That’s one thing Supernatural has usually shown a knack for, the ability to grow and change enough to make most new seasons feel at least somewhat fresh.
Perhaps the biggest change to kick off season 12 was the resurrection of Mary Winchester, and her (at least temporary) addition to the family hunting team.
That’s not always easy for a series that’s been on for over a decade.
Another new addition was the introduction of the British chapter of the Men of Letters, a villainous group who see Sam and Dean as the cause of apocalyptic events, instead of their solution.