With the strike over, networks have been announcing episode orders and return dates for their continuing series. Fans of the horror-drama Supernatural will get to see more of Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they carry on through season three's intense mytharc.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The CW has ordered four additional episodes of Supernatural to air starting April 24. The last of the show's pre-strike episodes airs this Thursday, February 21. On February 28, as previously reported, The CW will move its horror-comedy Reaper into Supernatural's Thursday night time slot with Smallville as the lead-in. TV Guide's Michael Ausiello confirmed with a network representative that they intend to go ahead with the schedule change. There's been no indication yet what Supernatural's time slot will be when it returns, or whether the network will show any reruns during the two-month gap.

Supernatural averages around 3 million viewers per week, which makes it a solid part of The CW's line-up. The network has taken some criticism from both fans and the media for not advertising the show enough. With tie-in novels, a comic book series, and a dedicated viewership, it seems likely Supernatural will get to stick around. Whether the show will be renewed for season four for certain will likely have to wait until the upfronts, when networks present their 2008-2009 seasons. The CW's will be held May 15 in New York City at Madison Square Garden.

Supernatural airs Thursdays, 9 ET/8 CT on The CW.

Sources:
The Hollywood Reporter
TV Week
TV Guide