The end of an era has come. Recently I read an on-line article, which stated producers from the TNT network believe "little remember" the long running television drama series "The Waltons". Therefore, in order for them to proceed to what they deem as progress, "The Waltons" home, where interior shots were filmed for the series on a Warner Brothers Studios stage in Burbank, California, has been destroyed, so they can make room for, and I quote: "for buzzy, edgy fare". In a nutshell, that is essentially more thrillers and crime dramas.
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| The Waltons Home - Exterior image: DVDtalk |
According to the article, the new boss at TNT, Kevin Reilly wants to re-make the network over with a new vision, in the course of the next three years.
This particular paragraph about "The Waltons", in the article, jumped out at me and I must say, offended me, my family, and millions of TV viewers, past and present:
"Such comfort food was fine in an era of passive television viewing, when there were relatively few choices. "The Waltons" didn't have much competition. But it's also, in Reilly's view, little remembered. People actively choose what shows to watch now, and they need some flash and critical attention." (excerpt from article: "New Management Maps a Radically Changed TBS and TNT")
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| image via: theopulentpoppy.blogspot.com |
"Comfort food?" Yes! "The Waltons" are Americana as apple pie. Sadly, this is reflection of the times in which we live, as the family unit is being torn down. The Waltons were and still are a comfortable place to visit for an hour. They are family and always make you feel at home. A moral teaching was often given in each episode that taught us right from wrong. Love was not thrown away like trash, as it is in most television programs today, but was respected and cherished. Set in the Great Depression era, "The Waltons" series is also a great historical teacher, as it depicts the hardships of that time.
Since many first welcomed "The Waltons" in their homes in 1972, and as it continued to Season 9 in 1981, and then later on with reunion movies, re-uniting specials, etc... the show has continued on since those days in re-runs. And, still today, it remains on TV! With all the entertainment choices available, numerous channels at our very fingertips... many still happily, purposefully choose to watch this beloved series, whether it is through re-runs, streaming sources, or DVD. Why? Because we love the lasting truth of family values, hard work, togetherness, faith, heartwarming stories, and lessons learned during good and bad times.
Looking back now, I am proud I grew up watching the re-runs of this beautiful series, and I pray many children and families will again do so today. The stories and the family feel like they are a part of me. It's a world where cell phones and hand held gadgets don't exist. Is it peaceful? Yes. Perfect? No. It's real. Emotional. Tough. Hard times can test and try anyone's faith, but in the end coming together as a family at the dinner table is such a beautiful moment for the Walton family, when everyone joins hands and bows their head in prayer, as Daddy or Grandpa, typically says grace.
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| image via: allaboutthewaltons.com |
Do you still remember or watch "The Waltons"? I certainly hope and pray many families will continue to gather around the TV and watch this beloved, heartwarming series together. I know I think of it fondly and in spite of all the options out there, I still choose and always love to catch a favorite episode in re-run.
The Waltons continues to air today in re-runs on the INSP network, weekdays at 3pm/2c., 4pm/3c. and 7pm/6c. Thank you INSP for carrying this beautiful series on your network for all of us to continue to enjoy watching with our families today and hopefully for many years to come!
You can find all Nine Seasons of DVDs of "The Waltons" at Amazon plus the Reunion Movies!
If you have a special memory of "The Waltons" or would like to share your thoughts on this article or "The Waltons" home - please share in the comments below...
Please read the comments below for details on a Waltons Reunion and how to get The Waltons back on the Hallmark Channel.
Would you like a Walton Christmas Movie? Click Here!
Wow Net!!! This was one of your best write ups EVER!! You hit every note perfectly in what you said. Clear cut and concise writing of exactly how I feel. Absolutely wonderful. You always find a way to reach my heart. Love the Waltons!!!! Jim
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Jim. Everything I wrote was genuinely from the heart. The Waltons do feel like family and hearing their home has been destroyed purposefully is heartbreaking. Surely some of it could have been saved or moved, but I don't know if they did.
