Georgia Entertainment Scene
Georgia Entertainment Scene

Stephen Collins controversy: UP TV brings back '7th Heaven,' then yanks it again

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Actor Stephen Collins poses in front of City Hall at the kick off of "Live Earth" by turning the lights of City Hall green at the Department of Water & Power on July 2, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) Stephen Collins starred as the preacher with a heart of gold on "7th Heaven," but his personal life has impeded upon people's ability to enjoy it. CREDIT: Getty Images

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Actor Stephen Collins poses in front of City Hall at the kick off of "Live Earth" by turning the lights of City Hall green at the Department of Water & Power on July 2, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) Stephen Collins starred as the preacher with a heart of gold on "7th Heaven," but his personal life has impeded upon people's ability to enjoy it. CREDIT: Getty Images
By
Dec 8, 2014

In October, the news that actor Stephen Collins had admitted to molesting a child decades ago caused Atlanta-based UP TV to pull his show "7th Heaven" from the airwaves.

On November 10, the network quietly brought the show back, based on feedback from fans who said "they could separate allegations against one actor from the fictional series itself," according to Charley Humbard, president of UP in a statement.

But after a month, Humbard said they received "mixed to negative response regarding the show on Facebook and in viewer emails. Clearly, a show that has been a fan favorite series for us has been severely impacted."

Coincidentally or not, the network has pulled the show as of today after TMZ posted a story on this subject. "7th Heaven" will be replaced by repeats of 'Touched by an Angel."

UP TV focuses on family-friendly fare with an "uplifting" theme. "7th Heaven" fit the bill perfectly until the Collins' revelations came out.

TV Land pulled 'The Cosby Show" last month for similar reasons after all the Bill Cosby sexual attack charges reached a fever pitch.

About the Author

Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.

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