Disney-owned Fox is bringing back Highway To Heaven with a new “contemporary reimagining” from Friday Night Lights and Parenthood creator Jason Katims.
The reboot is being developed by Fox Entertainment Studios, Amblin Television, and Michael Landon Productions, with plans for the new series to premiere during the 2027-28 season.
Deadline reports the new Highway To Heaven will keep “keep the original’s uplifting, emotional storytelling and themes of compassion, humanity and second chances.”
The updated version will also put an “original spin” on the premise of a “probationary angel” sent to Earth to earn his wings by helping people in need.
Jason Katims Takes On Highway To Heaven through a “contemporary lens”
Katims will write, executive produce, and serve as showrunner on the new series.
“I’m excited by the challenge of putting a contemporary lens on this classic tale,” Katims said. “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.”
Katims is best known for Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, two shows built around emotional character drama, family, and grounded human stories.
New Highway to Heave: “deeply relevant and relatable to our audience”
The new Highway To Heaven is produced by Fox Entertainment Studios and will be owned by Fox. The move comes as Fox continues its push to control more of its own programming instead of relying on outside studios.
Fox Entertainment Global will distribute the series worldwide.
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said the team behind the reboot is looking to honor the original while making it work for modern audiences.
“With the incredible pairing of Jason Katims, Cindy Landon, and the Amblin team, we’re building on Highway to Heaven’s timeless legacy of transformation and optimism in a way that feels deeply relevant and relatable to our audience,” Thorn said.
Fox is also developing the Baywatch reboot starring Stephen Amell.
Michael Landon’s Legacy Continues: “new generation at just the right moment”
The original Highway To Heaven was created by Michael Landon and aired on NBC for five seasons from 1984 to 1989.
Landon starred as Jonathan Smith, an angel on probation sent to Earth by “The Boss,” meaning God, to help people through their struggles. Victor French co-starred as Mark Gordon, a retired police officer who traveled with Jonathan and helped him with his assignments.
Cindy Landon, Michael Landon’s widow, is also involved with the reboot through Michael Landon Productions.
“Highway to Heaven has always been about connection, compassion and the idea that small acts can have big ripple effects and make a lasting difference,” Cindy Landon said. “I’m proud to help carry Michael’s legacy forward with partners like Fox and Amblin, who understand the heart of this series and are bringing it to a new generation at just the right moment.”
Amblin Television Also Producing
The reboot is executive produced by Katims, Amblin Television’s Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, and Todd Cohen, along with Mark Itkin, Cindy Landon, and Wayne Lepoff.
No casting has been announced.
The big question now is how Fox updates Highway To Heaven for today’s TV audience while keeping the sincere, emotional tone that made the original a hit.
