7th Heaven (TV series)
7th Heaven | |
---|---|
Genre |
|
Created by | Brenda Hampton |
Starring |
|
Theme music composer | Johnny Rivers, Jack Tempchin and Steve Plunkett[1] |
Composer | Dan Foliart |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 11 |
No. of episodes | 243 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Camera setup | Film; Single-camera |
Running time | 44 minutes |
Production companies |
|
Original release | |
Network | The WB |
Release | August 26, 1996 May 8, 2006 | –
Network | The CW |
Release | September 25, 2006 May 13, 2007 | –
7th Heaven is an American
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
- Eric Camden
- Annie Camden
- Matt Camden(seasons 1–6 and 9; recurring 7–8, special guest 10)
- Simon Camden(seasons 1–7 and 9–10; recurring season 8)
- Mary Camden(seasons 1–6; recurring season 7, special guest 8 and 10)
- Lucy Camden
- Ruthie Camden
- Happy the Dogas herself
- Chaz Lamar Shepherd as John Hamilton (seasons 4–5; recurring in seasons 1–3)
- Maureen Flannigan as Shana Sullivan (season 4; recurring in season 3)
- Robbie Palmer(seasons 5–7; recurring in season 4)
- Sam Camden(seasons 6–11; uncredited in seasons 3–4, featured in season 5)
- David Camden(seasons 6–11; uncredited in seasons 3–4, featured in season 5)
- Ben Kinkirk(season 7; recurring in seasons 6 and 8–11)
- Kevin Kinkirk(seasons 7–11; recurring in season 6)
- Ashlee Simpson as Cecilia Smith (seasons 7–8)
- Rachel Blanchard as Roxanne Richardson (seasons 7–8)
- Jeremy London as Chandler Hampton (seasons 7–8)
- Scotty Leavenworth as Peter Petrowski (season 8; recurring in season 7)
- Martin Brewer(seasons 8–11)
- Sarah Thompson as Rosanna "Rose" Taylor (season 10; recurring in season 9)
- Sandy Jameson(seasons 10–11)
- Megan Henning as Meredith Davies (season 10)
Episodes
Season | Episodes | Originally aired | Average viewership (in millions) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | Network | ||||
1 | 22 | August 26, 1996 | May 19, 1997 | The WB | 3.24 | |
2 | 22 | September 15, 1997 | May 11, 1998 | 6.10 | ||
3 | 22 | September 21, 1998 | May 24, 1999 | 8.40 | ||
4 | 22 | September 20, 1999 | May 22, 2000 | 7.22 | ||
5 | 22 | October 2, 2000 | May 21, 2001 | 7.66 | ||
6 | 22 | September 24, 2001 | May 20, 2002 | 7.89 | ||
7 | 22 | September 16, 2002 | May 19, 2003 | 8.11 | ||
8 | 23 | September 15, 2003 | May 17, 2004 | 6.67 | ||
9 | 22 | September 13, 2004 | May 23, 2005 | 6.26 | ||
10 | 22 | September 19, 2005 | May 8, 2006 | 5.62 | ||
11 | 22 | September 25, 2006 | May 13, 2007 | The CW | 3.44 |
Reception
Critical reception
The
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."[10] Reasons given include heavy-handed moralizing, Christian propaganda,[11] and depiction of a caricature of a real family, that is "so clean it is obscene".[12]
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."[10] 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.[13]
According to Frey, "the sappiness and sanctimony of the characters often made the moral lessons impossible to swallow".[10] Also, the show is said to show an obsession with premarital sex.[14] 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.[12]
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.[15] 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.
