7th Heaven (TV series)

7th Heaven is an American family drama television series created and produced by Brenda Hampton. The series debuted on August 26, 1996, on The WB, where it aired for ten seasons, making it the longest-running series in the history of the network. Following the shutdown of The WB and its merger with UPN to form The CW, the series aired on the new network on September 25, 2006, for its eleventh and final season, airing its final episode on May 13, 2007. 7th Heaven was one of the network's first major successful shows and, alongside Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dawson's Creek, helped in the early success of the WB during the mid to late '90s. It was also the last series to be produced by Spelling Television (later produced by CBS Paramount Network Television for the eleventh and final season) before the company was shut down and became an in-name-only unit of CBS Television Studios.

Premise

The series follows Reverend Eric Camden, a Protestant minister living in the fictional town of Glen Oak, California, and his wife Annie as they deal with the drama of raising five children ranging in age from babies to adults with families of their own.

Main cast and characters

Episodes

Reception

Critical reception

The Parents Television Council (PTC) often cited 7th Heaven among the top ten most family-friendly shows. The show was praised for its positive portrayal of a cleric and for promoting honesty, respect for parental authority, and the importance of a strong family and a good education through its storylines. It was proclaimed the best show in 1998-1999 by the PTC. The council also explained "7th Heaven manages to provide moral solutions to tough issues facing teenagers without seeming preachy or heavy-handed. Additionally, unlike most TV series, 7th Heaven shows the consequences of reckless and irresponsible behavior." It was also noted that "While addressing topics such as premarital sex and peer pressure, these parents [Annie and Eric] are eager to provide wise counsel along with love and understanding."

However, other critics feel quite differently about the show. Hillary Frey of Salon cited 7th Heaven as "one of the worst long-running shows on television, making Beverly Hills, 90210 look Shakespearean, while at the same time being one of the most addictive." Reasons given include heavy-handed moralizing, Christian propaganda, and depiction of a caricature of a real family, that is "so clean it is obscene".

Some criticize the predictable storytelling of 7th Heaven. Frey describes the basic pattern followed by each episode: "(1) One of the Camden family has a problem and/or secret; (2) some sort of Three's Company-esque misunderstanding ensues as a result of that problem and/or secret; (3) a confrontation and/or intervention takes place, usually involving a short sermon delivered by one of the Camden parents; and (4) whoever stands at the center of the drama eventually figures out the 'right' thing to do. And 'right' is always another word for 'Christian'; while the show avoids explicit discussions of Jesus and/or Faith, Protestant guilt is readily employed as a plot device." On top of this, implausible scenarios are seen to be regularly included, such as the daughter Mary's absence from the show for several seasons being scarcely explained with the character being busy, wayward or in New York.

According to Frey, "the sappiness and sanctimony of the characters often made the moral lessons impossible to swallow". Also, the show is said to show an obsession with premarital sex. In this regard, the parents (and eldest son Matt) sometimes depict a sense of ownership over the sexuality of Lucy and/or Mary...by threatening potential romantic interests, or negotiating their daughters' (sisters') romantic rights.

U.S. ratings

7th Heaven was one of the first major hits for the WB and would go on to become most watched TV series ever on the network. While the first season had modest success with around 3 million viewers, the later seasons often averaged 5 to 7 million viewers. It holds the record for the WB's most watched hour at 12.5 million viewers, on February 8, 1999; 19 of the WB's 20 most watched hours were from 7th Heaven. On May 8, 2006, it was watched by 7.56 million viewers, the highest rating for the WB since January 2005. When the show moved to the CW, ratings dropped. Possible reasons for the decline include an aired "Countdown to Goodbye" ad campaign for the last six months of the 2005–06 season, which promoted it as the final season ever; though the CW announced the series' unexpected renewal, it didn't promote the new season strongly via billboards, bus stops, magazine or on-air promos. Lastly, the network moved 7th Heaven from its long-established Monday night slot to Sunday nights, causing ratings to drop further. The series had a season average of just 3.3 million on the new network, losing 36% of the previous year's audience. It was the third most watched scripted show on the CW. Overall, it was the seventh most watched show.

