New Life For '7th Heaven' (Wizbang Pop!)

In season 11 the cast gets enrolled in acting classes.

In one of the strangest twists of the annual "upfront" season -- in which the networks present their fall schedules to the advertisers -- The WB's critically acclaimed family drama "Everwood" did not make the cut for inclusion on the inaugural schedule of The CW, a new network born of the merger of The WB and UPN.

Instead, CW programming chief Dawn Ostroff did an abrupt left turn and ordered an 11th season of the seemingly canceled WB family drama "7th Heaven," which is not as critically acclaimed but drew about 7 million viewers for its "finale" episode on May 8 (the show normally draws a little over 5 million viewers).

Stephen Collins, who plays the Christian-minister patriarch of the show's large Camden clan, knows his gain is "Everwood's" loss.

"Don't blame me," he says. "I don't know what went on behind the scenes from our fans, but I know that some people did speak and write letters and make calls, but mostly fans speak through the ratings, and The CW heard. I'm so thrilled."

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Comments (14)

I loved 7th heaven but it l... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by Lou | May 21, 2006 9:48 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Lou:

I loved 7th heaven but it lived a full life and its time was up...the whole "coutdown to goodbye" thing...and now there brining it back. Which takes the spot of Everwood! So not cool EVERWOOD deserves a full life! I really think CW should reconsider!!!! For the sake of the fans!

Posted on May 21, 2006 21:48

Well, 7th Heaven was asked ... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by Shelley | May 22, 2006 4:49 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Shelley:

Well, 7th Heaven was asked to come back, not EVERWOOD - I have seen 7th Heaven more in the news then, EVERWOOD.

They seem to be doing something right, since they are back on the air.

Posted on May 22, 2006 16:49

Althogh people may say 7th ... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by Ursula | May 22, 2006 5:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Ursula:

Althogh people may say 7th heaven lived a full life. Which I agree with it had 10 great seasons they really did leave to many cliff hangers. I have not been an active wathcher of Eveerwood but my cousin Vivian Cardone is on it. While I am happy 7th Heaven is back it is sad that they had to bring on a new show that gave Everwood the Boot.

Posted on May 22, 2006 17:19

i watch both each week - ha... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by ellen | May 22, 2006 7:00 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

ellen:

i watch both each week - have missed no episodes...i am glad that 7th Heaven was renewed - but Everwood gave me hope that there is life after the lose of a spouse.....lets hope someone changes their minds before its too late.....

Posted on May 22, 2006 19:00

I, for one, am thrilled Hea... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by Dee | May 22, 2006 7:04 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)

Dee:

I, for one, am thrilled Heaven is returning. Love the show!

Posted on May 22, 2006 19:04

I LOVE 7TH HEAVEN I WATCH I... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by WHITTANY | May 23, 2006 9:42 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

WHITTANY:

I LOVE 7TH HEAVEN I WATCH IT EVRYTIME IT IS ON TV IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS I NEVER REALLY WATCHED EVERWOOD

Posted on May 23, 2006 21:42

I've watched 7th Heaven sin... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by Brianne Ecklund | May 24, 2006 2:53 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Brianne Ecklund:

I've watched 7th Heaven since the very first episode! I was really bummed that it was going off the air since it is one of three that I watch weekly. I was so excited to hear it will continue into another season, and with the finale, it leads with so many cool possibilities! I really am hoping that the baby is Simon's though! LOL! I would never miss an episode! It's one show that even though it is based on a Christian family it shows that they too have struggles of every day life just like everyone else! That is what makes it so believable and real. Something you can relate to and still have faith and not feel like you failed God, just because your life doesn't go as planned! Love it!

Posted on May 24, 2006 02:53

I to have been watching 7th... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by Becky | May 24, 2006 12:38 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Becky:

I to have been watching 7th heaven for ever. I look forward to seeing this show ever Monday evening. I would have had nothing to watch. I am so glad they are bring it back for one more season.

Posted on May 24, 2006 12:38

I'm so happy that there is ... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by Jennifer | May 28, 2006 9:42 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jennifer:

I'm so happy that there is going to be a 11th season!!! 7th Heaven is the best show ever!!! I love it!!!

Posted on May 28, 2006 09:42

r u serious? there's gonna ... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by Danica | May 30, 2006 6:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Danica:

r u serious? there's gonna be more???! how could i not know? i'm so excited!!! omg!!! YAY!!

Posted on May 30, 2006 18:41

I Love the show, I'm so hap... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by Veronica | June 1, 2006 6:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Veronica:

I Love the show, I'm so happy that there is a 11th season!!!

Posted on June 1, 2006 18:41

i just fond out.there bring... (Below threshold)

12. Posted by donna | June 4, 2006 11:01 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

donna:

i just fond out.there bring 7th heaven back for
another year. i would like to see it go intell
ruthie graduated from high school. i wath her
grow up right wight by kids.she so cute

Posted on June 4, 2006 23:01

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT 7TH H... (Below threshold)

13. Posted by VICKI | June 17, 2006 4:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

VICKI:

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT 7TH HEAVEN IS BACK.
I AM SOOOO HAPPY THEY ARE. THAT IS THE BEST SHOW EVER. MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES THE SHOW.
MY MOTHER IS GLADE THAT ARE COMING BACK BECAUSE OF ALL THE TWINS BEING BORN.

Posted on June 17, 2006 16:41

This is ridiculous, 7th Hea... (Below threshold)

14. Posted by brigit | June 18, 2006 12:16 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

brigit:

This is ridiculous, 7th Heaven has run its course. The show ended completely unbelievably but it was okay because the show was over, no one would have to deal with the unrealistic storylines again. And of course more people would tune in for a series finale that's been advertised for half a year! I tuned in also because I used to watch the show when I was little and it was about teaching lessons subtly through the lives of the characters. It has become incredibly cheesy the last couple of years and it was about time it was put to rest. Not that it was a bad show but 10 years is plenty, especially when they've run out of storyline. Everwood is a family drama that doesn't beat you over the head with the "moral lesson of the week". They do teach morals through their episodes, but it is taught subtly and with situations and characters people can relate to. This was the worst decision I've ever heard of, put 7th Heaven to rest for good and bring back Everwood!

Posted on June 18, 2006 12:16