Speaking to Entertainment Weekly ahead of the launch of the seventh season of Supernatural, star Jared Padalecki has admitted that he “take(s) it as a compliment” that Fringe and new show Grimm will be contesting for viewers in their Friday night slot.

“Maybe I should be worried about it, but I take it as a compliment,” he said. “A lot of these supernatural shows come and go. And I do watch Fringe and Josh [Jackson] is a buddy. I guess you can say, bring it. We’ve been on seven years. Good luck catching up.”

Padalecki also pointed out that although it seems as if things are getting worse for the Winchester brothers, “there is no lack of laughs…  It’s great to be part of a fun, crazy sci-fi show that’s dark and deals with mythology and then we do something where we play ourselves. It’s nice for the fans. They appreciate being a part of it and laughing with us.”

Supernatural returns to the CW on September 23.