Jared Padalecki, A man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a light blue shirt with embroidered patterns, stands indoors at a gathering. Behind him are festive decorations, including sunflower garlands and yellow and blue balloons. Two people in casual attire are visible in the background. — Rebecca Brenneman / THE CW

Jared Padalecki’s Emotional Farewell to “Walker” and The CW

Zay Zay

3 minutes read

Jared Padalecki

Today we’re diving into the emotional adiós of Jared Padalecki to the iconic show “Walker” and his fuerte words about The CW‘s recent cambios. Let’s get ready to explore what’s behind the scenes, the corazón, and the pasión of this talented actor.

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Jared Padalecki, known for his roles on “Gilmore Girls” and “Supernatural,” has been the rostro of The CW for decades. He kicked off his career as Dean Forester, Rory Gilmore’s first love, and then took on the legendary role of Sam Winchester, one half of the dynamic duo that battled supernatural forces for 15 thrilling seasons.

In 2021, Jared returned to The CW as the star and executive producer of “Walker,” a modern twist on the ’90s classic starring Chuck Norris. But as all good things must come to an end, “Walker” was recently canceled, leaving Jared to bid a heartfelt farewell to a network that has been his home for so long.

Odette Annable as Geri Broussard, Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, A man and a woman are sitting in the front seats of a vehicle. The man, seated in the driver's seat, is smiling and steering, while the woman seated next to him is looking at him and smiling. They appear to be engaged in a pleasant conversation. Trees and greenery are visible through the windows. — Odette Annable as Geri Broussard, Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker. Courtesy of Rebecca Brenneman/The CW

The Final Farewell

The series finale of “Walker” was a rollercoaster of emotions. Cordell Walker, Jared’s character, wrapped up a complex storyline by solving a cold case, apprehending a criminal duo, and deciding to take a break from his Ranger duties to focus on his familia. This final episode showed Cordell stepping back to mend his relationships with his children, Stella and August, and his girlfriend, Geri.

In an interview with Variety, Jared opened up about his mixed feelings regarding the show’s cancellation. He shared insights into his character’s journey and how it paralleled his own life. For Jared, Cordell’s struggles with work-life balance and the desire to be a better father were deeply personal themes that he resonated with.

Behind the Scenes Drama

Jared didn’t hold back when discussing the reasons behind “Walker’s” cancellation. He pointed out the network’s shift towards cheaper, quick-fix content, something he feels dilutes the essence of storytelling. “They’re going in a different direction with The CW. I mean, they have an hour of ‘Trivial Pursuit’ and an hour of ‘Scrabble’ coming up. I don’t know why you wouldn’t just download the app or grab a board game and play with your friends,” Jared candidly expressed. He emphasized that The CW he knew and loved, under the leadership of Mark Pedowitz, is no longer the same.

A young man with a beard and two young women with long hair, one in a light denim jacket and the other in a dark jacket, stand among a group of people outdoors at night, illuminated by string lights in the background. The scene has a vibrant, social atmosphere. — Keegan Allen as Liam Walker, Violet Brinson as Stella Walker. Courtesy of Rebecca Brenneman/The CW

Cordell’s Journey: A Reflection of Jared’s Life

Throughout “Walker,” Cordell’s internal battles mirrored Jared’s own experiences. From dealing with the pressures of his career to realizing the importance of family, Jared poured his heart into the role. He explained how Cordell’s realization that “the world goes on without you” was a powerful moment of clarity, both for the character and himself.

Jared also touched on the mortality theme that loomed over Cordell as a widowed single parent. He wanted his children to understand the importance of making decisions based on what’s right for them, not just what others expect.

What’s Next for Jared?

With “Walker” now behind him, Jared is taking time to reflect on his next steps. He’s not rushing into another acting role but instead focusing on producing and developing projects with his esposa, Genevieve. Jared is also excited about the possibility of reuniting with Eric Kripke for the final season of “The Boys,” a show he admires for its humor and excitement.

A man in a light blue long-sleeve shirt and jeans and a woman in a dark green sweater and jeans sit talking on wooden rocking chairs on a porch. Between them is a small table with a coffee cup, saucer, and smartphone. Flowers are in the foreground; beige stone wall and curtains are behind them. — Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, Molly Hagan as Abeline Walker. Courtesy of Rebecca Brenneman/The CW

A Glimpse into the Future

Jared has starred in over 450 episodes of primetime network TV, and he’s learned some valuable lessons along the way. He’s realized the importance of enjoying the journey rather than constantly striving for the next big thing. With three young children at home, Jared is now focusing on spending quality time with his familia and cherishing the moments that truly matter.

As Jared Padalecki steps away from “Walker” and reflects on his incredible career, we can only anticipate the exciting new projects he’ll bring to life. Until then, amigos, let’s celebrate the journey of a talented actor who has touched our hearts and inspired us with his dedication and passion. ¡Salud, Jared! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

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Zay Zay

3 minutes read

Zay Zay

¿Qué pasa y como estamos mi gente? I'm Zay Zay, the heart and soul behind ZayZay.com, and your host for "When Zay Zay Met...," a space where pop culture and Latinidad intersect through vibrant conversations with some of the most inspiring figures in the entertainment industry. With a rich background spanning voiceover work, on-air talent, and a deep love for all things entertainment, I've dedicated my career to bringing joy, laughter, and thoughtful reflection to our diverse audience. Let's celebrate our culture, dive into engaging discussions, and, most importantly, connect through the stories that move us.