Where can you go, when the world don’t treat you right? Twenty years ago today, the answer was “home,” specifically that of the Camden family, when the 7th Heaven TV show first premiered on The WB. Beating out both The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie, this longest running family drama was supposed to end with the 10th season finale episode, “…And Thank You,” (part-two to the prior week’s episode, “Goodbye…” part one). Below you’ll find old clips including the opening theme, the first scene from the pilot, and a behind-scenes special.
That supposed TV series finale did so well in the ratings that The CW renewed 7th Heaven for an 11th season. All told, there were 243 episodes, including the actual season 11 and series finale, “And Away We Go.” 7th Heaven starred: Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Barry Watson, Jessica Biel, Beverly Mitchell, David Gallagher, Mackenzie Rosman, Nikolas Brino, Lorenzo Brino, George Stults, Tyler Hoechlin, Adam LaVorgna, Rachel Blanchard, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Ashlee Simpson, Jeremy London, Haylie Duff, Sarah Thompson, and Happy (the dog).
In 2014, a pedophilia-scandal arose, centered on alleged taped admissions that Collins molested three under-aged girls, between 1973 and 1994. Police could not substantiate the allegations. Collins later confessed to inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors, in a 2014 People magazine interview.
UP TV, which had been rerunning 7th Heaven, removed the show from its schedule of “Uplifting” programs, but it is back on UP, now.
Watch the 7th Heaven Opening Credits. Steve Plunkett sings the theme song, which was written by Dan Foliart.
Here is the opening scene from the 7th Heaven pilot.
Watch E!’s “Inside 7th Heaven” special.
What do you think? Do you remember the 7th Heaven premiere? Do you still watch reruns, or did the scandal taint it for you? Let us know below.
I still rewatch the show at least once a year. I know about the scandal with regard to Stephen Collins and his ex-wife should be charged for taping a private therapy session. It’s pretty obvious he was trying to get some help. I watch the show because it has good values that are sadly lacking in today’s society they covered a lot of topics
I really loved this show and have all 11 seasons on dvd. I really need to watch it again from start to finish. The way I understand it, no charges have ever been laid against Stephen Collins. His wife taped his confessions in a private therapy session that he exposed himself in front of two young girls, apparently twice. It was something in a private therapy session and I feel it should never have been made public…. It shows to me that he had some issues, but he seemingly stopped the behavior and got help which he was trying to… Read more »
My husband and I watch it everyday , we love the show very much. We wish they could make a reunion and start a new seasons of it, where you can see all the grand babies and see Ruthie married with kids with T-Bone.. Please I know all of them know we love them and they are all in our prayers..