Full Breakdown
Fox Orders Reboot of “Highway to Heaven” for 2027-28 Season
5/7/2026, 4:49:48 AM
Reboot Order and Core Premise
Fox Entertainment Studios has commissioned a reimagining of Michael Landon’s “Highway to Heaven,” slated for the 2027-28 season. The premise keeps the original’s “probationary angel” sent to Earth to earn his wings by helping people in need. Production is a joint effort by Fox Entertainment Studios, Amblin Television and Michael Landon Productions, with worldwide distribution by Fox Entertainment Global.
Original Series and Fox’s Feel-Good Programming Push
The original series aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989, running five seasons and gaining a reputation for uplifting storytelling. Fox’s decision to revive the title aligns with a network push to expand feel-good programming, a trend growing amid political unrest. Recent Fox successes such as “Doc,” “Best Medicine,” and a new “Baywatch” reboot show the focus on optimistic, adventure-driven content.
Fox announced the reboot in May 2026, with a Fall 2027 premiere.
Creative Team and Production Partners
Writer-producer Jason Katims—known for “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood”—will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Executive producers also include Amblin partners Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey and Todd Cohen; Mark Itkin and Wayne Lepoff; and Cindy Landon, widow of Michael Landon, representing Michael Landon Productions. Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, oversees the project.
Official Statements
Michael Thorn highlighted the partnership as a way to extend the series’ legacy of transformation and optimism for contemporary viewers. Cindy Landon emphasized the focus on connection, compassion and the ripple effect of small acts, expressing pride in preserving Michael Landon’s vision. Katims described the challenge of applying a modern lens to the classic premise, aiming for a grounded yet emotional portrayal of an angelic protagonist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m excited by the challenge of putting a contemporary lens on this classic tale,” — Jason Katims, Showrunner
- “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.” — Jason Katims
- “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,” — Michael Thorn, President, 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,” — Cindy Landon, Michael Landon Productions
Upcoming Release and Outlook
The reboot will debut in Fall 2027, positioning Fox to meet audience appetite for uplifting drama. The series will stream globally via Fox Entertainment Global and may influence future network investments in legacy-property revivals.
