The first two seasons were what the show was all about, every episode different and refreshing. Then in the third season I guess the studio heads who think they know better turned it into an urban show like every other on TV and it completely lost its charm. If they would have continued for a fourth season by some amazing chance, I would not have watched.
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bac-9680614 September 2019
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I only just discovered Promised Land in 2004, but I can't believe how long it took for me to find it, afterall I enjoyed Touched By An Angel very much and the crossovers with the Greene's were always quite powerful. But WOW! I never could have anticipated how dramatic Promised Land would be. I absolutely love Gerald McRaney...he is so talented playing Russell Greene, because this character is so warm and strong that he is such a great father figure..I admire McRaney incredibly for portraying such an caring and wise character. But Wendy Phillips is also extremely talented, I love the chemistry between Gerald and Wendy its so intense. The truth is everybody on this show were all great actors, Celeste Holm is one of those legendary, great actresses who always shines with maturity, Austin O'Brien and Sarah Schaub gave PL more depth and angst and Eddie Karr amazes me with his older-then-his-years humor. Promised Land is by far the very best..and I can't believe it got cancelled, it has great morals and values..it taught me a lot. I enjoy it much more then TBAA, because these people aren't angels..they are just going from place to place lending a hand and changing people's lives for the better. The acting is so much more deeper and spiritual. I hope I'll never forget this show or the people in it and the ones portraying them..it has truly entered my heart and I hope it will never truly leave. I'll take what I have learnt from it and take it with me for the rest of my life.
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stevelaughton@hotmail.com31 October 2005Although it has been off the air for 6 years now, Promised Land was one of those shows that comes along once or twice in a generation. Good cast, supporting cast(among them, Richard Thomas and Ossie Davis) and crew. The plot is believable with McRaney packing up his family and just saying "to hell with it all" after being subjected to so many disappointments and incidents since his return from Vietnam years earlier. I think a lot of Vietnam-era veterans, myself included, could really relate to McRaney's thought process in finally deciding on his course of action. Many of us did precisely the same thing in real life, after returning from that war and finding that America was not the same place we left. The show imparts not only values but a glimpse into what took place in one veterans life. In those two respects alone, I think it is one of the more poignant TV series of our time. Why this program only ran for 3 years is beyond me.
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ready4god30 March 2008All I can say is I really miss this show!! My wife & I just got married around the time this show started up!! Why did CBS take it off the air??? I think it was the best show for the whole family to enjoy!! It made me laugh!! It also made me cry. But when CBS took it off the air my wife & I thought CBS made a big mistake. You know what would be so great?? Have a reunion show!! That would be so cool!!!! Anybody know if it is on DVD yet?? On the last season of Promised Land, did CBS show the whole last season?? I think CBS took it off the air at mid-season. My wife & I will never forget it. The opening with that theme song was fantastic!!! This show only comes once in a life time! May we never forget Promised Land!!
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tblackstock20 April 2006I absolutely loved this series, and was very sad to see it go. Yes, it's Christian based, and traditionally as well. It deals with some tough issues, as the other reviewer points out, but I guess it depends on your viewpoint on these matters, and as a teenager growing up and now as a mother myself, I was so happy to see a TV series that was clean and, well, quite frankly, wonderful! I, unlike the other reviewer, was heartened to see how they dealt with the condom deal. Instead of hearing the typical wishy washiness about condoms, they showed the son actually working at being chaste and applying it to his later relationships, which were pure and Godly because of it, and A lot safer because of it (100%!).
