TV shows likeSupernaturaldon’t come around often - which means that, when one does, it’s worth paing attention. With its mix of horror, mystery, family bonds, and monster-of-the-week storytelling,Supernaturalcarved out a massive and loyal fanbase across its 15 seasons. The series became a cultural institution, thanks to the chemistry between Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), its mythology-rich arcs, and the sheer emotional weight of its long-running story. For many fans,Supernaturalwasn’t just a show. It was a weekly ritual, and when it finally came to a close in 2020, it left behind a void that few series have dared to fill.
However, one show actually did, and it did so quietly -Nancy Drew. Premiering on The CW back in 2019, this modern, supernatural-tinged reimagining of the classic detective character found its own voice and quickly became one of the network’s most underrated series. While it never quite reached the same level ofmainstream recognition asSupernatural,Nancy Drewhad many of the same elements that made that show so special. Over the course of four seasons, it crafted an intricate mythology, introduced a lovable ensemble of characters, and delivered genuinely creepy mysteries. For fans ofSupernaturalwho still haven’t given it a shot,Nancy Drewmay be the perfect next obsession.
Nancy Drew Is A Hidden Gem From The CW
A Modern Mystery With Supernatural Twists Made Nancy Drew More Than Just A Teen Drama
Nancy Drewpremiered on The CW in October 2019 and ran for four seasons, wrapping up in 2023.Adapted from the Edward Stratemeyer novelsby Noga Landau and Josh Schwartz (ofThe O.C.andGossip Girlfame), the series offered a darker, moodier take on the iconic literary sleuth. While earlier adaptations of Nancy Drew leaned into camp or classic mystery, the CW’s version brought a supernatural edge that made it immediately stand out. The show quickly established that its version of Horseshoe Bay, Maine was haunted - literally - and that Nancy’s cases would often cross paths with ghosts, curses, and other paranormal forces.
The cast ofNancy Drewwas also incredibly well-rounded. The series starred Kennedy McMann as Nancy Drew,a whip-smart former teenage detective grappling with trauma and secrets that run deep within her family and her town.Joining her were a tight-knit group of allies who became known as the Drew Crew: George Fan (Leah Lewis), Bess Marvin (Maddison Jaizani), Ned “Nick” Nickerson (Tunji Kasim), and Ace (Alex Saxon). Together, they faced ghostly possessions, deadly mysteries, and long-buried town secrets.
WhatsetNancy Drewapartwasn’t just its supernatural elements but the way it balanced them with character development. The show dove deep into themes of grief, identity, and family legacy. While the mystery of the week format made it accessible, overarching storylines added depth, keeping long-time viewers hooked. It also wasn’t afraid to get weird or scary, often embracing horror more confidently than other CW dramas. What’s more, all of this waspackaged with slick writing, emotionally complex arcs, and a genuine sense of stakes.
Even as it flew under the radar,Nancy Drewbuilt a strong cult following. It blended gothic horror with grounded emotional storytelling, and in doing so, proved itself to be one of The CW’s most sophisticated genre shows.
Fans Of Supernatural Will Love Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew Captured The Same Mix Of Paranormal Mystery And Emotional Depth As Supernatural
TV shows likeSupernaturalearned their fandoms by offering something beyond standard monster hunting - something layered, character-driven, and emotionally resonant. That’s exactly whyNancy Drewis such a strong spiritual successor. On the surface, it may look like a teen drama retooling a classic detective, but underneath, it’s a richly layered supernatural series with deep mythology, emotional character arcs, and a commitment to serialized storytelling.
Much likeSupernatural,Nancy Drewleans hard into the spooky.The ghosts and supernatural lore aren’t window dressing. Much like the demons and foes faced by the Winchester bothers, the entities haunting Maine are central to the plot and mythos inNancy Drew. In fact, the show’s first season kicks off with a ghost that haunts Nancy and the town of Horseshoe Bay, creating a long-term arc that spans multiple seasons. What’s more, just likeSupernatural’s best episodes,Nancy Drewisn’t afraid to kill off beloved characters or dive into unsettling territory.
WhileSupernaturalcentered on brotherhood,Nancy Drewfocuses on found family.
The emotional core is just as strong. WhileSupernaturalcentered on brotherhood,Nancy Drewfocuses on found family. The Drew Crew becomes a unit in the same way the Winchester brothers had Castiel, Bobby, and others.Each character has rich backstories, ongoing emotional journeys, and complex dynamics with the group. Nancy’s relationship with her estranged father Carson Drew (Scott Wolf), in particular, carries much of the emotional weight and reflects the kind of difficult family relationships thatSupernaturalexplored.
Stylistically, the shows also share a mood - foggy towns, eerie lighting, and a melancholic tone that sets them apart from lighter genre fare. What’s more, in trueSupernaturalfashion,Nancy Drewbalances the horror with humor and heart. It’s the kind of show that gets under your skin, then makes you laugh five minutes later.
For fans missing the combination of paranormal thrills and grounded emotional storytelling thatSupernaturaldelivered so consistently,Nancy Drewis one of the best TV shows likeSupernaturalthat you might’ve missed.
Nancy Drew Deserved A Better Fate Than Its Strange Cancellation
The Abrupt Ending Felt More Like A Network Failure Than A Creative One
Despite the strength of its storytelling and a passionate fanbase,Nancy Drewwas unceremoniously cancelledafter its fourth season. The series wrapped in August 2023, but the decision to end it came with little warning. According to executive producer Melinda Hsu Taylor, the showrunners were only informed of the cancellation after they had already written most of the final season (viaDeadline). This left them scrambling to create a satisfying ending on short notice, something they managed impressively well given the circumstances.
Thecancellation was part of a broader shift at The CWfollowing its 2022 acquisition by Nexstar. The new ownership cut ties with many of the network’s signature scripted series, includingLegacies,Stargirl, andThe Winchesters, all of which catered to fans of TV shows likeSupernatural. InNancy Drew’s case, the cast and crew weren’t even allowed to properly promote the finale. Hsu Taylor revealed in 2023 that they were told not to “go out and promote this as your final season,” leaving fans blindsided when the series ended.
It felt like a show that still had years of stories left to tell.
It’s truly a shame, becauseNancy Drewwas still creatively peaking. Season 4 featured some of the show’s boldest swings, most emotional moments, and best horror storytelling. It also gave fans closure on long-running arcs, especially the romantic onebetween Nancy and Ace, without rushing character development. It felt like a show that still had years of stories left to tell. Still, the four seasons ofNancy Drewthat exist are still well worth watching. They tell a complete and compelling story, filled with supernatural twists, eerie cases, and one of the best ensemble casts on network TV. For fans looking for TV shows likeSupernaturalthat offer both a spooky vibe and strong character arcs,Nancy Drewremains a must-watch, even if it never got the ending it deserved.
Supernatural
Cast
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.
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a modern take on the classic detective series, starring Kennedy McMann as the titular character. Set in the small town of Horseshoe Bay, the series blends supernatural elements with mystery as Nancy and her friends investigate a hauntingly complicated murder that ties back to her own family’s secrets.
