A beloved 1980s angel drama is returning to TV with star’s widow as the producer
The original NBC show will move to a new network
Get the tissues ready: the heartwarming 1980s classic Highway to Heaven is officially making a comeback.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Classic
Fox has officially greenlit a reboot of the iconic weekly drama, which was originally created by and starred Michael Landon. The beloved series, which followed an angel on probation sent to Earth to perform good deeds, enjoyed a successful run on NBC from 1984 to 1989.
Landon, who passed away in 1992, remains the heart of the project. His widow, Cindy Landon, is stepping in to produce the reboot as a tribute to her late husband. She recently shared her enthusiasm for the project on Instagram, noting that the show was always about far more than just entertainment.
"Highway to Heaven was always more than a television show — it was about humanity, compassion, hope, and the power of touching people’s lives through storytelling," Cindy Landon wrote. "Michael poured his heart and soul into these stories, and I know this new chapter would mean so much to him."
Behind the Scenes and Looking Ahead
According to People Magazine, the new series is targeted for a 2027 to 2028 release. While specific casting news has yet to be revealed, the production is in talented hands. Jason Katims, known for his work as the showrunner for Friday Night Lights and the creator of Parenthood, has been tapped to serve as showrunner for this reimagining.
The original series featured Landon as Jonathan Smith alongside Victor French, who played retired policeman Mark Gordon. French was a familiar collaborator for Landon, having previously worked together on Little House on the Prairie.
A Modern Reimagining
As reported by Deadline, the reboot will present a contemporary take on the original concept, ensuring the core themes of humanity, compassion, and second chances remain front and center.
This project aligns with a broader push at Fox toward feel-good and uplifting programming. The network has found steady success with shows like Doc, Murder In a Small Town, and Best Medicine. Fans of retro television have even more to look forward to, as Fox also plans to reboot the hit 1980s series Baywatch.