After watching this entire series, you become extremely attached to all the characters in the family and outside the family (once they settle down more permanently), and the moral values they teach in each episode are just priceless. I found Touched by an Angel (made by the same producer) to be cheesy here and there (although overall I liked it), but this series, in my opinion, was a lot better made and had better acting and was more interesting as well. It was good for the entire family and was interesting for the entire family, which was a huge plus. The family wasn't outstanding, they had their own faults, but in the long run they did what was right and you saw them grow and change and struggle like any true family does. It was my favorite show at the time and will always be near the top of my list, I hope it comes out on DVD! -
As a fan of "Touched By an Angel", I never missed an episode of it's wonderful spin off series. This program was just as good as "Touched by Angel" and should have lasted more than three seasons. The premise was solid and endearing. A poor family making ends meet by traveling the country in a trailer to promote wholesome, moral values to each other and helping people they meet along the way. The ratings were actually, quite good for television at the time. In its first season they aired it on Tuesday nights where they were opposite "Rosanne" and "Mad About You" , big hits at the time which were just more depictions of the decaying moral compass of America. "Promised Lamd held its own finishing in the top 50 and was renewed for a second season. The big wigs at CBS, it seemed, were not supportive and moved it to Thursday Nights opposite the insipid and, again, morally decaying "Friends", then the number one show in America. "Promised Land did even better in its second season and finished the season at #35. CBS reluctantly renewed it for a third season but behind the scenes there was a plot being hatched by Les Moonves, President of CBS and the "powers that be". The third season started off well enough with Ratings finishing in the top twenty, building up from the previous season. Then, CBS put its nefarious plot into action. They retooled the show by eliminating its wonderful premise: A Christian Family on the road helping others. Their mission was destroyed as they had the family settle down in Denver and suddenly, the "Promised Land" we all knew and loved began to be known as the "LT" show, a character introduced as a gang member trying to reform. The next few episodes found Russell and the family living in a dilapidated house with Russell finding a job as a Police Officer and Claire as a Substitute Teacher. She home-schooled her kids while on the road, something ahead of its time as home-schooling has since become more commonplace. After the first few episodes in Denver, CBS put the final phase of their wretched plan into action by putting the show on what they called "Temporary Hiatus". This caused the ratings to fall because people, not in the know, thought it had been cancelled. It was off the air for several weeks, then returned with plots that centered on LT and the new characters added and Claire (Wendy Phillips), and the kids were practically ignored because they were focusing on the LT character. We hardly saw Nathaniel and Hattie (Celeste Holm) all but disappeared. Why did this happen. I happen to know a representative who worked on the show that Les Moonves said he didn't want a TV show about a family traveling around the country in a trailer. Was his solution any better??? He ruined the show by eliminating, as I said it's unique and inspiring premise. The show never regained ground in the ratings race after the hiatus in Season 3 because faithful viewers didn't know it was back on. Had the honchos at CBS not fooled with "Martha Williamson's" vision of a solid family show, promoting true moral standards and values, and had left the family traveling across America, the series would probably have lasted a few more seasons. The suicidal plotting by the network was a plan to sabotage the series and they succeeded. Still, the series ended the Season in 51st place in the reason, respectable enough but apparently not a high five for a 4th Season. I was one of many who was incensed at Moonves and CBS and wrote several letters, even before the show's official cancellation announcement. All for naught. The series ended with the "Promise" unfulfilled. The reason for cancellation? The demographics for shows based on promoting good Christian Values just weren't there. Ironically, "Touched by An Angel" was the most popular drama in America at the time. Needless to say, many "Promised Land" fans were deeply saddened because the show was unceremoniously cancelled because CBS planned it all along. But there is some good news, now, nearly 20 years after the series ended. VEI has released the entire series on DVD! You can buy it at Amazon, EBay, or the VEI website for a reasonable price of $39.99. I just received my set this morning and I can't wait to begin watching the show that was unfairly treated but die hard fans can now enjoy forever! Good always wins out in the end. Need I say that after"Touched by an Angel" was cancelled in 2002, again a plot hatched by CBS by moving it to Saturday Nights from Sunday Nights where it held its lofty 10 ten perch until the move. They did the same thing with "Murder, She Wrote" years earlier where that program was a mainstay for 11 years. After "Touched" left the air, I never watched CBS again. I no longer have cable but have DVD collections of many programs that take me back to a time whe TV was worth watching. I'm happy to say that "Promised Land" now is a mainstay at our house where it will forever live for generations to come!
