Deliver Your News to the World

7th Heaven to Go Out on Top


WEBWIRE

November 11, 2005, The WB Network and Spelling Television announced today that 7TH HEAVEN, the longest-running family drama in television history, will conclude its historic 10-year run on The WB at the end of this season.

The debut of 7TH HEAVEN launched The WB’s first-ever Monday night broadcast on August 26, 1996, at 8:00 p.m. Remarkably, the series has remained in that timeslot ever since, holding its own against the 92 other series that have aired against it over the past 10 seasons. Recently the series celebrated its milestone 200th episode.

“We’re announcing this decision now to ensure a monumental send-off for this series which has become one of the most important shows in the network’s history,” said David Janollari, President of Entertainment for The WB. “Brenda Hampton has already begun work on scripts for the second half of the season. These episodes will be filled with emotion and life-changing events. We owe a compelling and unforgettable final season to the Camden family and to the millions of viewers who helped grow this program into a huge hit. The WB is eternally grateful to Spelling Television, the producers, cast and crew of the little show that could -- and did.”

“7TH HEAVEN is as dear to my heart as any series I have ever produced,” said Aaron Spelling, legendary executive producer of the series. “Not many shows make it to 10 years and it’s even rarer for a series to go out on top after 10 seasons. That result is a huge testament to Brenda Hampton, who created the series, and the phenomenal cast who have made the Camdens America’s number one family for a record-breaking decade. I thank all of them and The WB for putting on a family show when it wasn’t very cool to do so and then sticking with it in the same time slot for the entire run of the show. When 7TH HEAVEN launched on this new, little network in 1996, we had no inkling that we would one day make history, but we did and for that I am grateful and very, very proud.”

“Although we had anticipated this could be the last season, it was difficult breaking the news to the cast and crew,” said Brenda Hampton. “At this point, we’re all very much a family. However, just like the Camden kids, I think we’ve all grown up and it’s simply time to leave home. We choose to feel happy and blessed to have been part of this series, and we are very grateful to all our fans.”

“7TH HEAVEN has been a gift,” said Stephen Collins. “Going to work on something every day that means so much to so many people is pure joy. Working with Aaron Spelling, Brenda Hampton and The WB, plus making a bit of TV history while watching our wonderful cast grow up in real time, has been the experience of a lifetime.”

7TH HEAVEN stars Stephen Collins as Reverend Eric Camden, Catherine Hicks as Annie Camden, Barry Watson as Matt Camden, David Gallagher as Simon Camden, Beverley Mitchell as Lucy Kinkirk, Mackenzie Rosman as Ruthie Camden, Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino as Sam and David Camden, George Stults as Kevin Kinkirk and Tyler Hoechlin as Martin Brewer. Jessica Biel was also a member of the series’ original cast. Both Biel and Barry Watson have gone on to successful film careers, and Biel was recently named “The Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine.

7TH HEAVEN achieved 19 of the top 20 all-time episodic deliveries for The WB among total viewers (Persons 2+). Among women 18-49, the family drama scored 17 of the all-time top 20 WB performances. On February 8, 1999, the birth of the Camden twins accomplished the historic feat of ranking #1 in its time slot against all competition among total viewers (12.5 million). That episode, “In Praise of Women,” still holds the all-time WB ratings record in adults 18-49 (4.6/12), women 18-49 (6.3/15), and households (7.4/11), along with total viewers (12.5 million).

The series has chronicled the many complex problems of growing up in the world today. The young adults on 7TH HEAVEN have been exposed to issues ranging from teen suicide and sibling rivalry to violence in schools. Storylines have touched on such topics as the Holocaust, hate crimes, prejudice against Muslims, drug use, vandalism, the right to vote, drinking and driving, teen pregnancy and homelessness. Reflecting the headlines of our times, episodes have also focused on the “Lost Boys” of The Sudan, a real-life American serviceman who was killed in Afghanistan and a law allowing teenage mothers to turn their unwanted babies over to hospitals with no questions asked.

The series has received honors from the Parents Television Council, The Media Project’s Shine Awards, Entertainment Industries Council’s Prism Awards, Viewers Voice, Anti-Defamation League, Film Advisory Board, Academy of Religious Broadcasting, Kids Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Family Friendly Forum Awards and the TV Guide Awards. In addition, TV Guide named 7TH HEAVEN as “The Best Show You’re Not Watching,” in 1996.

Over the past 10 seasons, 7TH HEAVEN has welcomed many legendary film and television stars, including Tim Conway, Ray Walston, Ernest Borgnine, Bo Derek, Richard Lewis, Ed Begley, Jr., Melissa Gilbert, Peter Graves, Deborah Raffin, Phyllis Diller, Wayne Newton, Barbara Rush, Eileen Brennan, Dorian Harewood, Brenda Strong, Martha Plimpton, Laraine Newman, Mackenzie Phillips, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Meredith Baxter, Cindy Williams, Ashley Simpson, Gabrielle Union and Lance Bass, among many others. Additionally, several guest stars went on to star in other series for The WB, including Keri Russell (“Felicity”), Allison Mack (“Smallville”), Matt Czuchry (“Gilmore Girls”) and Kaley Cuoco (“Charmed”).

7TH HEAVEN was created by Brenda Hampton (“Fat Actress,” “Mad About You,” “Blossom”), who also serves as executive producer along with Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent. Spelling and Vincent are also executive producers of The WB’s “Charmed,” produced by Spelling Television, Inc., a Paramount/Viacom company.



WebWireID5559





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.