Spoilers
A spoiler is any information about an un-aired episode.
The first information available about an episode often comes from casting calls, when the names of characters and a short description of the character and the type of actor being sought.
In association with the casting call will be the release of sides on sites such as nowcasting.com. Sides are pages of a script including some scenes featuring the role being cast. Many changes may occur between the sides and the filmed script, including the names of the characters, as well as the actual script (eg: Casting side for Bela.
The showrunners are well aware that this information is publicly available, and can use it to spread misinformation or disguise a surprise in the script. For example the role of [{Castiel]] was described in the sides to be that of a demon. When Genevieve Cortese auditioned for the role of Ruby, the sides suggested it was to be waitress who would be a love interest for Sam. At Comic Con 2009, Eric Kripke admitted he did this to stir up fans.
Other spoilers in the form of general plot information will be released by TV Columnist's such as Mike Ausiello from TV Guide, and Kristen from E!Online or via sites such as SpoilerFix or TWOP. They may vary in both their accuracy and importance.
In 2009, sides from casting the show ceased to be publicly available. Most leaked casting information came through the site Spoiler TV.
Stills from the episode may also be released in the weeks before.
The final spoilers come in the form of the trailers aired immediately after an episode, and the longer clips - sometimes called Director's Cut's - which are posted on The CW website in the days leading up to the airing of a new episode.
Fans vary in their relationship to spoilers. Some will avoid all and any information (spoilerphobes) while others will actively seek out information (spoiler whores). It is considered poor etiquette to 'spoil' someone. On Livejournal, communities exist both for those seeking spoilers spn_spoilers
and those avoiding them spnfencentral. Different sites, such as TWOP will have specific threads for spoilers and their discussion.
After an episode airs, on Livejournal it is generally considered polite to hide information relating to the episode for at least five days to a week after.
Spoilers, especially those relating to female cast members or character deaths, are often the source of consternation or anxiety amongst some fans. Others, such as the revelation of John's secret or Sam being possessed, cause great excitement. see Fandom Chronicles for some reactions to spoilers.
Eric Kripke's view on spoilers from an interview with TV Addict on September 27, 2007.
- What are your thoughts on online spoilers and spoiler specific reporters? Do you believe they help or hinder a show?
- I personally have no problem with spoilers. A certain type of person wants to know the upcoming secrets before anyone else. Hey, man, I’m on-line too, digging up whatever scraps I can about Indy 4. Spoilers get fans excited about what’s on the horizon. For me, speaking personally about Supernatural, the only trouble comes when the fans (and you know who you are!) start judging or criticizing a show element before seeing the final product. Therefore, they’re much less likely to enjoy the actual storyline, because they’re not approaching it with an open mind, they’re already biased. I have to admit, I find that frustrating.
Supernatural Wiki Spoiler Policy
Super Wiki aims to be 100% spoiler free. If an episode has not aired in the USA, any information on it whatsoever is considered a spoiler. This includes the title of the episode, casting news, quotes, images, etc - not just plot/mystery points. Our Twitter @SuperWiki will not post plot information about an episode for 24 hours following its airing.
- Fanvid where Sam and Dean hunt down spoilers
- Hitler responds to spoilers from Comic Con 2009