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FilmNutgm12 December 2001I really enjoyed the family dynamics of this show and the way that the characters had to face tough problems which weren't always automatically solved by prayer. I really don't understand why this show was cancelled while "Touched By An Angel" is still on the air. This show asked difficult questions and wrestled with faith and the main characters had to wonder if they were doing the right thing. In "Touched By An Angel" when the going gets tough, an angel shows up and outlines solutions and brushes away all doubt with a "God is mysterious" or "God loves you" without acknowledging the fact that sometimes such bad things happen to good people that they are left shaken and confused and need more than platitudes. In my opinion, the acting on this show is richer and deeper and makes you think more about spirituality. **POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD** I must admit that I was disappointed when the show decided to settle in one city for its' last season and I missed that year, but now that the show is in syndication on PAX-TV, I'm catching up on the shows I missed and find that it's good to see the characters having to deal with situations that they can't just drive away from. I also liked the last season's cast additions--especially Eugene Byrd. The only part I found unrealistic about the show was how well Clare always got along with Hattie--a daughter-in-law and a mother-in-law trapped in a trailer with no major battles--now that's a miracle!
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elisaherman24 November 2019I recently started watching this show & love it. Dr Quinn, Early Edition, Touched by An Angel, Cold Case is crime but it's fantastic show plus I'm from Philadelphia area. Too much trash on regular TV
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cheshire1-587-11538924 January 2019This is one of the best tv series I've ever seen. It's clean, honest & refreshing, without all the guts, gore, violence, sex and cussing like so many shows today. It has a great moral compass without being too "Christiany" if that's a word. I'm not into religion but I still really enjoyed this series. So if you care at all-whoever is in charge-please bring this series back out into the open. Please release it on dvd or some kind of media. I'd definitely buy the entire series.
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interndaniel14 August 2009Hey Yall! The best drama every is now on Gospel Music Channel! Go to their website to see the schedule and find out what number it is on your cable or satellite This was one of my favorite shows growing up. It has everything that I want a TV show to be, a clean family friendly drama that does not gross me out. The story about a man, who after loosing his work, decides to set off for a great cross country adventure. Along the way they meet all sorts of interesting people and find themselves in the midst of all kinds of trouble. This show was originally a spin off of Touched By An Angel, another really good family show. Make sure you check it out!
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myrobnoyes16 May 2006This program is a favorite of our family, and we feel it MUST be released on DVD by seasons!!! The title of "Promised Land" is very apt, as it is a positive statement about all the good that is left in this great country and the people who live in her! It's a "God Bless America" type of program with inspiring stories, old-fashioned values, down-to-earth characters, truthful and encouraging messages, beautiful scenery, and well-written humor and drama. It's a show the entire family is able to enjoy and benefit from--without worrying about bad language, "adult" themes, crudeness, violence, etc. We always felt blessed when we were done viewing an episode and can't wait to see each one all over again when they're finally released on DVD!
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macpherr11 April 1999We love watching this series! It is one of the few television series for the entire family. It has moral values, it is artistic and it is true to life. Promised Land is not necessary about a place in particular. It is about the entire U.S., where the family travels, or used to travel together in a trailer through out the country. The U.S. is a country of so much wealth that it flows with milk and honey. The Greenes are a family that trusts God, and sees angels, occasionally you can see an angel from another top series "Touched by an Angel" show up. Russell Greene, Gerald McRaney, is a wise and godly man. Claire, Wendy Phillips, is a school teacher. Don't we all need and thank them for our learning. Joshua, Austin O'Brien, is such a good kid! Dinah, Sarah Schaub, is always challenged with good and evil and chooses good. Nathaniel, Eddie Karr, always gets into trouble, but has a good adopted family to support him. Hattie, Celeste Holm, Academy Award winner for Gentleman's Agreement, plays a grandmother we would love to have, if ours isn't like her. I love Margot, Ashleigh Norman, sophisticated and poetic. She is so cool! L.T., Eugene Byrd, was a pain in the beginning but as his character develops he has become very likable, becoming a photographer, and writing a script for a competition on the controversial topic of the black family born to Thomas Jefferson. This is a wonderful show! I recommend it! We are on the road of life together!
