Remembering back to when my parents had dominion over the TV in the house, Highway to Heaven was a staple. At the time, I was at an age when I would have much rather watched The A Team, but mom and dad prevailed. Now, over two decades later, kids rule the remote and family value television is harder to come by, even though we have ten times as many channels as our parents did. I have to say, I was never forced to watch TV with mom and dad, but if I wanted to, I had to watch their shows. It was not until recently that I began to appreciate the things they watch on TV. Highway to Heaven is no different. The story lines suck you in and you find yourself emotionally attached, and sometimes, ready to cry.

The premise of the show, if you don’t know, is that Michael Landon playing “Jonathan Smith,” an earth bound angel, partners with “Mark Gordon” (played by actor Victor French. You may remember the two from the epic series Little House on the Prairie. Another fine family show.) Anyway, the two of them journey together from town to town helping to restore faith, hope, and joy. The various episodes cover topics of cancer, loss of a child, low self-esteem, and more.

Both season one and seasons two have been recently released on DVD. Season two, just out in August, features all 24 episodes on 6 DVD’s as well as commentary by Landon’s wife, Cindy, as well as commentary by producer Kent McCray. The DVD series is being released by A&E Home Video. For more information, log onto ShopAETV.com. The full series lasted five seasons on NBC and is currently replaying on TV Land.

If you wish to bring family values back to your television, then I think this would be a great place to start. Or better yet, if you want to show your parents some appreciation for “making” you watch such shows as this – then it makes the perfect gift.

- Ken W.