Miracle Worker

A guardian angel lights up the lives of lost souls in a reboot of the Michael Landon classic Highway to Heaven

LET US FORGIVE affable Barry Watson (7th Heaven) for suggesting a sign from above may have led to his costarring role in Highway to Heaven, Lifetime’s new take on the beloved 1984–89 fantasy drama about an angel who brings light to some troubled lives. “Back in March,” he recalls, “I was flipping through channels and [the original] Highway to Heaven was on. I watched an episode and told my wife, ‘The world needs this show right now. Why isn’t somebody doing a reboot?’ So when the script came, I was on board.” Then, citing the popular star and creator of the ’80s series, he adds, “I grew up with Michael Landon—I was such a big fan.”

The spirit of Landon’s work—and of the man himself—pervades this new film (the first of what the network hopes will be several). The actor brought inspiring stories of unity and family to televisionthrough the long-running NBC series Bonanza (1959–73), Little House on the Prairie (1974–83) and Highway to Heaven, leading to a near-record 22 appearances on the cover of TV GUIDE MAGAZINE. In the latter show, Landon played understanding angel Jonathan Smith, who, with cantankerous mortal companion Mark Gordon (Victor French, Landon’s costar on Little House as well), roamed city to city armed with love and divine counsel to help lost souls through tough times.