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cportman-1560520 July 2018I agree that this show was great. I also second that it was "One of the few television series for the entire family. It has moral values, it is artistic and it is true to life." It also showed real life issues and taught people on how to stick together. I have been waiting for 10 years in hopes that it would be allowed on DVD. Finally today it has came true! For those people interested here is where you can now buy it!!
I bought it recently and has made my TV show collection complete. Try out this how :-) -
bones-rmj6 February 2008I absolutely love Promised Land. The first episode that I saw, was while I was on my mission from 2003-2005. I really loved the rich family background portrayed in the show. Here was a family with struggles of their own, but instead of dwelling on them; they would reach out with love to others who may have had the same problems, in an effort to forget themselves, and go to work. This is what caused me to fall in love with the show. All of the actors; especially Gerald McRaney; had demonstrated the true meaning of "Family" which has left an indelible mark on my life. I have been down the same road they have, but It has taken allot of time for me to develop that kind of character. I love this show so much, that I have wanted to share it with friends; but I was really stunned when I had heard that it was taken off the air. I thought and still think they should BRING IT BACK! So many lives can benefit from heaven inspired media. i honestly believe that this show was divinely inspired; because it brings the spirit every time I see just one episode. This show really (in my book) has truly defined what a "Promised Land" is. It is the Love that you hold in your heart for others; which brings you to a higher destination. The spirit of Love, is one of the most potent messages in this series, and all I can say is, Bring it back. -Robert
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jryland-0786526 December 2020I wish I knew how to find a series! I really enjoy this series however I don't know how to search for it under your app on TV. I've just spent over an hour trying to search and I can't find it
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Each and every show there was a learning for youths and young adults. All types of the issues of the 90's generated plot lines and was honorably treated from racial problems, unemployment, child abuse, parenting problems, caring for one another, divorce, fear, downsizing, anger, hurt, cancer and shame. The Oklahoma City bombing episode brought forth a tribute episode and was great in the way the issue was handled. The closeness of the cast showed in each and every episode. I believe they really enjoyed making each episode. VEI this should be your next DVD. The public would appreciate it and will shower you with sales (and profits for your company).
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timelorddrwho28 April 2000I love this show with its warmth, love,caring and morel values that unfortunately, society nowadays lacks. I'm more a sci-fi , action adventure fan but this show (Promised Land) is my absolute favorite. I only just a few weeks ago (April 2000) discovered this show and it has made me do a lot of thinking. This show has values that people should follow as it will make them better people. I recently discovered that Promised Land is no longer in production and that saddens me greatly. The Characters and actors who portray them, have entered my life and my heart and I hope I never forget them and the show. I love it.
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I watch this wonderful show every night at 3:00 a.m. on Start TV - Channel 2-2 here in Los Angeles. If we weren't cord cutters, I would never have found out about this gratifying program. Thank you, Martha Williamson.
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sueaasa1 August 2018This morning I was scrambling eggs and it popped in my head about the time the aunt made breakfast and the father told her they were so good that she must have beaten them into submission. My family loved this show and it's message. I wish there were more like it that showed a positive side of humanity instead of all the filth and awful things on TV. I watch very little anymore.
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nancy-gail12 February 2022Whenever I go through difficult times I watch a series that is uplifting and inspiring. It's almost always a series I've watched in my past.
I haven't seen this since it originally aired in th 90s but I remember how it made me feel. Unfortunately, in Feb 2022 there's not a single streaming service I could find that has it.
However, the DVDs of all 3 seasons were on Amazon for $30. I also had to buy a portable HDMI DVD player to plug into my TV, also $30.
