<P> After much deliberation within the now - defunct WB network, it was made public in November 2005 that season ten would be the program's final because of high costs, which were revealed to be due to a poorly negotiated licensing agreement by the WB network a few years earlier . The program's future was hanging in the balance and it was entirely in the hands of the newly established CW network whether to renew it for an additional season . In March 2006, the main cast of characters were approached about the possibility of returning for another season . </P> <P> After further consideration by the CW network, it was decided three days after the airing of its "series finale", that 7th Heaven would be picked up for an eleventh season, which would air on their network in the Monday - night slot that had helped make it famous . Originally the show was renewed for thirteen episodes, but on September 18, 2006, the renewal was extended to a full twenty - two episodes . </P> <P> Along with the show's unexpected and last - minute, renewal came some changes . The show's already - low budget was moderately trimmed, forcing cuts in the salaries of some cast members and shortened taping schedules (seven days per episode instead of the typical eight). Furthermore, Mackenzie Rosman, who played youngest daughter Ruthie, did not appear in the first six episodes . Catherine Hicks missed three episodes in season 11, as another cost - cutting move . Additionally, George Stults was absent for a few episodes at the beginning of season 11 . </P> <P> Also, after airing Monday nights at 8 / 7c for ten seasons, plus the first two episodes of season 11, the CW unexpectedly moved 7th Heaven to Sunday nights as of October 15, 2006 . The Sunday / Monday lineup swap was attributed to mediocre ratings of shows on both nights . While 7th Heaven did improve in numbers over the CW's previous Sunday night programming, it never quite hit its Monday - night momentum again, and the shows that replaced it in its slot on Monday night never matched what it had achieved in that time slot . </P>

Is ruthie in season 11 of 7th heaven