Touched by an Angel (1994–2003) User Reviews

Well-acted, but thematically dull

[millet-08844 · 5/10 · 10 August 2020]

This is one of those series that had a lot going for it - the cast was pretty solid all around (Roma Downey had the most alluring presence, and Mandy Patinkin portrayed Satan in a surprisingly different light), and some of the ideas had potential to expand beyond the typical "If you trust in God, or ask for forgiveness, God will make everything OK in a matter of seconds" theme. But sadly, that never happened.

The series became dramatically repetitive, sappy, and frustrating as its "messages" of hope and faith were always presented using the same formula: a character goes through hard times, and miraculously comes out of it unscathed when glowing lights suddenly appear above the main characters, and the "angels" begin spitting out the same words, time and time again. For me, it just didn't work at all.

I won't go so far to call this show "horrible." As I said before, the actors were pretty strong, and it occasionally did tread some creative territory, but in the end, it just felt WAY too "Hallmark Channel" for me.

Walk With Me

[aramis-112-804880 · 7/10 · 28 November 2022]

Cloying, sentimental, manipulative and possibly the most beautiful show on TV.

When I was young I watched all kinds of TV. Then, at 29, I had a conversion to Christianity and stopped watching TV in 1990. I had other things to do, like mix with real people and study so I knew everything about my newfound faith. Not hard, since my background was in journalism and history. I loved doing research (genuine research, not "Lieutenant Colonel" stuff) and still do.

I was up on angelology when this program started and I feared it was giving people a wrong-headed notion about angels. I was right and I was wrong.

After the turn of the century I caught up with a lot of programs I missed and I found this lovely TV show.

Manipulative? Sure. But every novel, movie and TV show ever has been manipulative. "The Man From UNCLE" is manipulative. So are newspapers, NPR and other talk radio, PBS and the News Hour. So what? We live in a society eager to twist our emotions. At he worst, too many Americans vote with our hearts rather than our heads.

The wider trouble with "Touched by an Angel" is that whoever writes and produces and directs it takes for granted a lot of "common knowledge" (historical and otherwise) and as a student of history and in history, as well as doing research in journalism, I've found lots of common knowledge is incorrect.

"Touched" also tackles social issues but generally with a leftist slant (this is not being pedantic it's simply true). And while tackling POPULAR social issues it avoided others, like the largest under-reported crime in America, spousal abuse against husbands. With insufficient research presenting history pocked with holes, or presented with what's accepted rather than with fact, it's the same as lying.

For instance, in one episode the show revisits Orson Welles' famous "War of the Worlds" broadcast and the ensuing panic. Except, some modern researchers have found little evidence to support any widespread panic and suggest it was Orson Welles' PR. That's not my field but I understand PR and its minions and I'd like to have seen a little research done for the show from more recent sources, and perhaps a new take on it if it's justified. But one thing "Touched" was short on was new takes. Its mendacity is appalling.

But IT'S FICTION, for God's sake. That was a lesson I had to learn. Fiction, by definition, is untrue. And I've seen more mendacious and anti-historical rubbish in great novels. Was Captain Ahab real? Pierre and Natasha? Raskolnikov? Yet, as we may learn from the mendacious lies of great fiction, we can learn a lot from "Touched" if we open our minds and hearts. And though my mind is open (or I'd never have had a Conversion) my heart is occasionally a tad myopic.

It's welcome to have at least one show on the air (in 24/7 network TV of the time) that says God is real. You can accept or reject that premise as we may accept or reject novels and movies, the news, or the nonsense talked by politicians of any stripe.

My lesson is that "Touched" isn't about angelology or history or theology or even current events, which never stay current long. It uses stories, the way Christ did, to reach higher truths.

Not only is my background in journalism and history I also write fiction so I should have been clued in. But I was disdainful of TV when this show originally aired and it was on TV so . . . QED.

I was wrong. This show is great even if I don't always agree with it (whom do I always agree with? No one.) Thank you, Monica. You've helped a lot of people, on the show and in real life. Any program that helps heal the broken is all right by me. I was broken, too. And still am. In my sixties I'm still a work in progress. But I'm glad, as Carol Burnett used to say, we had this time together.

