A new rendition of the classic drama “Highway to Heaven” is heading to FOX, with the network sidestepping the pilot process and handing a series order to the project that will be helmed by writer/producer Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood,” “Roswell”), who also serves as showrunner/executive producer, and is slated to air as part of the network’s programming slate during the 2027-2028 television season with worldwide distribution by FOX Entertainment Global.
The new series, produced and owned by FOX Entertainment Studios, along with Amblin Television and Michael Landon Productions, will introduce longtime fans and a new generation to the franchise’s timeless themes of compassion, humanity, and second chances, the network said on Wednesday in its announcement.
Debuting in 1984, the original series was created by the late Michael Landon and became a cultural touchstone over its five-season run on NBC (1984-1989), resonating with audiences through its uplifting storytelling, memorable characters, and emotional, feel-good spirit. Starring Landon and Victor French (“Gunsmoke”), it followed a probationary angel, Jonathan Smith (Landon), sent back to Earth, who teams up with an ex-cop to help people.
The new series will introduce an original spin to the unforgettable journey of a “probationary angel,” who is sent to Earth to earn his wings by helping people in need.
Joining Katims as executive producers are Amblin Television’s Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, and Todd Cohen, alongside Mark Itkin and Michael Landon Productions’ Cindy Landon – steward of the original series and widow of creator Michael Landon – and Wayne Lepoff.
“With the incredible pairing of Jason Katims, Cindy Landon, and the Amblin team, we’re building on ‘Highway to Heaven’s timeless legacy of transformation and optimism in a way that feels deeply relevant and relatable to our audience,” said Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network.
“’Highway to Heaven’ has always been about connection, compassion and the idea that small acts can have big ripple effects and make a lasting difference,” said Cindy Landon. “I’m 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.”
“I’m excited by the challenge of putting a contemporary lens on this classic tale,” said Jason Katims. “The idea of telling a very grounded, human story about an angel feels immediately emotional to me — and fun. 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.”
Over his decades-long career, Katims has served as creator, showrunner, writer, and executive producer for hundreds of episodes of television, including “My So-Called Life,” About A Boy,” “Boston Public,” and “Rise,” among others. He has also received several awards and recognitions, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, the Peabody Award, multiple Humanitas Prizes, multiple Academy Honors Awards (presented by the Television Academy), multiple Writers Guild Award nominations, and an AFI recognition. His feature credits include “The Vow” and “The Pallbearer.”
Katims is repped by CAA and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham LLP.
A YouTube channel featuring full episodes from the original series was launched in July 2016 and continues to see large viewership for every post, with clips from the series receiving hundreds of thousands of views.
Watch the original pilot episode below.
Note: The post FOX Orders ‘Highway To Heaven’ Remake For 2027-2028 Season first appeared on Soap Opera Network.
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