Do you believe in Heaven?
Mediaweek reported Friday that 7th Heaven, which aired its 10th season finale (and what producers had sworn was going to be its series ender) Monday, is coming back for an 11th season of family-friendly fun in the fall. CW insiders told the trade magazine that the new network wants at least 13 new episodes of the Camden family saga. Execs refused to comment when asked about the purported deal.
After finding out that Simon and Rose (David Gallagher and Sarah Thompson) didn't tie the knot and that the three eldest Camden sibs--Matt (Barry Watson), Mary (Jessica Biel) and Lucy (Beverley Mitchell)--are all expecting twins with their significant others, we're so there!
The WB started playing a dirge for its top-rated (and most expensive) show in November, but rumors persisted that 7th Heaven might be revived on the CW when it launched in September.
As recently as last week, series creator Brenda Hampton had been saying that the deal was off the table because the budget to produce 7th Heaven and pay its sizable cast was more than the new network wanted to spend. At the same time, Hampton also told reporters that she would love to take the series further if possible.
Dare we say that she must be in seventh heaven right now?
Major players Mitchell, Gallagher, Stephen Collins (dad), Catharine Hicks (mom), Mackenzie Rosman (Ruthie) and George Stultz (Kevin Kinkirk) are all expected to return, per Mediaweek.
If the report is the real deal, 7th Heaven joins UPN's America's Next Top Model, Everybody Hates Chris and WWE Friday Night Smackdown!, as well as the WB's Gilmore Girls and Smallville, as official additions to the CW fall schedule. UPN's Veronica Mars is also expected to make the cut.
Series still up in the air include Supernatural, Everwood, One Tree Hill and Reba.
The WB and UPN networks announced in January that they were closing up shop and merging to form the CW (C for CBS, which owns UPN, and W for, well, the Time Warner-owned WB).
The CW will officially announce its full 2006-07 lineup, including what the stars hold for 7th Heaven, May 18 at the network upfronts.