Touched by an Angel

Monica is an angel sent from heaven to offer comfort and practical guidance to people who are standing at critical points in their lives. She arrives in ordinary places, listens without judgment, and brings messages meant to nudge characters toward healing, forgiveness, or a clearer moral choice. Monica usually works alongside Tess, a more seasoned angel, and Andrew, who appears in moments tied to endings and transitions, creating a small team that bridges the divine and the everyday. Episodes focus on a single person's struggle or a family's conflict, resolving through conversation, empathy, and quiet spiritual insight rather than spectacle.

Created by John Masius, the series premiered in 1994 on CBS and ran through much of the 1990s, starring Roma Downey as Monica and Della Reese as Tess, with John Dye as Andrew and guest turns from many familiar faces.

The show received attention from television award bodies during its run, earning nominations that reflected industry recognition of its cast and family-oriented tone. While it wasn't an awards juggernaut, the series' performances and its appeal to broad audiences were noted in several seasonal discussions.

Touched by an Angel became a visible presence in 1990s pop culture, especially among viewers drawn to faith-based storytelling on mainstream TV. Its warm, moral-centered episodes inspired parodies, affectionate references, and discussion about religion on network television. For many viewers the program offered memorable moments that stood out in syndication and re-runs.

Critics and audiences were divided at times, but overall the show maintained a loyal following, reflected in steady ratings and a solid average user score. The series foregrounds themes of faith, forgiveness, compassion, and personal responsibility, often asking characters to reckon with past mistakes and choose kindness. Its storytelling favored clear moral lessons and emotional resolution, which appealed to family viewers even as some critics wanted more dramatic complexity.