Some heavenly comfort

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 30 November 2014]

In the tradition of Highway To Heaven the Creator/Deity has a trio of angels sent down to earth to give a little comfort and cheer to folks down on their luck. I guess with the death of Michael Landon somebody decided to take up the slack and create a show along the same lines which ran for 8 years.

Using phrases like young and old seem meaningless when you're talking about eternity, but in relative terms old and wise angel Della Reese serves as friend and mentor to Roma Downey a fairly new angel on the job. When someone is about to enter eternity John Dye who is an angel of death is called in as well.

The stories ran just about like Highway To Heaven stories did. A possibly more liberal bent to them. I recall one episode where the angels comfort a man afflicted with AIDS. A disease purportedly restricted to gays and drug addicts. You'd have never seen that on the Landon show.

Of course Della Reese sang in several episodes. Those were a special treat. It's doing well in circulation and may it continue to do so.

Excellent series

[michaelsibley416 · 30 June 2004]

Roma Downey, John Dye, and Della Reese star in the best show on television today. I especially like Roma Downey and John Dye. This was a message oriented series that deals with a different subject with each different episode they make. Seeing who will be guest starring is always a thrill like seeing Randy Travis, Bill Cosby, and others who have been gone from TV for awhile and those who are different TV shows.

I have so many favorite episodes that I have like 'Til We Meet Again' but my favorite episode is the 100th episode with guest stars Wynona and Celine Dion. I wish I could have seen more of Celine Dion and Wynona in future episodes because they were fantastic.

"Touched By An Angel" is a show that should never have gone off the air because it was a show that not only touches everyone watching it but the guest stars who have acted on it. It is as if this show has a special gift for touching and uplifting people that are surrounded by the show.

My favorite character was the 'Angel Of Death' Andrew, played by John Dye, because he just doesn't take the dying away; he makes sure the dying understand why they are going to heaven. Everybody I know that watch this show doesn't have one negative word to say about it.

"Touched By An Angel" was so touching that it made me want to do one of two things: become an angel like Monica, Tess, or Andrew, and be on the receiving end of their help.

Suburban christians

[ThunderKing6 · 6/10 · 29 August 2020]

It's a sentimental show. Where angels show up to deal with suburban mindless problems while children all over the world are endanger.

Sure it's preachy because it's a suburban Christian show.

Sure it ignores things like endangered children because they aren't praying hard enough? Iunno?

Anydo, I like how it's positive and doesn't have crude content.

Verdict: not a christian but I have no beef with this show. Give it a try.

Glorious View of How We'd Like Angels To Be

[Enrique-Sanchez-56 · 10/10 · 18 November 2002]

Even I resisted this program for many years. It seemed too syrupy, goofy, lovey-dovey for my self-important moods and points of views. And I had this opinion for quite a long time. I never bothered to watch one single program until last month. I think I know why.

I wasn't ready.

Now I'm ready. And what I've witnessed during these lovely hours has helped me through the most difficult time in my life.

I forgive those reviewers who cannot see past the neat and necessary one-hour resolution of each program.

I forgive those who cannot see past the reality that as much as this program presents us with a view of God and Angels...that we all still don't know everything. What we must rely on is faith and hope to give us the strength to go on with out lives when tragedy or insurmountable difficulties strike us down.

The angelic combination of actors, Roma Downey, John Dye and the legendary Della Reese give a completeness, perhaps whole roundness to these inspiring hours. Each of them brings a special and unique warmth to their roles. The addition of Valerie Bertinelli was very welcome and has brought a wonderful character of innocence and comic relief (for the sake of a better word) at the same time.

I am very thankful for this series and for the actors, directors, producers, writers and crew who have dedicated their time to bringing this to us.

If you've gotten this far in my review and you're still not convinced...I beg you give it a chance. And I pray your heart will open to the possibility of miracles in all of our lives.

Preachy religious rubbish

[EmDee-427-469344 · 1/10 · 13 December 2018]

All it is is preachy religious rubbish intended to get people to believe in a Christian god. I watched an episode with a little girl preyed upon by a pedophile on the internet. The angels rushed to get her parents to save her (which they did) and then lengthy spiels about god loving everyone and having angels everywhere watching out for everyone ensued. Except we all know kids are raped and preyed upon daily without any angel or (supposedly) all powerful god intervention. This was utter tripe. Imagine being the parent of a child murdered by a pedophile and watching this thing that suggest your child wasn't worthy of being saved when a god could have (according to this). People in religions are fooled by all kinds of con artists because they have fallen for the forgiveness and trusting everyone messages they sell (at a financial and life cost).

