John Consoli

MAY 12, 2006 -

7th Heaven, the longest-running family drama in television history, in a surprising move, will return for its 11th season on the new CW network this fall. Mediaweek has learned that a deal has been reached to bring the show back for at least 13 episodes. CW officials refused comment.

It was announced last November by then WB entertainment president David Janollari that the show would not be renewed. While no reason was given, it was believed that it was due to cost concerns. The show was thought to be too expensive to bring back. And a big send-off party was held at the conclusion of the shooting of the last episode about a month ago.

But with the merging of the WB with UPN, and an influx of corporate cash in the new partnership of CBS and Warner Brothers, a decision was made to bring back the WB's most-watched show on the new CW.

7th Heaven this season has averaged 5.2 million viewers per show. While the show drew 1.4 million viewers less than last season, it was clearly still one of the most popular shows on the network.

Historically, 7th Heaven delivered 19 of the To0 20 all-time totals in viewers for shows on the WB, and within the 18-49 demo, it produced 17 of the Top 20 show performances of all-time.

The show's stars Stephen Collins, Catharine Hicks, Beverly Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman, David Gallagher and George Stults are all expected to return.

The CW, like all the broadcast networks, are in the process of putting together their prime-time schedules for next season, in preparation for their upfront presentations next week. The CW is expected to officially announce where on the schedule 7th Heaven will be at its upfront session on Thursay (May 1. 7th Heaven aired in the Monday at 8 p.m. time period this season, and in all likelihood will remain in that time period next season.