Supernatural Season 16 Returns: The Unexpected Twist Bringing Dean Winchester Back to Life!

When wrapped up its 15th season in 2020, it felt like the end of an era. Sam and Dean Winchester, who had spent over a decade saving the world (and each other), finally got their happy endings. Dean found peace in Heaven after an unexpected and somewhat anti-climactic death, while Sam lived a long life, married, had a son, and eventually joined his brother in the afterlife. For many fans, this was a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion to a beloved show.

However, not everyone agreed. Some fans were left feeling unsatisfied with the way the show ended—particularly with Dean’s abrupt departure. To some, his death in a fight against a nameless monster seemed unworthy of a character who had survived literal battles against demons, angels, and even God. Despite this, Dean was granted peace in the end, reunited with Bobby in Heaven and learning that his parents were also there.

But for a large portion of the fandom, this just wasn’t enough.
So, could there be more? Is it possible for to return for a 16th season, or even a limited miniseries? According to both Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester) and Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester), they’re open to the idea—and so are the fans.

Why Fans Want More

Despite the finality of the ending, fans have been vocal about wanting more . Many feel that the Winchesters’ story isn’t truly over.

In an online debate, one fan expressed frustration: “Dean’s death didn’t feel right for his character. It wasn’t the epic battle we were expecting.”

Others chimed in, echoing the sentiment that deserved a more climactic send-off. “They should 100% return!! I miss the two of them on screen together,” one fan commented. “Honestly, the world could use the Winchester brothers right now.” Another fan went a step further, suggesting that the show could return as a movie: “A full-length movie is in order.

It would be amazing to see them back for one final hunt.”
Even though ended with the brothers reunited in Heaven, some fans want to see them brought back to Earth, fighting one last time. The idea of the Winchesters returning for another round of monster-hunting, even temporarily, is something many would love to see.

How Could a 16th Season Happen?

If were to return, how would it work? Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki have both expressed interest in a potential return, albeit in a limited series format.

During interviews, Ackles suggested that a short miniseries, possibly around 10 episodes, could be a great way to revisit the Winchesters’ world. “It could be meets , with one last case,” Ackles shared, hinting that a gritty, standalone mystery could bring the brothers back without undoing their peaceful endings.
Padalecki echoed the sentiment, though he envisioned a slightly shorter project. “I think we could come back for maybe four episodes,” he said, imagining a final hunt that revisits key moments in Sam and Dean’s journey.

One popular fan theory is that the story could take place before Sam’s eventual death, with Sam bringing Dean back from Heaven for one last hunt. In this scenario, Dean could return to Earth temporarily, helping his brother tackle a particularly dangerous threat before being laid to rest again. This could give Dean the “heroic” send-off that many fans feel he deserved but didn’t receive in Season 15.

Is There Really a Villain Bigger Than God?

One of the biggest hurdles for a return is the question of what villain could possibly top God himself, who the brothers defeated in the final season. After battling angels, demons, and cosmic entities, what could be left?

Some fans suggest that the show doesn’t need a massive, world-ending threat to bring the brothers back. “I don’t think we need another God-level villain,” one fan commented.

Just seeing Sam and Dean take on one more hunt—something personal—would be enough.”
It’s true that always balanced epic, apocalyptic storylines with smaller, more intimate “monster-of-the-week” episodes. A return could focus on a smaller, more personal story for the brothers, allowing them to return to their roots as hunters while still giving fans the closure they crave.

A Future for ?

While the show’s creators have made it clear that

was meant to end with Season 15, the door to a possible return isn’t completely shut. As long as the fans—and the stars—are open to the idea, there’s always a chance that Sam and Dean Winchester could return for one more round of monster-hunting.

And for the fans who never wanted to see the Winchesters go, that’s a comforting thought. Whether it’s a limited series, a standalone movie, or even just a brief cameo in a spin-off, the legacy of lives on. As one fan put it, “We’ll always want more, because Sam and Dean are family. And family doesn’t end with Season 15.”