These stories exist in these small towns all across the country, and it just makes so much sense to drive in and out of these stories."[3] Though the network rejected his initial pitch—a tabloid reporter investigates supernatural occurrences throughout the country—they were still interested in a series featuring urban legends.[4] Kripke quickly suggested a Route 66-style series, and the network loved it.[4] Filming was greenlit after director David Nutter, who previously had worked with Kripke on Tarzan, signed on.[5][6]