Brad Schmitt

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

You’ve either never heard of The CW Network's show “Supernatural,” or you absolutely worship it.

There’s very little middle ground, or at least that’s what actor and Nashville native Richard Speight Jr. has found.

“Supernatural” is so popular among its die-hard fans that there are more than 20 show conventions every year — and more than 2,000 fans go to each convention. (One of those conventions is happening this weekend at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.)

“That show has a convention circuit rivaled only by ‘Star Trek,’ ” Speight said.

Perhaps odder still, in 11 seasons, Speight has been on only five episodes, playing the character Trickster, who turned out to be the archangel Gabriel.

Yet he remains one of the more popular actors at these conventions. He always hosts a ramped-up Friday night karaoke party and emcees a Saturday live-music night.

Fans love him, shouting and asking for autographs at every turn.

“They go nuts,” Speight, 46, said.

And that’s when he realized he was leading a double life.

“In the hotel, everybody knows you and screams your name,” he said. “At home, you’re waiting for the next gig.”

It’s kinda funny, right? So funny that Speight and another "Supernatural" actor, Rob Benedict, wrote a comedy series on that premise called “Kings of Con.”

So far, so good. Speight said the show has found an online home, with an official announcement coming next month. He hopes the new series will launch in January.

But don’t expect it to make fun of fans. Instead, he’s holding up the actors for ridicule.

“We’re playing bigger versions of C-level actors navigating the madness of the fandom world and desperately clinging to the fame they can muster on convention circuits,” he said.

“We’re super-famous 13 weekends a year.”

Reach Brad Schmitt at 615-259-8384 or on Twitter @bradschmitt.

Nashville "Supernatural" Convention

When: Feb. 26-28

Where: Gaylord Opryland Hotel

What: Photo ops, concert, karaoke, private meet-and-greets with the stars of The CW's "Supernatural"

Tickets: Mostly sold out, but some VIP day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available at the door for $110-$175

Website: www.creationent.com/cal/supernatural_nash.htm#tix