Touched by an angel saved me

[laviniapike · 10/10 · 25 April 2011]

Touched by an Angel saved my life particularly the episode which had song testify to love (psalm 151). I have bad lungs that gave me a brain injury ruined my nursing career (I was a registered cancer nurse). It gave me hope to undertake my masters of teaching (primary specialization). If I have one wish it would to meet Roma and Della who inspired me. Sadly John has gone, but I will join him and God later as we all will. I paid and ordered the complete series thanks to "testify to love" episode. Bless each and every one of you, especially Roma and Della, Always God bless you both, Regards, Lavinia Pike Sandford, Tasmania, Australia.

religious brainwashing

[simonp · 1/10 · 5 November 2017]

One of the most imbecilic programmes ever to come out of the US. Women speaking in what the Americans think is English as spoken by angels, Also for those who bother to read the bible, all the Angels are male. There was never a female angel. Basically, the entire programme always assumes that there is only Christianity. It's one of hundreds of religions and one of the two most fictitious and plagiarised fictions of all time. It's clearly intended to be watched by bored housewives who believe anything they are told without question. In two words, PERNICIOUS DRIVEL. If I could have scored it a zero, believe me I would have done so.

Emotionally Charged

[telcontar328 · 10/10 · 12 June 2006]

Touched by an Angel is a great show. Some of the episodes are not what I would want my little brother to see, because they are about sexual problems and situations that he doesn't need to hear about yet, but on the whole I love it, love it, love it.

The three angels are totally terrific. Tess is hilarious, Monica is lovely, and Andrew is just the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, most lovable Angel of Death you'd ever want to meet. They work together perfectly, and not only help everyone they meet but inspire almost everyone who sees the show to help others.

In the words of a boy I know who just saw the famous 100th episode--and he'd never seen any Touched by an Angel before--"Emotionally charged. It's not like the shows I usually watch, because there were no car chases or people shooting people, but... that was good." That episode has gotten other compliments--most of the people I've seen it with cried at the end. Many people say Touched by an Angel is the show that makes you cry, but always in a good way.

As an autistic Christian myself

[cmomman1988 · 1/10 · 10 August 2017]

Pros: God and his message of divine love

Cons: Dramatically sappy, obviously unsubtle when it comes to references like "Salvation's Child" for example, most stories focused on social issues or people in doubt after bad things happened to them, guest stars usually has beens or B-actors (with few exceptions who also appeared on better films/series/etc.), soothing snyth music and historically inaccurate on some episodes alongside New Age tone.

My all time favorite TV show on Television ever

[cabasaexpert351 · 10/10 · 27 May 2008]

This was, in my opinion, the best show that was ever on television. It was a touching, heart warming show that always left you feeling good after watching it. For me, this show completely changed my life. Before watching this show I never thought much about God and Christianity but after only seeing one episode of Touched by an Angel I was not only in love with the show but also started thinking about God which resulted in me believing in God and having a relationship with God. I loved Monica, Tess, and Andrew but I have to admit I didn't much care for Gloria who joined in the late seasons. My favorite character, however, was Andrew who was the angel of death. I liked him the best because he was so caring, compassionate, and gentle that it took the fear right out of death. I will admit the show can be kind of corny at times but it has a great message and will never cease to warm your heart.

What a great show!

[cgrimes · 10 March 2004]

Touched by an Angel still ranks as one of my very favorite shows. Sure, it was a little cheesy and syrupy at times, but you knew that going in, and you watched it for the message it delivered.

But I can sum up the impact it had on me, and could have on you, in one sentence:

"It's the only TV show that regularly made me cry."

It was so good, it spawned another superb show called "Promised Land."

If you've not seen it before, then make a point to catch it re-runs. You won't regret it.

Angels Cant Die, but They Can Get High

[jericw16 · 1/10 · 3 May 2019]

Terrible show, full of nothing but fear mongering messages and dreadful acting. Glad it's no longer in production. Should be taken off the air already though.

