tackle characters with rich emotional backstories. Whether it’s portraying a morally complex soldier in The Boys or a grief-stricken tracker in Tracker, his range has only broadened.
Mastering the Grind of Television Production
A Veteran of Long Shoot Days and Tight Deadlines
Jensen was no stranger to 14-hour shoot days, last-minute script changes, or high-pressure deadlines. That kind of chaos? It trained him to be calm under fire. Now, when Ackles steps onto a new set, he’s already ten steps ahead.
Leading by Example on Set
Years as a lead actor gave Ackles leadership skills that are rare in Hollywood. Directors and co-stars alike mention how seamlessly he slips into a leadership role, mentoring younger actors and helping productions run smoothly.
Developing Behind-the-Camera Talents
Directing on Supernatural Sparked a New Passion
Ackles didn’t just act—he directed multiple episodes of Supernatural. That hands-on experience gave him a holistic understanding of the filmmaking process. He’s since moved into producing and directing, bringing a fresh, actor-informed perspective to every project.
Producing The Winchesters: Full Circle Moment
Ackles co-created and executive produced The Winchesters, a prequel to Supernatural. This wasn’t just a passion project—it was proof of how Supernatural launched his career behind the camera.
Embracing Fandom and Fame
Learning to Love the Spotlight—And Use It for Good
The Supernatural fanbase is unlike any other. Conventions, online fandom, and intense devotion can be overwhelming. But Ackles learned how to embrace the attention, build genuine connections, and use his platform to advocate for causes close to his heart.
Connecting With Fans Through Authenticity
Rather than shy away, Ackles leaned in. His candid conversations, charity work, and social media presence show a star who’s as grounded as he is adored.
Transitioning Into New Genres with Ease
From Fantasy Horror to Superhero Grit in The Boys
Jumping from demon-hunting to a gritty superhero role in The Boys, Ackles didn’t flinch. His portrayal of Soldier Boy was raw, brutal, and deeply compelling. And he credits Supernatural for giving him the confidence to dive into new waters.
Making Noise with Tracker on CBS
In Tracker, Ackles guest-starred as Russell Shaw—bringing emotional depth and fierce intensity. Again, his experience playing layered characters paid off. He didn’t just act—he owned the screen.
Working Relationships That Last a Lifetime
The Jared Padalecki Bond
Ackles’ friendship with co-star Jared Padalecki is legendary. Over 15 years, they became like brothers—both on and off-screen. This deep camaraderie has influenced how Ackles approaches collaboration in every new project.
Bringing Supernatural Vibes to New Sets
Whether it’s camaraderie or professionalism, Ackles brings the Supernatural spirit with him. New castmates often talk about his grounded presence and infectious energy.
The Supernatural Work Ethic Never Left
Showing Up, Giving 110%, Every Single Time
Ackles developed a relentless work ethic. Rain or shine, tired or not, he showed up prepared, respectful, and on point. That same energy follows him to every set he joins.
Training for the Unexpected
From sudden rewrites to last-minute stunts, Supernatural kept him on his toes. Ackles learned to adapt fast—an invaluable skill in today’s fast-moving entertainment industry.
Conclusion: From Winchester to Hollywood Veteran
Jensen Ackles isn’t just riding the wave of fame—he’s earned every ripple. From the sweat and tears on Supernatural to commanding the screen in The Boys, The Winchesters, and Tracker, he continues to evolve. His journey proves that sometimes, the hardest paths build the strongest performers. The show may have ended, but its legacy lives on—in Jensen Ackles and everything he brings to the table.
