Don't Mess With the SPN Family: Fans Hit Back as Criticism Over Re-Using Actors

But occasionally, one fan will emerge with an idea that is utterly smashed by others. This has been the case with one fan taking to Reddit to slam casting directors and writers on Supernatural, calling them "lazy."

The person's argument centres on the re-use of actors, playing different roles throughout different seasons.

The assertion that the casting directors are slacking off by using the same actors was met with a wall of disagreement from fellow fans who heavily defended the show.

These fans have helpfully explained that the re-use of actors on a television series (especially a long-running one) is standard practice.

A comparison was drawn with The X-Files which did this frequently. One example from The X-Files was an actor being used three times portraying three totally different characters.

Other fans have added to the explanation that this is especially common for shows filmed in Canada (as both Supernatural and The X-Files were).

They also call attention to the recycling of sets and establishment shots, which are another typical practice.

The idea here is that studios do not want to spend money on things that they do not feel is necessary, so they can focus on funding the more essential aspects.

With Supernatural, you can bet special effects formed a hefty chunk of the budget, so if they need to use a set twice and slightly re-dress it to save a bit of cash to put towards a more realistic-looking fight scene, then they are making a sensible decision.

Likewise with the re-use of actors. Shows like Supernatural and The X-Files hired a high number of local Canadian talent, helping many actors get their starts in television.

Why should they spend a fortune on actors from elsewhere, to have to fly them to the set and accommodate them for what is often a very short amount of screen time? It's simple, they shouldn't.

While this fan was no doubt left feeling red-faced after their nasty comments being so expertly shut down, there is a real positive that has come out of this.

The person has learned something. That no television show is perfect, but you can bet writers, casting directors, producers, and everyone else involved are doing their darndest to make something great.

And considering Supernatural ran for an impressive 15 seasons and earned a massively loyal fanbase that remains obsessive to this day, they clearly did more than a few things right.