Awards and nominations

• Emmy Awards
  • 1997: Outstanding Art Direction for a Series (Patricia Van Ryker and Mary Ann Good) – Nominated
• ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
  • 2000: Top TV Series (Dan Foliart) – Won
  • 2001: Top TV Series (Dan Foliart) – Won
• Family Television Awards
  • 1999: Best Drama – Won
  • 2002: Best Drama – Won
• Kids' Choice Awards
  • 1999: Favorite Television Show – Nominated
  • 2000: Favorite Animal Star (Happy the dog) – Nominated
  • 2001: Favorite Television Show – Nominated
  • 2002: Favorite Television Show – Nominated
  • 2003: Favorite Television Show – Nominated
• TV Guide Awards
  • 1999: Best Show You're not Watching – Won
  • 2000: Favorite TV Pet (Happy the dog) – Nominated
• Teen Choice Awards
  • 1999: TV Choice Actor (Barry Watson) – Nominated
  • 1999: TV Choice Drama – Nominated
  • 2000: TV Choice Drama – Nominated
  • 2001: TV Choice Actor (Barry Watson) – Nominated
  • 2001: TV Choice Drama – Nominated
  • 2002: TV Choice Drama/Action Adventure – Won
  • 2002: TV Choice Actor in Drama (Barry Watson) – Won
  • 2002: TV Choice Actress in Drama (Jessica Biel) – Nominated
  • 2003: TV Choice Drama/Action Adventure – Won
  • 2003: TV Choice Actor in Drama/Action Adventure (David Gallagher) – Won
  • 2003: TV Choice Breakout Star – Male (George Stults) – Won
  • 2003: TV Choice Actress in Drama/Action Adventure (Jessica Biel) – Nominated
  • 2003: TV Choice Breakout Star – Female (Ashlee Simpson) – Nominated
  • 2004: TV Choice Breakout Star – Male (Tyler Hoechlin) – Nominated
  • 2004: TV Choice Actor in Drama/Action Adventure (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 2004: TV Choice Drama/Action Adventure – Nominated
  • 2005: TV Choice Actor in Drama/Action Adventure (Tyler Hoechlin) – Nominated
  • 2005: TV Choice Actress in Drama/Action Adventure (Beverley Mitchell) – Nominated
  • 2005: TV Choice Parental Units (Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks) – Nominated
  • 2005: TV Choice Drama/Action Adventure – Nominated
  • 2006: TV Choice Breakout Star – Female (Haylie Duff) – Nominated
  • 2006: TV Choice Parental Units (Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks) – Nominated
• Young Artist Awards
  • 1997: Best Family TV Drama Series – Won
  • 1997: Best Performance in a Drama Series – Young Actress (Beverley Mitchell) – Won
  • 1997: Best Performance in a Drama Series – Young Actor (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 1997: Best Performance in a TV Comedy/Drama – Supporting Young Actress Age Ten or Under (Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Family TV Drama Series – Won (tied with Promised Land)
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actress (Beverley Mitchell) – Won (tied with Sarah Schaub)
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actor (Bobby Brewer) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Danielle Keaton) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Molly Orr) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actor (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actress (Jessica Biel) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Supporting Young Actress (Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated
  • 1999: Best Family TV Drama Series – Nominated
  • 1999: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actor (Craig Hauer) – Nominated
  • 1999: Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Ensemble (Beverley Mitchell, Barry Watson, Jessica Biel, David Gallagher, Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated
  • 2000: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Kaitlin Cullum) – Won
  • 2000: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actress (Beverley Mitchell) – Won
  • 2000: Best Family TV Series – Drama – Nominated
  • 2001: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Brooke Anne Smith) – Won
  • 2001: Best Family TV Drama Series – Nominated
  • 2001: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Jamie Lauren) – Nominated
  • 2002: Best Family TV Drama Series – Nominated
  • 2002: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young Actress (Ashley Edner) – Nominated
  • 2002: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actor (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 2002: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Supporting Young Actress (Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated
  • 2004: Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actress (Mackenzie Rosman) – Won
  • 2005: Best Family Television Series (Drama) – Nominated
  • 2005: Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor (Tyler Hoechlin) – Nominated
  • 2006: Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger (Drake Johnston) – Nominated
  • 2007: Best Family Television Series (Drama) – Nominated
  • 2007: Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actress (Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated
  • 2007: Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger (Nikolas Brino and Lorenzo Brino) – Nominated
  • 2008: Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actor Ten or Under (Lorenzo Brino) – Nominated
  • 2008: Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actor Ten or Under (Nikolas Brino) – Nominated
• Young Star Awards
  • 1997: Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Drama TV Series (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Drama TV Series (Beverley Mitchell) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Drama TV Series (Jessica Biel) – Nominated
  • 1998: Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Drama TV Series (David Gallagher) – Won
  • 1999: Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Drama TV Series (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 2000: Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Drama TV Series (David Gallagher) – Nominated
  • 2000: Best Young Ensemble Cast – Television (David Gallagher, Jessica Biel, Beverley Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman) – Nominated

Availability

Syndication

CBS Media Ventures handles the domestic and international distribution of the series. Season one episodes were retitled 7th Heaven Beginnings. Although the series did not receive a rating other than TV-G throughout its 11-season run, reruns on some cable/satellite channels have been given either a TV-PG or TV-14 rating (depending on the subject matter).

In the United States, the show began airing reruns in off-network syndication on September 25, 2000, but ceased to air in syndication in September 2002, while the series was still in first-run broadcast on The WB and later on The CW. The show then aired on the ABC Family channel from the fall of 2002 until 2008. Then, it was announced on April 1, 2010, that ABC Family had re-obtained the rights to the series, and would begin airing it at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) on weekdays beginning April 12, 2010. However, after one week, ABC Family abruptly pulled the show and replaced it with a third daily airing of Gilmore Girls.

As of 2012, GMC (now known as UP) is the first network to air 7th Heaven in the United States since 2010 and began airing the series with a marathon on July 7, 2012. Due to allegations of child molestation against Stephen Collins, the network pulled the series from its schedule as of the afternoon of October 7, 2014. 7th Heaven briefly returned to UP in December 2014; however, it was quickly removed from the schedule. UP CEO Charley Humbard stated, "We brought the show back because many viewers expressed they could separate allegations against one actor from the fictional series itself. As it turns out, they cannot." However, in the summer of 2015, UP brought back the series, where from then until 2019 it aired weekdays from 12:00PM to 3:00 PM. It was again pulled from UP's schedule afterwards. Previously, it aired on GetTV and Hallmark Drama.

In Ireland the show was aired on Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE). In the UK the show was aired on Sky One as part of their midweek prime time slot.

Home media

CBS DVD (distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment) has released 7th Heaven on DVD. They have released all 11 seasons in Region 1. In region 2, seasons 1-7 have been released while in region 4 the first 6 seasons have been released on DVD.

On August 22, 2017, it was announced that the complete series would be released on DVD for November 14.

References

External links

• Official website
• 7th Heaven at IMDb