DeleteI don't know where they would film, but I have heard some potentially exciting news, though! Judy Norton (who portrayed Mary Ellen) and Kami Cotler ( who portrayed Elizabeth) have shared a petition via their Facebook pages to bring back The Waltons in an all new Reunion Movie!
Here's the link, if any of you would like to sign the petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-a-new-waltons-reunion-show
Thank you for commenting! I'm glad to know there are others who still love those endearing family TV shows like I do!
It would be so great if there was another Waltons reunion Movie.
DeleteThe Waltons theme song always touches my heart.
That's so sad.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that today's younger people (35 and younger)live in such a throwaway and drive thru society that all of us older people, our values, manners and ways are disposable to them. I see it every day at work. No respect for anyone older, not many manners, impatience with us and such a hurried life. I don't want to know what life will be like in 30-40 years.
You are right, Susan. Not all, but most do fall under that category today of not caring about previous generations. I think it's all in how they are raised. Everyone is typically running in different directions, grabbing a bite here and there, instead of coming together at the dinner table at the end of the day sharing their day, etc... Sad, but true. Most kids today are raising themselves.
DeleteThat's why I hope The Waltons continue to air on TV, for young people and parents to see how a loving, caring family should be.
Thank you for commenting, Susan. I'm glad to know you are also a Walton fan!
I believe that there are millions of people out there that will decide what they and their families will watch and possibly TNT will fall by the wayside along with ABC due to PC programming. What a shame! Lesson to be learned, Mr., Reilly, you can not remove our morale code instilled in each and everyone of us who believe in God and God, alone! Great editorial, Net!
ReplyDeleteAwww... Thank you, Linda, for your uplifting comment! It was just what I needed! You are right! There just has to be millions all over the world who have been touched by The Waltons, like us!
DeleteSometimes when things are harder to obtain - people seek them out more. Hopefully, that will be the case here. I pray many will continue to remember and welcome The Waltons into their homes, in some way. By DVD, streaming sources, or watching on the cable network, INSP. Hopefully many have this channel.
Thank you, Linda. You are such a great friend here at "It's a Wonderful Movie"! God Bless You!!!
What happened to The Waltons on Hallmark?
ReplyDeleteAll of the daytime dramas and nightly sitcoms were taken off the Hallmark Channel schedule at Christmastime, and while "Little House on the Prairie", and the regular sitcoms returned in January, with the addition of Tim Allen's "Last Man Standing"... "The Waltons" series did not return after Christmas. I, personally, was very sad to learn this news. Of all the shows they play in reruns, The Waltons was my absolute favorite!
DeleteHowever, I was glad to recently learn, I am not alone. Other Walton fans are also speaking out and Mary McDonough (who portrayed Erin) recently shared this news via her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=941028189278759&id=112451112136475. They are asking Hallmark to not only bring back the series, but they are also asking either Hallmark or INSP to create a Walton Christmas movie!
Be sure to check out the full posting, here!
Please join other Walton fans in asking Hallmark to bring the show and let's all thank INSP for continuing to air this beloved series!
We still watch The Homecoming every Christmas season and my kids (24, 21 and 15) love it just as much as I do!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet... What a precious family tradition! Just goes to show that many generations still love and enjoy the series. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteAs Stephanie Tanner from Full House would perfectly say it “how rude”. Sounds like this decision was made out of disrespect and arrogance. In light of this horrible decision, I am choosing to boycott TNT network and their “new vision”. Putting other people and their favorite t.v. shows down should not be a way to achieve success.
ReplyDeleteWhat I also find disappointing is that re-runs of “The Waltons” are now only shown on one channel (INSP). Other channels that used to carry these re-runs (UP Network and Hallmark) have decided to replace them with other shows that are not as “family-friendly” (Last Man Standing, Golden Girls, Frasier, Gilmore Girls).
You're right. Love the Stephanie Tanner reference!
DeleteINSP is the only place (I know of) to currently find The Waltons on TV. I hope you have that channel. It is such a great network known for their family programming - dramas and movies!
