In the wake of shocking revelations about actor Stephen Collins, Atlanta-based UP TV has decided to pull "7th Heaven" from its schedule.
"7th Heaven" starring Collins has been a major part of UP's schedule. The show has been airing at least three times a day on the network (noon, 5 and 6 p.m.). Tonight, repeats of this former UPN staple was scheduled to air at 9 and 10 p.m.
Collins, according to tapes leaked to TMZ, confessed to his estranged wife he was a child molester, and it's all on tape. The tapes have him admitting to a therapist inappropriate contact and exposure to girls ages 11 to 13. His wife taped his admissions from 2012 without his knowledge.
"As a top family-friendly network, we are deeply concerned for the families that are potentially affected by these disturbing allegations surrounding actor Stephen Collins.," said Charley Humbard, president & CEO, in a statement. "'7th Heaven' has been a beloved family show and a fan-favorite on our network. We have made the decision to remove the series from our schedule effective at 5 p.m. ET today. We will continue to monitor the situation and listen carefully to our viewers."
Currently, instead of "7th Heaven," UP is airing repeats of "Supernanny," at least for tonight. Tomorrow, "Touched by an Angel" will air at noon while "The Parkers" will air Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.
TV Guide Channel also dropped "7th Heaven." And even Seth McFarlane has dumped him from his "Ted 2" sequel. In other words, Collins won't be gainfully employed in Hollywood any time soon.
And seriously, will '7th Heaven" fans ever watch the show with the same feelings again - if it ever airs again?
The sturdy family show, in which Collins played the patient and fatherly Rev. Eric Camden, aired from 1996 to 2007 on what was originally the WB and then the CW.
Since that show ended, Collins has been busy, working on ABC Family's "The Fosters," NBC's now cancelled "Revolution" and in season one, Lifetime's "Devious Maids," shot in Atlanta.
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