Ample supply of Hollywood's rarest commodity - HOPE

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 7 November 2013]

Like a lot of viewers, I was initially put off by the positioning of the show, and avoided it. Then, channel surfing one day I caught a fragment of one of the mid-series episodes, and was hooked. A friend had the whole series on DVD and I watched it beginning to end. The quality was not always consistent, they changed characters every now and then, but the bottom line is that the good episodes were fine and the great episodes were spectacular. Important to remember that TV, the medium, started with shows that highlighted the small everyday problems of small everyday people. Like Route 66. As the medium evolved, it forgot its roots, and the plots became formulaic to the point of insanity. This show basically gets rid of all the "noise" and tells a new simple and compelling story from week to week. Della Reese, and Roma Downey (who, before this show, played sexy roles in obscure B-movies), more or less become family as you watch. There is even an episode that covers a TV producer whose career is coming undone until he greenlights a religious series with no gimmicks, just faith and hope. Sound familiar? (Seinfeld did a self-congratulatory episode also, where the boys pitch a major studio about a show based on "nothing.") Even with these quibbles, I gave the series a top rating, not only for delivering entertainment of a kind that no one else dared to, but for consistency. The last two episodes, I WILL WALK WITH YOU parts 1 and 2 are the best but -- here is the catch -- you have to watch the whole series to really appreciate them.

A feel good show

[maggaleifsdottir · 3/10 · 4 February 2021]

As a child i liked this show as an alternitive from shows with conflict and violence. That being said i have never belived in the god that christians do but am glad that their belives gives them meaning in life. I am a heathen but i have a very spiritual life.

Positive appraisal of Touched by An Angel

[empressofwyoming · 10/10 · 12 May 2008]

Touched by An Angel is a wonderful, uplifting show. It's ecumenical. It's universalistic, embracing other religions in addition to Christian. It does not claim angels or God for one select group on the earth. If you watch each episode of all the seasons, you will discover that according to the angels, God loves all of his creatures, human as well as wayward angel. It's good that the angels aren't portrayed as "fixing" everything that goes wrong. They do not over ride free will and are well aware of their free wills. It's good to have hope. It's good to think there is some intelligence, heart and even magic in our earthly realm. This show is suitable for all ages, definitely a family show.

Too preachy and maligned

[aeowen-03398 · 3/10 · 25 June 2019]

So this are what angels look like? Nice imagination.

Now I am no hypocrite, but I find it amusing that like in all TV shows, everyone speaks perfect ENGLISH! Where are the Japanese angels? Oh, they're Shinto Buddhist. What about Russian? No, they're Eastern Orthodox. Not even a Jewish angel? No, because they're Hebrew.

See a pattern here? Same story, different outcome. I've been to church sermons on the same level. Too syrupy, sappy, and never a tear cries in sorrow.

Amazing.

I don't believe in Angel or God BUT...

[yojimbo999 · 16 September 2001]

...I have to admit, every time I accidentally turn into this show (re: I never intentionally seek it out, but always run across it while channel surfing) I always leave it on. Now, mind you, I have very little faith in the existence of God or, God forbid (natch), angels, I can't help but feel a little, well..."touched" at the end of every episode. I've seen about a half dozen episode in all the years it's been on, and it is a worthwhile show. You would have to be completely fanatical about the NON-existence of God and angels to hate this show, since it doesn't offend, but just tries to offer good thoughts.

A touching, heartfelt and emotional TV show!

[OllieSuave-007 · 9/10 · 19 August 2016]

Touched by an Angel is a touching, heartfelt and emotional TV show, featuring three angels, Monica (Roma Downey), Tess (Della Reese) and Andrew (John Dye) who were sent by God to Earth to help troubled people get through their trials and adversities and remind them that God loves them and will guide them through the hard times.

This show really tugs at your heartstrings as each episode focuses deeply on the people's problems - from family issues to displaced dreams, and from life and death ordeals to friendship tests. Love, hate, anger and forgiveness are elements that are elaborately portrayed in the show and the angels' mission in bringing hope, understanding, faith and God's love to these troubled people will give you feel-good moments.

