In the world of television, the fall from grace can be quick and devastating, especially when revelations of past misdeeds come to light. The upcoming six-part docuseries on Investigation Discovery, titled Hollywood Demons, revisits the painful memories surrounding the sexual misconduct allegations against former 7th Heaven star Stephen Collins, who confessed in 2014 to engaging in inappropriate actions with underage girls.
The docuseries, set to premiere on March 24, 2025, features collated insights from cast members, victims, and industry experts, as it unravels the complexities of Collins’ actions. Collins, who was known affectionately as 'America's Dad' for his role as the patriarch Eric Camden in the long-running family drama, faces renewed scrutiny as both his past behavior and its impacts emerge in the public eye.
In a poignant and raw segment of the series, Collins’ former co-stars, Jeremy London and Kyle Searles, grapple with their feelings about Collins’ actions. Searles, who joined the show in its later seasons as Mac, reflects on his initial admiration for Collins. “He would drive to work in a beautiful Toyota Prius every single morning when the man was making enough money that he could have been driving up in a Bentley,” he recounts. However, upon witnessing Collins’ confession, Searles shared, “This is the first time that I’ve ever thought that he’s full of shit.” He noted the sorrowful knot in his stomach that arose, especially after becoming a parent himself.
Similarly, London, who portrayed minister Chandler Hampton, expressed his shock at the revelations. Initially, he felt defensive, perceiving potential attacks against someone he loved and respected. “People were messing with somebody that I love and care about,” he stated. Nevertheless, as he confronted Collins' admissions, he stated, “I’m a dad, first and foremost, above everything else. And so my first thoughts always go to the children. Stephen Collins would be a dead man if that was my child.”
The damning confessions stem from a 2012 counseling session that was recorded without Collins' knowledge and later leaked, leading him to confess during an interview with Katie Couric on ABC’s 20/20. Collins revealed he exposed himself to three underage girls: a 10-year-old in 1973, a 13-year-old in 1982, and a 14-year-old in 1994. At the time, he insisted, “I’m absolutely not attracted to children,” but the claims of his past behavior have invariably damaged his career.
One of the most significant voices speaking out against Collins in the docuseries is April Price, who alleges that she was one of his victims. In the episode, Price recounts her story of encountering Collins when she was just 13 years old, visiting her aunt in Los Angeles. Price maintains that Collins exposed himself to her on several occasions, describing a pivotal moment when she looked up to find him naked in front of her aunt's home. “I was not prepared on any level to handle that at my age. I shouldn’t have had to see that, at that point in my life,” she expressed, her voice tinged with pain.
Collins' scandal is characterized by undercurrents of grooming, as discussed by addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky, who appears in the series. He illuminated how grooming establishes a relationship of manipulation, stating, “Just imagine an adult male hanging out with a 12- or 13-year-old female… This is called grooming.” Such unsettling conversations illuminate how the manipulative tactics employed by Collins served to establish a false sense of security for his victims.
Amidst their shared experiences, other cast members of 7th Heaven, like Beverley Mitchell and David Gallagher, have also spoken out against Collins’ actions while launching their rewatch podcast, Catching Up With The Camdens, where they confronted the toxic legacy of his behavior. “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable,” Gallagher stated firmly. Their collective voices signify a powerful shift in perspective from admiration to accountability.
In the docuseries, producers attempted to contact over 100 associates of Collins, although most declined to participate. This indicates the significant stigma and fear surrounding Collins' allegations at the heart of Hollywood. Price's poignant narrative adds another layer, as she emphasizes her desire to speak out in the hope of lending strength to others facing similar struggles. “I hope people understand that it’s OK to have a voice,” she remarked. “The idea of being a victim makes me nuts. I’ve never liked that feeling.”
Collins has largely kept a low profile since the scandal broke, retreating from the limelight while expressing remorse for his actions. He detailed the regrets stemming from his past in a statement released after his confessions, claiming he was “deeply embarrassed” and that he had been in treatment for many years. Price's journey includes confronting Collins later in life, where he expressed regret and sought her forgiveness. This blend of regret, guilt, and the intricacies of human behavior adds complexity to the ominous tale of trust betrayed.
The impact of the docuseries extends beyond just revisiting Collins’s actions. It serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues surrounding accountability for sexual misconduct in Hollywood and beyond, championing the narratives of victims in a landscape that all too often silences them. At its heart, Hollywood Demons urges viewers to reckon with these difficult stories, emphasizing the need for a cultural reckoning.
The premiere of Hollywood Demons on March 24 promises to unearth deeply buried truths about a figure who was once celebrated in family homes across America. This exploration of the fallout against Collins invites audiences to confront not only the implications of fame but also the deeply troubling aspects of trust and betrayal that linger in the industry.
As the series prepares to air, it is a crucial moment to reflect on the significance of these confessions, the courage of the victims, and the industry's continued efforts to support those who have been silenced for far too long.
