‘The Winchesters’ & ‘Walker: Independence’ to Have Shorter First Seasons Amid CW Cutbacks

Eve Vawter
7 Comments
The Winchesters and Walker Independence
CW

The Winchesters and Walker: Independence won’t receive an additional episode order for their first seasons, as the future of The CW remains in flux. Both seasons will remain at the original 13 episodes.

According to Deadline, the CW was hit with dozens of layoffs on Tuesday, November 1, and “a significant reduction in expenses will be a centerpiece of the new owner’s turnaround plan.” Season 2 renewals for both The Winchesters and Walker: Independence are still a possibility, but the Nexstar-appointed president Dennis Miller has decided against backorder for any first-year CW series. Nexstar Media has 75 percent ownership of The CW.

DC's 'Stargirl’ to End After Season 3 at The CW
Related

DC's 'Stargirl’ to End After Season 3 at The CW

The Winchesters and Walker: Independence aren’t the only series with futures up in the air, with returning series All American, All American: Homecoming, Superman & Lois, and Kung Fu all awaiting renewal. DC’s Stargirl, Riverdale, Nancy Drew, and The Flash are all coming to an end at the CW this 2022-2023 season.

Both The Winchesters and Walker: Independence have strong fan bases, with The Winchesters being the network’s most-watched series debut since Naomi on January 2022. Walker: Independence has an 85 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71 percent critic rating.

According to Deadline, Nexstar’s plan includes moving toward more unscripted and cheaper scripted programming and targeting programming toward older viewers. They also reported that the list of current series cancellations is expected to grow. Do you want to see. more episodes of these series? Sound off in the comments below.

The Winchesters, Tuesdays, 8/7c, The CW

Walker Independence, Thursdays, 9/8c, The CW

The WinchestersWalker Independence



Conversation7 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Comments are closed on this story.

  1. G

    GreenCarrot

    As a Supernatural fan, I am enjoying The Winchesters. I am also liking Walker Independence and watch Walker. I am of the "new" target audience age so we'll see what types of shows they will put on now. I can't stand any of the so called "reality" shows and hope they don't go that route.

    1

  2. G

    GreenQuill

    I am enjoying "Walker Independence" - I say with caution. it has it's moments in both directions. Never saw any other 'Walkers.' Really enjoyed the "Leonardo series."

    1

  3. O

    Olive8Ball

    Love Walker Independence been checking for the next episode every day. Can't get enough of this great series.

  4. B

    BlueRadio

    I'm 68 and just finished binge watching 7 episodes of Walker Independence. It's an excellent show with a great developing story line. The characters are very interesting, which leaves me wanting to know more about them.

    I enjoy a well done western and this is not a show to cut back on or cancel. It's a definite keeper.

    With so many garbage, not worth any one's time shows, the focus should be on the ones the fans want.

    Since the ratings one Walker Independence are high..see how well you do 'restructring" and picking 'cheaper to produce" junk shows affect your bottom line when the fan base quits watching CW all together due to cutting GOOD shows. Sheridan Taylor will be laughing all the way to the bank over the cancelation of this show.

  5. G

    GoldWheel

    I love Walker Independence and Winchesters! I want more…I hate reality shows and game shows. Don’t go down that road.

  6. G

    GoldCar

    The Winchesters is already my favorite show after Supernatural. It's such a bummer to only have 13 episodes this season.

    I'm positive about season 2 though. (Don't think that they are dumb and cancel such a promising franchise.)

  7. O

    OrangeBike

    Used to love the WB and later CW shows, watched almost all of them (even from the Netherlands, where a big part of the shows are still in re-run, or most favorite on streaming services). But what they're doing right now with all the cancellations will be the death of a strong channel in my opinion.

    Save Walker Independance and the Winchesters!