‘Supernatural’ Season 8 “Expected,” Says Jared Padalecki

Where once it had seemed like 'Supernatural' creator Eric Kripke's vision of a five-season arc for Sam and Dean might have been the end, here we are years later facing down the barrel of even more Winchester.  But how likely is the series to come back for yet another season?

Speaking with Crave Online, younger Winchester brother and series anchor Jared Padalecki expressed high hopes that The CW would renew 'Supernatural' for an eighth season, saying "Yes, frankly I do expect it. Not for any reason, so don’t read into it but especially [at the People’s Choice Awards] we won Best Sci-fi, best Drama [on] network."  'Supernatural' is currently in the midst of closing out its seventh season, which highlights Sam and Dean (Jensen Ackles) struggle against biblical monsters the "Leviathans," particularly the toll they've taken on the hunters' usual support network.

In fact, Padalecki went on to imply that The CW opting not to renew the series might leave fans of the show hanging, saying "I hope [season 7] ends in a cliffhanger, because if it doesn't, that means it's the end of us, so I pray for a cliffhanger."  'Supernatural' doesn't maintain the highest of ratings for The CW, but remains a steady enough performer in its Friday night time slot that an additional renewal would prove a win for The CW.

That's not to say that the show's buzz has kept along with its seasons, as series creator and showrunner Eric Kripke departed 'Supernatural' after season five, having always intended the series to run a concrete five years.  Kripke's hand will next be felt in NBC drama pilot 'Revolution,' along with J.J. Abrams and Jon Favreau directing.

What say you, 'Supernatural' fans?  Are you optimistic about an eighth season for 'Supernatural,' or is it time to bury this one in the ground and burn its bones?  Tell us what you think of the current season in the comments underneath!