CBS drama 'Touched by an Angel' ending after nine years

<br>LOS ANGELES (AP) _ This season will be the last for CBS' popular drama ``Touched by an Angel,'' the series' executive producer said Monday. <br><br>Martha Williamson, who said she is

Tuesday, January 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ This season will be the last for CBS' popular drama ``Touched by an Angel,'' the series' executive producer said Monday.

Martha Williamson, who said she is developing a new series for the network, struck a philosophical tone about the show's end and called its nine-year run ``remarkable.''

``Who wouldn't like to see their show go on ... but I think the time is right,'' she said, adding, ``God's timing is perfect.''

The TV series stars Roma Downey as a helpful angel on Earth, along with Della Reese, John Dye and Valerie Bertinelli.

Williamson said she's focused on creating an ``unforgettable'' May finale that will include some depiction of heaven, which she said has yet to be portrayed on the show.

The show's impact has been vast since its September 1994 premiere, Williamson. Thousands of viewers have written in to say ``'Your show changed my life,''' she said.

``Television shows will come and go, but you can never cancel the impact of 'Touched by an Angel,''' she said.