Season | Timeslot (ET) | Network | Episodes | First aired | Last aired | TV season | Viewership rank |
Avg. viewers (millions) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Viewers (millions) |
Date | Viewers (millions) | |||||||
1 | Monday 8 p.m. | The WB | 22 | August 26, 1996 | 2.8[16] | May 19, 1997 | 4.15[17] | 1996–97 | 154[citation needed] | 3.2[citation needed] |
2 | 22 | September 15, 1997 | 4.63[18] | May 11, 1998 | 9.33[19] | 1997–98 | 131[20] | 5.8[20] | ||
3 | 22 | September 21, 1998 | 6.29[21] | May 24, 1999 | 9.60[22] | 1998–99 | 106[citation needed] | 7.6[citation needed] | ||
4 | 22 | September 20, 1999 | 8.67[23] | May 22, 2000 | 7.43[24] | 1999–2000 | 94[25] | 6.4[25] | ||
5 | 22 | October 2, 2000 | 6.93[26] | May 21, 2001 | 8.09[27] | 2000–01 | 100[28] | 6.9[28] | ||
6 | 22 | September 24, 2001 | 8.34[29] | May 20, 2002 | 8.38[30] | 2001–02 | 101[31] | 7.0[31] | ||
7 | 22 | September 16, 2002 | 9.16[32] | May 19, 2003 | 8.28[33] | 2002–03 | 106[34] | 6.6[34] | ||
8 | 23 | September 15, 2003 | 8.08[35] | May 17, 2004 | 6.86[36] | 2003–04 | 132[37] | 5.5[37] | ||
9 | 22 | September 13, 2004 | 7.26[38] | May 23, 2005 | 5.54[39] | 2004–05 | 103[40] | 5.3[40] | ||
10 | 22 | September 19, 2005 | 5.42[41] | May 8, 2006 | 7.56[42] | 2005–06 | 111[43] | 5.2[43] | ||
11 | Monday 8 p.m. (Episodes 1-2) Sunday 8 p.m. (Episodes 3-22) |
The CW | 22 | September 25, 2006 | 4.19[44] | May 13, 2007 | 3.32[45] | 2006–07 | 133[46] | 3.3[46] |
Awards and nominations
- Emmy Awards[47]
- 1997: Outstanding Art Direction for a Series (Patricia Van Ryker and Mary Ann Good) – Nominated
- ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards[47]
- 2000: Top TV Series (Dan Foliart) – Won
- 2001: Top TV Series (Dan Foliart) – Won
- Family Television Awards[47]
- 1999: Best Drama – Won
- 2002: Best Drama – Won
- Kids' Choice Awards[47]
- 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[47]
- 1999: Best Show You're not Watching – Won
- 2000: Favorite TV Pet (Happy the dog) – Nominated
- Teen Choice Awards[47]
- 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[47]
- 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
As of 2012[update],
In Ireland the show was aired on
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.[52]
Title | Episode # | Year | Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4 (Australia) | Discs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 22 | 1996–1997 | September 14, 2004 | September 4, 2006 | September 7, 2006 | September 7, 2006 | 6 | |
2 | 22 | 1997–1998 | February 8, 2005 | March 11, 2008 | March 24, 2008 | January 10, 2008 | 6 | |
3 | 22 | 1998–1999 | November 28, 2006 | May 27, 2008 | May 8, 2008 | June 5, 2008 | 6 | |
4 | 22 | 1999–2000 | March 27, 2007 | August 8, 2008 | November 13, 2008 | November 6, 2008 | 6 | |
5 | 22 | 2000–2001 | December 4, 2007 | March 11, 2009 | March 26, 2009 | July 2, 2009 | 6 | |
6 | 22 | 2001–2002 | June 10, 2008 | September 30, 2009 | 2009 | December 24, 2009 | 6 | |
7 | 22 | 2002–2003 | November 11, 2008 | January 26, 2011 | November 19, 2009 | TBA | 5 | |
8 | 23 | 2003–2004 | March 3, 2009 | TBA | TBA | TBA | 5 | |
9 | 22 | 2004–2005 | November 17, 2009 | TBA | TBA | TBA | 5 | |
10 | 22 | 2005–2006 | March 23, 2010 | TBA | TBA | TBA | 5 | |
11 | 22 | 2006–2007 | November 23, 2010 | TBA | TBA | TBA | 5 | |
The Complete Series | 243 | 1996–2007 | November 14, 2017 | TBA | TBA | TBA | 61 |
References
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- ^ a b "Top 10 Best & Worst Family Shows on Network Television 1999-2000". parentstv.org. Archived from the original on 2006-12-12. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ "Top 10 Best & Worst Family Shows on Network Television 2000-2001". parentstv.org. Archived from the original on 2012-04-17. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ a b "Top 10 Best & Worst Family Shows on Network Television 2001-2002". parentstv.org. Archived from the original on 2012-04-19. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ "Top 10 Best & Worst Family Shows on Network Television 2002-2003". parentstv.org. Archived from the original on 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
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- ^ a b c Hillary Frey, Salon, [1] Archived 2019-08-30 at the Wayback Machine, Salon magazine, May 9, 2006
- ^ Shannhon Keating, [2] Archived 2019-08-30 at the Wayback Machine December 5, 2018, BuzzFeedNews
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- ^ "Barry Watson as Dr. Matt Camden on 7th Heaven | Hallmark Channel". Hallmark Channel. Archived from the original on 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
- ^ "TV Listings for - August 26, 1996". TV Tango. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
- ^ a b "The Final Countdown". Entertainment Weekly Published in issue #434 May 29, 1998. May 29, 1998. Archived from the original on September 24, 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
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- ^ a b "The Bitter End". Entertainment Weekly Published in issue #598 Jun 01, 2001. June 1, 2001. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ a b "How did your favorite show rate?". USA Today. May 28, 2002. Archived from the original on 2017-02-22. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ a b "Rank And File". Entertainment Weekly Published in issue #713 Jun 06, 2003. June 6, 2003. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
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- ^ "Weekly Program Rankings (Sept. 19-25)". ABC Medianet. September 27, 2005. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
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- ^ a b "Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Nielsen Business Media. May 26, 2006. Archived from the original on 2006-12-08. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
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- ^ "No Foolin' ABC Family Brings Back Boy Meets World, 7th Heaven; Modern Family Wins Peabody". sitcomsonline.com. April 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
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External links
- Official website
- 7th Heaven at IMDb