~ WB press release, February 11 2005 ~

 

10TH SEASON PICK-UP EARNS ''7TH HEAVEN'' A PLACE IN TELEVISION HISTORY

THE WB'S HIGHLY RATED DRAMA WILL SURPASS "THE WALTONS" AND "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE" AS THE LONGEST-RUNNING FAMILY DRAMA OF ALL TIME

BURBANK, CA (February 11, 2005) - The WB Network and Spelling Television's 7th Heaven has earned an early 10th season pick-up, which will make it the longest-running family drama in television history. The announcement was made jointly today by David Janollari, President of Entertainment for The WB and executive producer Aaron Spelling, who is also the Chairman and CEO of Spelling Television, Inc.

The previous record for longest-running family drama was shared by 7th Heaven, "The Walton's" and "Little House on the Prairie," which each aired for nine consecutive seasons.

"This is a great day for everyone involved with this historic series, especially the loyal fans that have made this appointment television on Monday nights for almost a decade," said Mr. Janollari. "The longevity and consistent quality of 7th Heaven, is a testament to the commitment to excellence of Aaron Spelling, Duke Vincent, series creator Brenda Hampton and a fabulous ensemble cast led by Stephen Collins. An entire generation of pre-teens and teens has grown up watching this show with their parents and learned valuable life lessons. Through the prism of a loving traditional family, the storylines serve as a jumping off point for important family discussions. The bottom line is, this is a series that makes you proud to be a broadcaster."

"The WB's 10th year pick-up of 7th Heaven, has put me into 8th heaven!" said Aaron Spelling. "But seriously, we're thrilled that this pick-up will make 7th Heaven the longest running family show in television history. We can't thank the WB enough for its support!"

7th Heaven, which debuted on August 26, 1996, has been The WB's most-watched series for seven consecutive seasons (since the 1998-99 broadcast season). The show garnered the network's largest audience ever on February 8, 1999, when 12.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the birth of the Camden twins. This season, 7th, in young demographics, ranking second in 12-34 and teens and first in 18-49 amongst all series on The WB.

7th Heaven, has been extremely successful in relating stories that are affecting families today and opening up avenues for discussion. Some of the series' compelling storylines have focused on religious tolerance, gun control, the Holocaust, voting, drug use and teen sexuality. The series has won numerous awards, including being named best drama in the Teen Choice Awards three times, and being hailed as "The Best Show You're Not Watching" at the inaugural TV Guide Awards.

"Every day, I'm stopped on the street or in the market by someone who tells me how important 7th Heaven, is to their family - that the show prompts tough, essential talk between kids and parents," said series star Stephen Collins. "They also tell me we make them laugh and cry. It's a gift to work on this show, and to know that we'll break a record or two is the icing on the cake. 7th Heaven, has never been media-sexy. We don't win the big awards, and whoever is flavor-of-the-month will always get more attention on the red carpet. However, as Lou Gehrig once said, "Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

"I think everyone is overlooking the show's most noticeable achievement - after nine seasons, Stephen Collins still has his hair," said series creator and executive producer Brenda Hampton. "At this point in time, there is every indication that he will still have it for the tenth season, so we're looking forward to another year of success. He is our lucky charm."

7th Heaven, stars 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.

The series was created by Brenda Hampton ("Mad About You," "Blossom") who also serves as executive producer, along with Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent. 7th Heaven, is produced by Spelling Television, Inc., a Paramount/Viacom company.

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