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Jared Padalecki Defends 'Supernatural' Series Finale as His Favorite Episode
The actor says the controversial final episode is the best of the entire 15-season run.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester on the long-running TV series Supernatural, has revealed that the show's series finale, "Carry On", is his personal favorite episode of the entire 15-season run. Despite the finale being one of the most debated episodes among fans, Padalecki stands by his choice, saying he "cried every time" he read the script and that the episode's "wonderfully tragic" and "wonderfully optimistic" tones were the perfect way to end the Winchesters' story.
Why it matters
Supernatural built a massive fanbase over its 15 seasons, and the series finale was highly anticipated by viewers. Padalecki's defense of the controversial episode as his personal favorite provides insight into the actor's perspective on the show's conclusion and how he felt about Sam and Dean's journey coming to an end.
The details
Prior to the finale, Padalecki had cited Season 6's "The French Mistake" as his favorite episode, but by the time filming wrapped on "Carry On", he had changed his mind. The actor argued that the finale's blend of tragedy and optimism was exactly what the show needed, even though some fans felt the ending fell short of their expectations.
- The Supernatural series finale, "Carry On", aired on November 19, 2020.
- Padalecki spoke about the finale being his favorite episode in interviews leading up to the episode's airing.
The players
Jared Padalecki
The actor who played Sam Winchester on the TV series Supernatural for all 15 seasons.
Jensen Ackles
Padalecki's co-star, who played Dean Winchester, the other half of the Winchester brothers duo at the heart of Supernatural.
Eric Kripke
The creator of Supernatural, who departed the show after Season 5.
Andrew Dabb
One of the showrunners who oversaw the final season of Supernatural.
Robert Singer
Another showrunner who worked on the final season of Supernatural.
What they’re saying
“The series finale is my favorite episode of all time.”
— Jared Padalecki, Actor (Entertainment Weekly)
“I love all of my children equally, but this one is my favorite.”
— Jared Padalecki, Actor (X (formerly Twitter)
“I think I cried every time I read the script.”
— Jared Padalecki, Actor (Entertainment Weekly)
What’s next
Supernatural fans continue to debate the merits of the series finale, "Carry On", with some praising it as the perfect ending for the Winchesters and others feeling it fell short. The show's stars, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, have both expressed their satisfaction with how the series concluded, leaving open the possibility of future returns to the Supernatural universe.
The takeaway
Despite the divisive nature of Supernatural's series finale, Jared Padalecki's unwavering defense of "Carry On" as his personal favorite episode of the entire 15-season run underscores the deep emotional connection the actors had to the show and its characters. Even when fan opinions diverge, the actors' perspectives can provide valuable insight into the creative process and the significance of a series' conclusion.