For years, The Waltons aired on Fox Family and TBS, then Hallmark, and now INSP. There is an effort, shared by Mary McDonough (who played Erin) on her Facebook page to bring the series back to Hallmark. Fans are encouraged to contact Hallmark via social media and ask them to bring back The Waltons. So, I want to encourage you all to do the same! And, while you are at it - please ask Hallmark & INSP to bring back The Waltons for a reunion Christmas Movie!!!
This made me tear up! I hadn't thought about the house or set, but knowing that it was out there and destroyed makes me sad. I'm 40 and grew up with show. My kids 12 and 13 have become fans. I'd put it on Hallmark after our homeschool work was completed or while cooking dinner. I'm upset that it wasn't returned to the schedule.
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean, Shannon. It breaks my heart, too. I love that your children enjoy it... gives me hope for future generations!
DeletePlease, if you have Facebook or Twitter, let the Hallmark Channel know you would like to see it return to the schedule.
Also, if you have INSP, The Waltons continue to air in re-runs weekdays at 3pm/2c., 4pm/3c. and 7pm/6c. Hope you and your family can watch it there!
I agree 100% Net!! Thank you for always being on top of what is going on, and letting us know in such beautiful words!! I love the Waltons and Little House! If it were truly the case with TNT, then why do all of these channels exist to bring back shows in rerun?? We receive a channel that is from Middletown NJ. MeTV and Bob and I are having a great time watching Emergency, CHiPs, The Rifleman, to name a few. You have TVLand and Hallmark who understand that reruns of the morally correct shows are still needed. They should not have gotten rid of the Walton's house. They should have put it out there so that maybe someone would want to use it in a museum somewhere. Even the Smithsonian might have wanted it. You don't just get rid of something like that!!
ReplyDeleteCathie
I so agree, Cathie. I can't imagine they just destroyed it, but that's what the article said. Hopefully, someone decided to preserve it, in some way.
DeleteI agree with you... I also love the good ole shows and sitcoms, that bring a smile to my face and a warm, happy feeling to my heart. No cringe worthy jokes or suggestive behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable... just pure sweet entertainment, that brings joy to the soul. I honestly feel sorry for those who don't understand or enjoy that special feeling inside.
By the Way, we enjoy the Digital stations in our area, too... ME-TV, CoziTV, and AntennaTV! It's great fun to catch a favorite classic!
Thank you for commenting, Cathie! Blessings to You and Happy Watching!!!
Amen sister, you said it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww, Thank You, Lori! I appreciate your support! It's such a blessing to know so many like-minded Waltons fans! :)
DeleteGreat article. I agree, it is like we are trying to erase history both in the books and on TV. Shame on TNT!
ReplyDeleteSadly true! Thank you for commenting! We must keep standing up for the truth and passing it on to future generations!!!
DeleteI'm under 30 and my family holds great values but I never saw the appeal of The Waltons. There's more than one idea o a family so I absolute hate when people say The Waltons reruns got replaced by non family friendly viewing. Something doesnt have to be sanitized and stuck in a different era to be family friendly.
ReplyDeleteThe Waltons was not sanitized and it was based on someone's life during the Depression, not stuck in another era. There is very little new material out there that encompasses good values. Sad, but true. I'm sorry you have missed out.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear the show never touched your heart.
DeleteI never saw the show as being "sanitized". They were just being real to that time.
I, personally, was always drawn in to the heart of the family and any new experience each episode showed.
I love THE WALTONS. The show will always be in a league all by itself. Sad to hear TNT destroy the set with such disregard to it's revered place in American TV history. Wonder if they saved anything? Lee
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering the same thing, Lee. I certainly hope so! I agree with you - The Waltons will always be in a league all by themselves!
DeleteI'm sad to hear this news, too. Goodnight Walton home.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Hopefully, if they ever do a Re-run show it can be rebuilt. Although, I know it would never quite be the same.
DeleteI hope the folks at TNT enjoy the downward spiral they just decided to take. I will and always have enjoyed the Waltons. And to that new producer, its not that we didn't have as many choices to make and that the Waltons had no competition...because they did have competition, they came on when homework ruled, chores needed to be done, baseball games, scouting meetings...we CHOSE to watch we rushed through the end of the day to have the PRIVILEGE to share an hour with the family we all loved and cherished, when you sell the viewing public short for "edgy new and sick" shows remember this I know where the off button is and I'm not afraid to use it, I'd rather mow the lawn than compromise my television values.
