The news of Supernatural's renewal for a sixth season is definitely something most fans would rejoice about. Unfortunately, there's a big BUT involved. According to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, Eric Kripke, the man behind Supernatural, will be stepping down as showrunner for season 6, and will be replaced by executive producer Sera Gamble.

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This really shouldn't come as a surprise to fans considering Kripke has always envisioned Supernatural as a five-season show. However, he has hinted recently that season 5 may just be the last chapter in a big mythology storyline and there might be new promising storylines for season 6. At the time, he also wasn't sure if he would be involved in a possible sixth season, saying "I'm going to cross that bridge when I get to it."

And now, the bridge has been crossed. Supernatural fans shouldn't be entirely worried about Kripke's decision to step down as showrunner, though. Ausiello reports that he will still  remain actively involved in the show, functioning as a hands-on executive producer, along with current co-showrunner, Robert Singer.

"Eric and Bob will be working very closely with Sera," says Ausiello's source. "They are not abandoning the show."

Meanwhile, there's a silver lining in all this. Kripke's diminished role on Supernatural will free him up to create another awesome show now that he is currently finalizing a new deal with Warner Bros.



(Image courtesy of The CW)