CBS hated “Touched by an Angel.” They kept it on the air only because it was a major hit. When the program showed the first signs of fading, they cancelled it. In reality, the show probably had another two or three years in it, and if it had been a “secular” program, CBS would have postponed cancellation until after its 10th or 11th season.
In the executive suite at CBS, “Touched by an Angel” was referred to as “Touched in the Head” I kid you not. Additionally, the network made no attempt to sign the series executive producer (Martha Williamson) for a new show after “Angel” left the air. Her latest series is airing on the Hallmark Channel.
“CBS hated “Touched by an Angel.””
I don’t think so.
“Touched by an Angel” premiered in 1994. Les Moonves has been running CBS since 1995, and I assure you, Les looooooooooooooved TBAA. Because Les looooooooooooves ratings.
“Angels” ratings went into a free-fall during season seven. They were given two additional seasons to turn things around. They failed.
Critics, Emmy voters, and frustrated CBS assistants picking up phones (all of whom really did hate “TBAA”) can snark all they want, but they’ve got no power, and a network doesn’t “hate” any show that gets ratings. “Angel” got good ratings for six seasons. When it didn’t in seasons seven, eight, and nine, Moonves made a responsible business decision.
Why do you think CBS would have rolled the dice on another season if it had been a secular show, especially since hours don’t syndicate as well as half hours?