Highway to Heaven was Canceled 35 Years Ago, Now We Know Why

Did you know that Michael Landon passed away only months after Highway to Heaven aired its final episode and that he directed several episodes of the series? Highway to Heaven was a popular American television series that aired from 1984 to 1989. The show was created and produced by Michael Landon, who also starred in the lead role of Jonathan Smith, an angel sent to Earth to help people in need. The show followed Jonathan as he traveled across the country, helping people with their problems and spreading messages of hope and love.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - What Highway to Heaven Was All About
01:13 - Interesting Facts About the Show
03:54 - Highway to Heaven Had Some Notable Guest Stars
05:16 - Some Memorable Episodes
06:38 - Why Was Highway to Heaven Canceled?
08:56 - Outro

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Michael Landon was a well-known actor and producer, having previously starred in the hit shows Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie. He was drawn to the concept of Highway to Heaven because of its positive message and the opportunity to explore spiritual themes. Landon was heavily involved in the production of the show, often writing and directing episodes himself.

Despite its popularity, Highway to Heaven was canceled after five seasons. There were several factors that contributed to the show's cancellation. One of the main reasons was declining ratings. While the show had a strong following in its early seasons, viewership began to drop off in later seasons. Additionally, the show was expensive to produce, with many episodes featuring elaborate special effects and location shoots.

Another factor that may have contributed to the show's cancellation was Michael Landon's declining health. Landon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1991 and passed away just a few months later. It's possible that his illness may have impacted the show's production and contributed to its eventual cancellation.

Despite its relatively short run, Highway to Heaven remains a beloved show among fans. Its positive message and themes of love and compassion continue to resonate with audiences today. Michael Landon's legacy as a talented actor and producer lives on through his work on the show, and his contributions to the world of television will not be forgotten. Join us as Facts Verse presents: Highway to Heaven was canceled 35 years ago, now we know why.

Highway to Heaven Was Canceled 35 Years Ago, Now We Know Why

[FactsVerse]

Thanks to Bespoke Post for sponsoring!*

[AHMAD-]

R.I.P. Michael Landon and Victor French 🙏🏽🕊🕊🕊

[pamschaefer]

What this show stood for is what the world needs now. It was a good show.

[timjohnson]

It was an AWSOME series!! Every episode could fill you with heart warmth and make you believe in the good in people.
Im sad that Michael Landon and Victor French are both gone. May you both rest in peace, where ever you might be now. SAFE TRAVELS!!!

[tpatrick]

The Series was Inspirational to me. Michael was a multi-talented and passionate man. He really knew, understood, and was an icon in Television Production, Writing, Directing, and Acting. A George M Cohan without the Songs. Victor was a personal friend of mine. He was staring in the TV show “Carter Country” when I met him at the Palomino Club on a Thursday Night Talent Night. I came in second that night singing “She Believes in Me, ” which earned me $50. Victor stood up and took a $50 bill out of his wallet, and instructed the MC to give it to me because he felt I won the contest. From that time on he was a mentor to me. Highway to Heaven ran its course. It couldn’t continue without the two lead characters. What memories this video brings back…
Bittersweet. 😢 I wrote Michael at his home address after seeing him on the Tonight Show. He looked so frail. We are fortunate to have episodes of ALL his work and Victor’s throughout their long careers. Michael was in a “Rifleman”Episode, and Victor was uncredited in “The Magnificent Seven.”This is a Blessing! RIP! ❤

[Imagodfollower]

I loved this show it was a great family show when I was a kid. & I loved Michael Landon & Victor French. Two great actors. They never got the credit they deserved for this show. I knew Michael Landon passed.

[christopherhughes]

My mommy and I watched this show together every week. I was 12. It was awesome. Made me cry and laugh. And have faith.

[christerry]

There was one episode with a spirit dog that always made me shed full blown tears

[TheManWithNoName]

I am completely not religious, but love this show, alot of the issues in the show still hold up today.

[jjfhyu]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SHOW.THE theme in the beginning is beautiful. R.I.P. MR.
LANDON and MR. FRENCH. 😢

[cdgates]

Michael Landon had the best television career. He played a son, a father, and then he became a angel

[canadianscratcher]

"The Smile in the Third Row" was about actor Fred Fusco played by Lorne Greene who saw God sitting and watching Fred do the play. The episode about the girl with cancer was titled "A Dolphin Song for Lee Parts 1 & 2"

[gimpyjwilliams]

it was actually victor french that died before the last episode actually aired in 1989

[norbertk]

James Troesh did not play a policeman but the handycapped lawyer Scotty.

Michael Landon did not die a few months after the last episode but two years after.

[Treebard]

James Troesh didn't play a cop named Joe - he played a quadriplegic lawyer named Scotty. He was quadriplegic in real life.

[steffen]

Landon Died from Cancer in 1991 two years after highway to heaven ended. Victor French died in June of 1989

[Tolongalofa]

As a kid I wasn’t a fan of the show!, but just recently iv been watching the series again! And I was wrong as a kid, ”highway to heaven” is one of the greatest T.V series to ever grace the small screen,

we just don’t have this type of meaningful dialogue anymore, now it’s all just nonsense!! RIP to Michael and victor, both left this world way to soon!! Both passed in their 50s.

[highvalue]

Today we need Michael Landon’s directing and writing more than ever ❤

[sheilaedenfield]

I didn’t know he M.L. Passed so soon after canceling show I have his full disc series and I watch it instead of the news. It seems to lift me up and gives me a chance to get me out of myself, and to remember it’s not all about me today of which keeps me humble during these trying times in life. (Humility=remaining teachable) thank you for this posting. Im sincerely appreciative of all you do so to enlighten us viewers! God bless You and Micheal Landon…..❤

[Daniel_B_]

He made the show because he liked “it’s a wonderful life” movie and wanted a show like it.