Reflecting on the legacy of ‘7th Heaven’ amidst controversy

Revisiting a beloved series with a new perspective

Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher, and Mackenzie Rosman, cherished for their roles as Lucy, Simon, and Ruthie on the iconic TV show “7th Heaven,” have recently addressed the troubling past of their former TV father, Stephen Collins. This discussion took place during the September 23 episode of their rewatch podcast, “Catching Up With the Camdens.”

A heartfelt statement to the fans

In the YouTube version of the episode, the trio began with a candid statement. Although this isn’t the inaugural episode of their podcast, it marks the first time they are revisiting “7th Heaven,” which aired from 1996 to 2007 on The WB and later The CW. The series also featured notable actors like Jessica Biel, Barry Watson, and Catherine Hicks.

Mitchell expressed, “We want you to know that we see all of your comments and we know how excited you all are for the rewatch, but before we get into that, we do think it’s important that we say something about Stephen Collins.” Gallagher added, “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable. And victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support.”

Addressing the elephant in the room

Rosman continued, “As we rewatch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives, but we want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen.”

In 2014, Collins, who portrayed Reverend Eric Camden, admitted to “inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors” in 1973, 1982, and 1994. This revelation led to his dismissal from various acting roles and the removal of “7th Heaven” reruns from the air. He also resigned from his position on the SAG-AFTRA board.

Moving forward without Collins

Mitchell clarified that while many former stars of the show will appear on the podcast, Collins will not. “We do not excuse or condone his behavior. Our hope for this podcast is to reconnect with you, our fans, to relive some 90s nostalgia and to share our fondest memories of ‘7th Heaven,'” she said.

Gallagher concluded the statement by addressing the viewers, “We know this is difficult and we understand that it can be triggering, but we want to say that we love you guys and we are so grateful for all the love and support that you, our community, have shown to us. So, hopefully you guys will stick with us as we continue on this journey.”

The impact of ‘7th Heaven’ on its audience

“7th Heaven” was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone for many. The series tackled various social issues, from teen pregnancy to drug abuse, often providing a moral lesson by the end of each episode. The show’s ability to address these topics with sensitivity and care made it a favorite among families.

The importance of addressing past wrongs

The decision by Mitchell, Gallagher, and Rosman to address Collins’ actions head-on is a testament to their commitment to their fans and the integrity of the show. By acknowledging the past, they are not only honoring the victims but also setting a precedent for how such issues should be handled in the entertainment industry.

A journey of nostalgia and healing

As the trio embarks on this rewatch journey, they aim to reconnect with their audience and relive the cherished moments of “7th Heaven.” This podcast offers fans a chance to revisit the series with a fresh perspective, acknowledging the past while celebrating the positive impact the show had on their lives.

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