Highway to Heaven

Highway to Heaven

1984 - United States

After playing Little Joe on Bonanza and patriarch Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, Michael Landon's third series for NBC placed him in the unusual role of an angel. But it wasn't a stretch for the man who was beloved by millions of viewers-and despite the network's misgivings, Highway To Heaven became a success. 

Landon (who also produced the series) starred as Jonathan Smith, an angel placed on "probation" and sent down to Earth to help others. Each week Jonathan and his human friend Mark Gordon (Victor French) received their marching orders from God (also known as "The Boss") to help people assert their good natures in the face of adversity. 

Highway to Heaven dealt gently with illness, money, prejudice, sometimes using humour to help turn situations around. 

A number of guest stars populated the stories, including Landon's former Bonanza dad, Lorne Greene, who appeared in a 1985 episode. Getting the series on the air was a miracle in itself. Brandon Tartikoff, NBC's head programmer, allowed Landon to write a pilot script and film an episode. Landon told Tartikoff he wanted to "play an angel of God who comes down each week and changes somebody's life, just like Clarence did for Jimmy Stewart (in the 1946 Frank Capra classic film It's A Wonderful Life)." When the finished pilot arrived at NBC, some jaded executives referred to the project as "Jesus of Malibu." They argued against buying the show, but NBC had a series commitment with Landon-and passing on the series would cost the network millions of dollars. So Tartikoff asked for a tape of the pilot, and took it with him for a visit with his parents and family. 

In his autobiography, the late NBC programmer wrote how he put the tape in the VCR when his wife's father came into the room: "At six o'clock we were called to dinner. I got up; he stayed. 'Where's Jack?' everyone was saying. That was my first indication that we jaded TV executives might not be the best judges of Landon's show." Tartikoff was right: The pilot, which aired in the fall of 1984, was an instant hit-and ran for five seasons, paving the way for other series with angelic themes, including Touched By An Angel. In June 1989, Victor French died of lung cancer. Landon went on to produce a new series-this time for CBS-called Us. Sadly, just the pilot was produced before he died of pancreatic cancer in July 1991. But supporters of family-friendly television drama had no greater champion than Michael Landon.

Published on December 21st, 2018. Written by Mike Spadoni for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Bonanza

Running for 14 years on it's native NBC network, Bonanza was set on the vast Ponderosa timber and cattle ranch in Nevada in the 1860's. The show was notable for being the first TV Western to be shot in colour.

Also starring Michael Landon

Robin of Sherwood

Action adventure series featuring the further adventures of Robin Hood.

Also released in 1984

Knightmare

One brave child, the Dungeoneer, with the giant, horned 'Helmet of Justice' on their head, against the forces of evil.

Also tagged Fantasy

Spitting Image

The 1980's puppet show that broke new ground on British Sunday night television with its biting satire and grotesque caricatures - the 'establishment' would never be the same again.

Also released in 1984

The Water Margin

In ancient China, at the time of the Song Dynasty, there was a cruel and corrupt government. Only the outlaws can stop them. Heroes who have been driven to live in the water margins of Liang Shan Po. Each fights tyranny with a price on his head.

Also tagged Fantasy

George Washington 1984 miniseries

Three-part miniseries on the early life and career of the American General and President through his participation in the the American War of Independence

Also released in 1984

The Incredible Hulk TV series

After a scientist is exposed to gamma rays his body changes into a super-human rampaging 'monster'.

Also tagged Fantasy

Neverwhere

Richard Mayhew leads an ordinary life in London when one day a girl named Door falls, injured, across his path. The next thing he knows, his life is gone and he's pulled into the fantastical world of London Below.

Also tagged Fantasy