Fox Revives an ’80s Fantasy Classic Highway to Heaven — Here’s When It Premieres

Well, Fox just cannot resist digging up another classic ’80s TV show. Apparently, the network is in the middle of reboot fever—after reviving Baywatch (yes, that’s also happening), they’re now gearing up for a shiny, modern take on Highway to Heaven. This new version is penciled in for the 2027-28 season, so if you’ve got nostalgia for mysterious wandering angels and heartwarming life lessons, Fox is betting big that you’re not alone.

Back From the TV Vault: Highway to Heaven 2.0

For those who never watched the original, or just need a refresher: Highway to Heaven was an NBC mainstay from 1984 to 1989. Michael Landon (the guy from Little House on the Prairie) played Jonathan Smith, an angel in training, sent to Earth by 'The Boss' (no, not Bruce Springsteen, just a really mysterious divine figure) to help everyday folks out of their messes. Along for the ride was Victor French as Mark Gordon, an ex-cop who teamed up with Smith for a different do-gooder mission every week. It was all very earnest, heartfelt, and—honestly—exactly the kind of thing your parents probably watched together on weeknights.

Who’s Steering the Cloud Now?

The new Highway to Heaven comes from Jason Katims, best known for making grown adults cry with shows like Friday Night Lights and Parenthood. This time, Katims is not just writing and executive producing—he’s the showrunner, too. That means if you liked the emotional punches from his earlier series, you’ll probably get more of the same here, just with an angelic spin.

“I’m excited by the challenge of putting a contemporary lens on this classic tale,” Katims told Deadline. “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.”

Production-wise, this reboot brings together Amblin Television (Spielberg’s shop), Michael Landon Productions, and Fox Entertainment Studios. Fox is keeping full ownership and will also handle global distribution via Fox Entertainment Global. That means, if the show works, they get all the backend cash and can sell it wherever they like.

What’s New vs. What’s Familiar?

The core premise is getting an update, but some things stay the same. We’re still following a rookie angel, sent down from above to help struggling earthlings, hoping each act of kindness gets him closer to those fabled wings. Katims says he’s aiming for stories that feel more immediate and unpredictable, but the soft, inspirational DNA isn’t going anywhere.

Why Now?

There’s a clear pattern here: Fox is milking comfort-food television for all it’s worth. They’ve found some surprising success lately with new, upbeat shows (think Doc and their in-house medical drama Best Medicine), and word is they want to 'own' more of their content instead of renting it. Ordering this reboot fits right into that strategy, and they’re clearly hoping that diving into themes like empathy and redemption will click with viewers hungry for feel-good drama in a world that frankly needs more of it.

Quick breakdown:

• Fox is rebooting Highway to Heaven for 2027-28.
• Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) will run the show.
• Amblin Television, Michael Landon Productions, and Fox Studios are all involved.
• Premise: Probationary angel tries to earn his wings by helping people, just like the original, but with Katims’ emotional spin.
• Part of Fox’s ongoing push for uplifting, evergreen programming—think less grit, more heart.

The idea of an existentially challenged angel getting a shot at celestial redemption might sound a little cheesy, but there’s no denying that these kinds of shows scratch an itch. Whether it works or lands with a dull thud, Fox will be hoping you’re ready to walk that road—clouds, halos, and all—again.