Why CBS’s ‘7th Heaven’ Reboot Sparks Controversy and Baggage

by

Approximately twenty years since the Camden family bid farewell, it seems the series is making a return to our television screens. The project, currently in its infancy at CBS Studios, appears to be revisiting the screen with the original star taking on the role of executive producer, as she did previously. Yet, the curiosity remains as to why CBS is resurrecting a show that has faced recent mockery online by viewers stumbling upon old episodes and been damaged by allegations of child sexual abuse against its lead actor.

Between 1996 and 2007, the long-running series “7th Heaven” produced 11 seasons and more than 240 episodes, chronicling Reverend Eric Camden (Stephen Collins), his wife Annie (Catherine Hicks), and their growing family over approximately a decade filled with first kisses, moral lessons, and neatly wrapped solutions to complex issues. However, as reported by Variety, the forthcoming reboot will have no connection to the original show and will introduce a fresh, diverse family. One might wonder why they’re using the “7th Heaven” moniker when it carries with it all that history and associated baggage.

The report from Variety lacks specific information, but it’s clear that Anthony Sparks will serve as the showrunner for the upcoming “early development” project. He will also take on the role of an executive producer alongside Biel. This series was one of Aaron Spelling’s final productions, and while it managed to last through many episodes, it’s not considered among his best works.

What Was Wrong With ‘7th Heaven?’

7th Heaven, for nine seasons, was a flagship show on The WB, standing alongside hits like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After The WB merged with UPN to create The CW, the show ran its final season on this new network. Yet, a program’s longevity doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality, as several critics have noted throughout the years.

7th Heaven frequently received commendation from the Parents Television Council for its moral and uplifting content, addressing topics like premarital sex, underage drinking, and peer pressure with their consequences. However, some critics were not as favorable, labeling the series as “the most prolonged poorly-made show on television” and criticizing its characters as an exaggerated depiction of a real family, finding them so innocent that they were “ridiculously clean to the point of being obscene.

The notion that 7th Heaven should be revived has gained traction on TikTok, leading many to discuss some of its scenes labeled as “heavy-handed moralizing” or “religious propaganda.” It seems rather inappropriate, given today’s context, to consider bringing back a show known for its strong moral compass and abundance of goodness and light.

Beyond the show’s controversy, there’s also the ongoing debate surrounding its main star, Collins, whose career took a sudden halt in 2014. This was due to numerous accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors. After confessing to several questionable relationships with underage girls, Collins became the focus of the 2025 docuseries titled “Hollywood Demons,” which delved into the industry’s murkier aspects and followed other similar documentaries like “Quiet on Set.

It’s uncertain if we’ll see 7th Heaven again, but preparations are underway to revive the show, though it will be a new series with an entirely different storyline. As of now, there’s no information about who might be cast or on which network the reboot will air.

Read More

2025-05-20 03:07