7th Heaven enjoyed quite the run. Given the 11 seasons, it seemed like a perfect fit for syndication rights. However, amid the Stephen Collins controversy, the show was down to two networks releasing their reruns, but soon enough, even that would come to an end. Nowadays, it is hard to find the show, and it appears as though the profits also vanished for the cast.
In the following, we're going to take a closer look at what the profits were like during the show's run. We're also going to reveal what the cast members had to say about the residual profits, and how it changed drastically. Not only did the Stephen Collins ordeal hurt the residual income, but it also hurt the chances of a reboot. Catherine Hicks addressed the chances to a reboot, and although it seemed like a possibility at one point, it appears as though it all changed recently.
Stephen Collins And The 7th Heaven Cast Made Strong Salaries During The Show's Run
Prior to the scandal that rocked his career, Stephen Collins was enjoying quite the run in Hollywood, and that was especially true due to his longevity on 7th Heaven. Collins in particular saw a rise in salary along the way. According to The Wrap, the actor was making between $1 million to $3 million consistently per year during the later years on the show.
The salary increase makes a lot of sense given that the WB series ran for over a decade, between 1996 and 2007. The show issued 11 seasons and 243 episodes, which is usually the perfect recipe for syndication rights.
That was the case at the start, however, soon enough the profits would dry up. A major reason for it was Collins' disturbing scandal. Not only did it mean the end of Stephen's career, but it also hurt the rest of the cast as they completely lost syndication rights because of the controversy. Two child stars in particular commented on the matter and how it impacted their income.
Child Actors On The Show Revealed Residuals Disappeared After The Stephen Collins Situation
The last two channels to air 7th Heaven were TV Guide Network and UP TV. However, both platforms would drop 7th Heaven following Stephen Collins' confession. TMZ reported that Niki Saletta and Sam Saletta felt the impact of this, as the rerun money disappeared.
TMZ writes, "Niki Saletta and her brother Sam Saletta were 2 of the child actors on the show -- and Niki's manager (and mom) Caryn Moss tells us when the reruns stop airing, the residual paychecks stop too. She admits they weren't "Seinfeld" sized ... but says they'll still be missed."
"TV Guide Network and UP TV both dropped "7th Heaven" from their lineups after TMZ posted Collins' audio taped confession to sexual misconduct with young girls. They were the last 2 channels airing the show in the U.S."
As noted earlier, Collins would move off the map, and it put an end to his big Hollywood pays - perhaps nobody felt the impact more than Stephen. However, the incident hurt in more ways than one, as not only was the case deprived on the residual pay, but the possibility of a reboot also dashed in the years that followed. Had the controversy not taken place, there's a strong chance the show might've returned.
A 7th Heaven Reboot Doesn't Appear To Be In The Works Either
Catherine Hicks had different opinions about a reboot in the recent years. She was initially open to one, but it would either have to include Collins in a casket on the show. However, Hicks was also open to reuniting with the cast and putting the past behind.
“We would have to open with Stephen’s coffin." She continues, "It’s all up to the networks and those types of things. I think we’d all love to be together,” she added. “Eighth Heaven with a new boyfriend for Annie.”
Her tune did change after that in the following years, "It’s not a current issue, so being together and resuming our characters would be fine, ’cause the show is based on forgiveness, nonjudgmentalism, humility, all the values that sort of make up a particular brand of faith.”
However, in her final statement about a reboot, Hicks made it clear alongside TMZ that the possibility was subsiding and no longer an option.
"The kids grew up, and Stephen's gone. No, no, let it go. I don't act anymore, I don't have the tears in me. Playing a homemaker I wasn't there for my daughter and now I'm home for my real daughter, because I was never there for when she was little."
Hicks and the rest of the cast have moved on, putting an end to the speculation pertaining to a possible reboot.
