7th Heaven (CW, Syndicated)

7TH HEAVEN charts the highs and lows of the large Camden clan. One of very few TV dramas designed specifically for the whole family, the long-running series proves that family programming can be highly successful. Although at times the Camdens -- Dad and mom, Reverend Eric Camden (Stephen Collins) and Annie (Catherine Hicks) and their kids Matt (Barry Watson), Simon (David Gallagher), Mary (Jessica Biel), Lucy (Beverley Mitchell), Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman) and twins Sam and David (Lorenzo and Nikolas Brino), and countless other family members -- come across as overly skilled communicators.  The show attempts to inject some reality into their interaction. Through the course of the series, the kids undergo growing pains as they mature into young adults; some marry, have kids of their own, or leave the nest. There are bouts of rebellion, sibling rivalry, and the occasional stray friend that the Camden kids bring home for advice from their preacher dad.

The series insists on dealing with timely social issues (homelessness, hate crimes) as well as the difficult situations kids and teens encounter as they grow up (premarital sex, drinking). As a consequence, sometimes 7th Heaven feels like a morality play, and the dialogue and acting seems stiff. But viewers see how the Camden family, together with friends and spouses, work through their problems -- even those that seem insurmountable -- and ultimately find solutions.

TV Rating: TV-G
Network: CW
Cast: Catherine Hicks, Jessica Biel, Stephen Collins
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: CW