Though it's dated, it still gives me the same feelings. A belief that things happen for a reason and you can overcome anything together and with a bit of faith. It's definitely a glass half full kind of television show.
It does have a religious overtone which only shows up now and then, (It's a spin-off from Touched by an Angel), but is not preachy. And many of the episodes host a famous actor.
So glad I found it again!
ADDENDUM: after watching it again I realized the possible reason viewers dropped and was canceled was possibly the third season which became very heavy. They tackled quite a few difficult social issues. And while they were excellently executed it did change the vibe of the show. That and the fact that they had settled down and were no longer on the road which was the main plot line. -
avguy-5991717 June 2022My wife and I have just about finished the promised Land series. We bought it on Amazon fairly cheap. It was worth every penny. I don't know how I missed watching the show.
I do have to say season 3 was not good at all. Right after they stopped traveling it just got worse and worse. It was almost painful to watch. But I love the series so much I could not stop.
Like I usually hear all good things have to come to an end. -
superbluenoser114 August 2019I rated it 7 because Seasons 1 and 2 were very good, very inspiring, but not the last Season. It's like as soon as they got to Denver, the writing immediately went South. Characters that we grew to enjoy either disappeared, were marginalized, or just became nasty. (Claire, especially, needed a good dose of crow pie on more than a few occasions. Dinah, too.) The show would devolve into another formulaic urban-kids transformation cliché that the '90s were famous for.
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cferguson-278513 November 2022I used to watch this show and touched by an angel Great shows with great writing and great message No matter how beat down you are or far away from God you have strayed he is always there loving you even if you don't love yourself he never quits on you and sends people to you to remind you of that. It shows you no matter where you are home is not a building it is where your heart is, your spouse, your children, mother, father, brother, sister or pet. The Drama in this show makes you feel which is something lacking in alot of shows and movies today they fill them with cussing, nudity, violence, and gore, but don't care to flesh out a story and characters instead you get junk like the Kardashians.
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dtucker8620 September 2003Gerald McRaney is a really amazing actor. He is almost like Gary Cooper in projecting the image of the "common man" in the character that he plays. He was so wonderful in "Major Dad" he was so good in portraying a strong and loving father figure that it really warmed my heart. I remember in particular when Operation Desert Shield and Storm happened in the Christmas of 1990 and how they wrote that into the show. At the conclusion of the war, Mac read a message of congradulations to the troops who served and thanked them. As one of those troops, I have always remembered what he did and I thank him to this day. Promised Land was a spin off of Touched By An Angel and it had a lot of sarcasm attached to it when it premiered, even from TV Guide who predicted in its fall issue that it would not last long. They were wrong and the viewers were right because it was a great show that all of us needed to see. It was like Little House On The Prarie and Mike Landon would have been so proud of it because it taught us old fashioned issues that we all need to open our heart to. Promised Land was a tv series that all of us needed to heed, especially in these troubled times. It was a simple and wonderful show that Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart would have been proud of because of its simple and loving message that brought the family unit to the forefront and made the common man a hero. I am so glad that Celeste Holm was a part of this wonderful show! She is a living legend and one of our true greatest actesses. I write to famous people as a hobby and wrote to her a number of years ago and she was kind enough to send me a reply and talked about how wonderful it was to work for "Mac" and everyone else. This is a show that we need more of in this negative time especially after 9/11, Why did they cancel it.
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FrogFear23 September 1999I think it's great to see that someone out there promoting strong values (a term I hesitate to use because it is so often abused for corrupt political intentions) understands that morals are about love and compassion rather than hate and judgmental, holier-than-thou attitudes. You don't win people over to strive for good things by creating negativity and it's nice to see that recognized. Additionally, I've worked as a background actress on this series and everybody on the set put a lot of heart into what they were doing. That's the way TV ought to work, because it's not just about communication. It's an art form too. PL did a nice job with that.