Fox has greenlit a reboot series of Highway to Heaven
NEED TO KNOW
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The original series, which Michael Landon starred in and created, aired from 1984 to 1989 on NBC
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The actor's widow, Cindy Landon, is a producer on the reboot and said it would "mean so much to him"
Highway to Heavenis coming back.
Fox has greenlit a reboot of the classic NBC series, which ran from 1984 to 1989, and was created by and starredMichael Landonas an angel on probation who is sent to Earth to help people,Deadlinereported. The reboot, which is slated to air in the 2027 to 2028 season, will be produced by the late actor's wife,Cindy Landon. No casting announcements have been made just yet.
In an Instagrampost, Cindy, who married Michael in 1983, wrote, "Highway to Heavenwas always more than a television show — it was about humanity, compassion, hope, and the power of touching people's lives through storytelling."
"Michael poured his heart and soul into these stories, and I know this new chapter would mean so much to him. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone involved for believing in the heart of this series and having the vision to bring it to life once again."
TheLittle House on the Prairiestar, whodied in 1991, starred alongsideVictor Frenchin the series, whom he worked with onLittle House, too.
French played Mark Gordon, a retired policeman who helped Landon's angel, Jonathan Smith, with his mission.
Parenthoodcreator andFriday Night LightsshowrunnerJason Katimswill be the showrunner on the reboot.
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"I'm excited by the challenge of putting a contemporary lens on this classic tale. The idea of telling a very grounded, human story about an angel feels immediately emotional to me — and fun," Katims said in a statement, per the outlet. "I love going outside my comfort zone to tell a tale about someone trying to do better as an angel than he did as a man."
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In a statement, Cindy, whoshares daughter Jennifer Landon and son Sean Landonwith her late husband, said that she was "proud to help carry Michael's legacy forward with partners like Fox and Amblin, who understand the heart of this series and are bringing it to a new generation at just the right moment."
Michael told theLos Angeles Timesin 1988 thatHighway to Heaven, his first project after nine years onLittle House,was "something I had to get out of my system."
Brandon Tartikoff, then-president of entertainment at NBC, told the outlet that Michael's goal with the series was to "on a regular basis, give the audience a good cry."
“You're going to laugh or cry, one or the other — you're not just going to watch a car chase,” Michael said. “I do the kind of shows that I like to sit down and watch with my family.”
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