ReplyDeleteI still watch and love the Walton's! I know some episodes by heart but still enjoy them as much now as when I first saw them! People could learn a lot from this show!
ReplyDeleteThe original exterior house used for all 9 seasons was located on the old Burbank lot now the main Warner Brothers lot. It fell victim to Arsenal fire in 1991. It was rebuilt on the Warner Brothers Ranch lot a mile away for the 3 reunion specials in the 90's. What remained of the original was torn down in 1995 and a parking lot and the Warner Music building were built in it's place. I attended a Waltons event in LA this past August and got to go to the ranch and see the house with some of the cast members. All the above info is accurate fact.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I'm surprised that it was still there up til this point! The last Waltons movie was 20 years ago. I didn't realize that that kept all the old structures from past TV shows but I've never taken a tour of a TV or Movie lot so I don't really know much about it. I'm less disappointed about the house being torn down than I am about Hallmark not airing the program anymore. I'll never get to California to see the interior sets but I do miss watching the show on Hallmark and it's sad that new generations may not be able to enjoy this program as well if it's not on the air.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad, to some it was just a "set" to us it was a beautiful home we grew up in. A show I watched with my mom every week, and her telling how she lived thru the depression and war...etc... This show was my personal text book of not only history in time but love within a family that's not seen in any show on tv now and probably never again. This was not just a house, or just a family. Sad.
ReplyDeleteSuch a waste. They could have let a group dismantle the interior and set it up somewhere else. Honestly it would be a great addition to the Smithsonian. It was a true representation of life during the depression.
ReplyDeleteI operate a Walton facebook page with over 740 members who love the Waltons!! Last year there was a convention for Walton fans attended by almost 500 people in Lynchburg, Va. as an attendee of that convention, a group of us want to host another get together in 2017 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the show. We would also celebrate the Earl Hamner documentary; The Storyteller. If you are interested in helping with this endeavor-drop me an email at revbry@aol.com
ReplyDeleteVery good article on the Waltons......love the show!I was very upset that Hallmark is not airing the Waltons anymore but am so happy that I can watch them on DVD. A heart warming, Christian based, family oriented show that touches lives.
ReplyDeleteWow! It is truly disheartening to know that I am raising my children in a time that the media culture influencers have decided that none of us are interested in shows about loving, loyal, intact families who live with integrity and promote values. They think that all of us want to watch lost, unhappy individuals in dysfunctional homes because that's what's edgy and hip. The Waltons remains my favorite TV show from my childhood, and we own several of the seasons' DVDs. All of my children love to watch them. That show greatly influenced the kind of large family I hoped to have and the desire to live in a big white farmhouse on an Allegheny Mountain. I like to think I have a somewhat modern version of that life, but it is a constant uphill battle to keep my family focused on what is really important and fills our souls with joy. I find it interesting and sad that the only places we can now find wholesome family shows and movies are Christian networks and Christian bookstores, as if the only people who have traditional families with a value system are devout Christians.
ReplyDeleteAs a super fan of The Waltons, I attended The Waltons Homecoming 2015 in Virginia last year which joined 5 cast members with fans, and I can tell you there is still tremendous interest in this show and the legacy which Earl Hamner created. It is a true piece of Americana, with passionate viewers who continue to watch it every day on cable. Hallmark Channel recently decided to not bring it back after their umpteenth Christmas movie, and the outcry has been big in the online Waltons fan community. Your article was on the money in so many ways. I'm frankly shocked that Kevin Reilly would say such things. He has a reputation as a smart TV exec, but he is kidding himself if he thinks that taking a wrecking ball to The Waltons set is going to make TNT seem "hip."
ReplyDeleteToday there is a lot of crap to choose from on TV. It seems like a quality program is hard to find. I don't go for reality TV shows where people just do set up fights for ratings. The Waltons was a quality program.
ReplyDelete