Downey gave a lovely portrayal as the sweet and gentle Monica, a caseworker angel out to help each troubled person or persons with getting through hard times, while Della Reese portrays her gruff yet good-hearted and humorous supervisor Tess. John Dye brings a little bit of balance and grim in his character as opposed to Downey and Reese, portraying Andrew the Angel of Death.

The episodes ranges from sweet and light-hearted to downright dramatic and sad. There's also a handful of episodes which pits the angels against the Devil in epic good vs. evil stories. While most episodes are intriguing and touching and sends you good vibes, I thought some of the antagonists or villains in the some of the stories could have taken a bit more "reprimanding" from the forces of good.

Overall, a very good show to pass the time with, one that is a good watch to cheer you up, renew your faith and make you believe in miracles.

Grade A

Laughable, Cringeworthy, and that "8:50 glow"

[d-j-dekok · 1/10 · 5 May 2022]

I'm a Christian. I'm a sinner, saved by God's grace. BUT: I had to stop watching this show with my wife because I found it ridiculous, and I would have to stifle derisive laughter on a weekly basis. It was on between 8 and 9pm (I forget which night) and every episode, the "reveal" happened at 850pm without fail. The last straw was when they had Muhammad Ali on the show, his voice long silenced by Parkinson's. He would grunt or mumble something, and the "angels" would dutifully "translate" what he said. It was awful. They (like a lot of people) used Ali in his declining years.

Why Valerie Bertinelli was on late in the show's run is beyond me. All we needed was Clarence from Bedford Falls ("It's a Wonderful Life") and life would have been complete (eyeroll). The stories were filled with caricatures in place of characters. It was like Hallmark Channel, only worse.

I forgot how good this show is

[sarahbernier314 · 10/10 · 24 April 2021]

Every single episode is so full of humanity and laughter and encouragement. Such a wonderful break from the nonsense and trash that's on TV these days.

Amber Thurman

[swimteam · 1/10 · 24 February 2008]

Touch by an angel is a vary nice show . Its a little hash knowing Monica can't sing but she had a gift that other angels don't have and I know in my hart that there are other angels who can not sing not jess her it's jess god a massage that we all have are own Taite , Monica has truth and Tess had got music differed angels have defeats talus jess like humans have there own talus. If all the angels can sing there would not be other gifts or if we say if all humans ware prefect the world would be boring god has given me a gift and thats to right story's and that to me is spacial in show 607 Monica had to learn the hard way singing is not one of her gifts and naiver well be she had to have the gift she needed witch was the voice of truth . God knows whats other gifts Belg too and gifts do not

I feel touched by an angel!

[snapsta · 10/10 · 25 September 2022]

I had a very random thought pop into my head a few weeks ago. It told me to watch this show. I love and obsess over angels. How could you not! I rarely cry. But I have cried watching every single episode. There is a huge LESSON in every episode. People who give this show a low rating must not understand the spiritual realms. I feel the energy behind this fabulous program and its helping me get by when I feel sad. I believe that watching this show is very healing to the soul and to the heart. I love monica and tess SO MUCH. You can tell that in real life they would have qualities of an angel which is why they play the roles so well. I highly recommend this show to anyone who is interested in healing themselves and anyone interested in filling their subconscious mind with hope , love and angels!

Inappropriate Angel Depictations

[angelicseven · 3/10 · 11 June 2021]

I probably watched this show 3 or 5 times. What turned me off about it, is just like Highway To Heaven, the way Angels are are wrongly done. You'd think people did better research on angels than exaggerate in ways, that seem too human. Della Reese character of Tess being an angel herself as a loving supervisor who plays a key role in angel Monica's cases is not the way angels function. There's no overseeing angel of what another angel does. When they work in unity as one. Angels normally look youthful in appearance and will temporary take on older or a familiar look. They don't shed a tear as Monica did or go out of their way to reason with people, in person about things. Enlightenment usually comes into the mind of a person when they become quieted from negative feelings. Touched by an Angel could of done better in angel's appearance when they aren't appearing among people as one of them. They could of made them not have any color at all, like a glowing spirit. Which would of been better. It was always hard to know when they revealed themselves as an angel in the show, with simple light reflecting off them. I've seen and experienced real Angels in my life is how I know.