From season 1 to 15,Supernaturalconsistently proved itself to be one of the best shows on TV, balancing monster-of-the-week episodes with rich mythology, unforgettable characters, and emotionally gut-punching arcs. For years, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) hunted demons, ghosts, gods, and everything in between with grit, heart, and surprising humor.
Even after its emotional 2020 finale,Supernaturalstill commands a fiercely loyal fanbase. While attempts to revive the magic (like the short-lived spinoffThe Winchesters) have come and gone, nothing has truly managed to recapture the mix of horror, lore, and brotherhood that made the original so compelling. For many fans, the void left behind remains painfully unfilled.
However, if you’re cravingTV shows as good asSupernatural, there’s one criminally underrated fantasy procedural that ran for six seasons, racked up an 89%Rotten Tomatoesscore, and captures the same magic mix of scares and laughs. With its blend of folklore and mystery-solving, NBC’s 2011-2017 fantasy police proceduralGrimmhits many of the satisfying beats that makeSupernaturalso beloved.
Grimm Is A 6-Season Fantasy-Horror Procedural Show
A Detective Discovers He’s Part Of A Legendary Line Of Supernatural Hunters
Grimmoriginally aired on NBC from 2011 to 2017, spanning six seasons and 123 episodes. Created by David Greenwalt and Jim Kouf (both of whom worked onBuffy the Vampire SlayerandAngel)alongside Stephen Carpenter,Grimmfollows homicide detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) as he discovers he’s the latest in a line of guardians who can see and hunt mythological creatures.
Set in a shadowy version of Portland, Oregon,Grimmquickly reveals a world of Wesen - beings from ancient folklore who appear human but can “woge” into their true monstrous forms. While Nick starts out trying to keep his two worlds separate,it’s not long before his police work and supernatural lineage collidein dangerous, dramatic, and sometimes surprisingly funny ways.
Just likeSupernatural,the characters inGrimmare an essential ingredient. Key members of the cast include Russell Hornsby as Nick’s partner Hank Griffin, Bitsie Tulloch as Nick’s girlfriend Juliette, Sasha Roiz as police captain Sean Renard, and Silas Weir Mitchell as Monroe -a fan-favorite reformed Wesen who becomes Nick’s unlikely ally.
ThoughGrimmbegan as a monster-of-the-week procedural, it quickly built an expansive mythology.Political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and deadly family legacies eventually took center stage. Still, the show never lost its detective DNA - making it perfect for fans who loved howSupernaturalwove standalone hunts into an overarching story.
It also stood out thanks to impressive practical effects, a darkly whimsical tone, and itsmodern spin on European fairy tales. If you’re looking for TV shows as good asSupernatural,Grimmis one that often flies under the radar but deserves a serious watch.
Why Supernatural Fans Will Love Grimm
Both Shows Blend Monster-Hunting With Myth-Heavy Worldbuilding And Emotional Stakes
There’s a reasonGrimmfeels like a natural follow-up for fans hunting for TV shows as good asSupernatural. For starters, both series feature reluctant heroes who uncover hidden legacies and must battle evil forces they never asked for. Just likeSam and Dean inherited their demon-hunting roles, Nick is thrust into his destiny as a Grimm with no warning.
The procedural format is also incredibly similar.Early episodes ofGrimmmirrorSupernatural’s“monster of the week” formula- each case introduces a new creature, often drawing from obscure myths or twisted folklore. Whether it’s a goat-like Krampus Wesen or a rat-man hybrid in the sewers,Grimm’screature-of-the-week storytelling hits a sweet spot for fans who loved howSupernaturalmixed horror and mystery.
Nick’s partnership with Monroe adds abromantic dynamic reminiscent of Sam and Dean’s bond, albeit with more snarky banter and monster-related culture clashes. Monroe is a reformed Blutbad (essentially a Big Bad Wolf from fairytales like Little Red Ridinghood) who helps Nick navigatethe world of Wesen, and their growing friendship becomes one of the show’s biggest emotional anchors.
Both shows also take their mythologies seriously.Grimmleans into lore, global conspiracies, secret royal bloodlines, and magical artifacts- plotlines that will feel very familiar to anyone who lovedSupernatural’sMen of Letters, demon deals, and biblical arcs. There’s even a book of ancient knowledge - Nick’s ancestor’s journals - that mirrorsSupernatural’siconic lore library.
What really cementsGrimmas a top-tier spiritual successor is its evolution. LikeSupernatural, it starts small butbuilds into something epic, unpredictable, and emotionally resonant.The stakes rise, relationships shift, and allegiances are constantly tested. Plus, its dark fantasy tone (which is full of bursts of dry humor and personal sacrifice) feels right at home for fans of Sam and Dead Winchester.
If you’ve been missing the emotional depth, eerie creature designs, andgenre-blending brilliance ofSupernatural,Grimmis more than worthy of a spot on your watchlist. When it comes to TV shows as good asSupernatural, it might just be the best series you haven’t seen.
Grimm
Cast
Detective Nick Burkhardt discovers he’s a Grimm, a guardian tasked with keeping the balance between humanity and mythological creatures. As he navigates his new role, he battles dangerous Wesen while uncovering secrets about his ancestors. With the help of allies, Nick confronts dark forces threatening both worlds.
Supernatural
Supernatural is a television series that follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised by their father to hunt and combat supernatural entities after losing their mother to a demonic force. Traversing the American landscape in their ‘67 Chevy Impala, they face numerous paranormal threats.
