CBS aired Touched by an Angel in 1994, and the series ran for nine seasons, 211 episodes, ending on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius, the show starred Roma Downey as Monica, an angel tasked with bringing guidance from God to people at a crossroads. Della Reese played Tess, her boss and mentor, while John Dye joined the main cast as Andrew, the Angel of Death, starting season three.
Trailer, via Video Shack.
Monica and Tess
The core dynamic rests on Monica’s journey from a junior position through search and rescue to full case work. She describes her path as moving from the choir to annunciations, then search and rescue, before taking on her current role. Tess, played by Della Reese, offers a sharp contrast: she is sarcastic and hard on Monica, yet acts as a surrogate mother rather than a mere supervisor.
Their partnership is anchored by a shared vehicle, a red 1972 Cadillac Eldorado convertible gifted to them early in the series. Tess does the driving whenever the pair enter the human world, and the car becomes a small fixture of the show’s visual identity.
Andrew Joins the Case
Andrew, the Angel of Death, first appeared as a recurring character in season two. He became a main character in season three, remaining the permanent Angel of Death for the rest of the series. The show also introduced other angels along the way, including Rafael (Alexis Cruz), who appeared throughout the series on a recurring basis and often assisted the trio in their cases.
The Cases Themselves
Each episode centers on a single person or a group facing a large problem or a difficult decision. Monica and Tess deliver messages of hope from God, offering guidance to help them choose a path. The cases are designed to feel like moral lessons wrapped in a familiar format, with the show leaning on its premise to create situations that test faith, loyalty and forgiveness.
Seasons and Changes
The show’s structure changed over time. Early seasons focused on Monica’s growth, while later seasons brought in more recurring characters and expanded the scope of the cases. The introduction of Andrew in season three marked a turning point, shifting the focus from Monica’s solo work to a trio dynamic.
The Legacy
Touched by an Angel ran for nearly a decade on CBS, and its longevity speaks to its appeal. The show found a steady audience willing to accept its premise and engage with its moral stories.
Our View
We score Touched by an Angel at 7.2 out of 10. The show is strongest when it stays grounded in its characters and their relationships. Monica’s arc, from a nervous junior angel to a confident case worker, carries the series through its early seasons. The chemistry between Roma Downey and Della Reese anchors the show, giving it a warmth that transcends its supernatural premise.
The show’s weakest moments come when the cases stretch too thin. Some episodes lean heavily on coincidence or fate, and the formula can feel repetitive across multiple seasons. The recurring cases, while familiar, rarely surprise the viewer.
The Angel of Death role, carried by Andrew, adds a darker note to the show’s otherwise hopeful tone. His presence raises the stakes in certain cases, but his function remains largely the same from episode to episode.
Key Facts
- Title: Touched by an Angel
- Premiere: September 21, 1994
- Network: CBS
- Creator: John Masius
- Episodes: 211
- Seasons: 9
- Last episode: April 27, 2003
- Stars: Roma Downey, Della Reese, John Dye, Valerie Bertinelli
- Score: 7.2/10
The show’s enduring appeal comes from its willingness to engage with faith head-on, even as its production values and scripts occasionally lag behind. It is a show about people finding meaning in hard times, and it delivers that message with sincerity rather than cynicism.
For viewers willing to accept its premises, Touched by an Angel offers a consistent, if predictable, viewing experience. For those looking for something more complex, the formula eventually shows its seams.
7.2 out of 10.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
