George R.R. Martin Dishes On Network Censorship: How Cbs Tamed Ron Perlman'S Beast

The Beast Gets Tamed by Network Censors

In the glittering tapestry of Hollywood scripts and storylines, George R.R. Martin's name is like gold – especially since he’s the mastermind behind the global phenomenon, "Game of Thrones." But rewind a bit, and you’ll find Martin weaving his narrative magic on CBS' "Beauty and the Beast," starring Linda Hamilton and the ever-charismatic Ron Perlman. And, oh boy, was there drama behind the scenes.

During a 2014 sit-down with Rolling Stone, Martin spilled the tea on how network censors tried to keep the beast a little less beastly. "The Beast killed people. That was the point of the character. He was a beast. But CBS didn't want blood, or for the beast to kill people," Martin shared. "They wanted us to show him picking up someone and throwing them across the room, and then they would get up and run away. Oh, my God, horrible monster! [Laughs] It was ludicrous. The character had to remain likable."

“The Beast killed people. That was the point of the character. He was a beast. But CBS didn't want blood, or for the beast to kill people.”

It seems Martin’s penchant for gritty, edge-of-the-seat drama was a bit too much for CBS at the time. But while "Beauty and the Beast" didn’t quite get to explore the darker side Martin envisioned, the show still holds a special place in his heart.

Lessons from the Beast

Despite the creative clashes, Martin fondly recalls his time on "Beauty and the Beast." Working in tandem with Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman, he found the experience rewarding, to say the least. "I loved the show. Like any show there were high points and low points, but for the most part it was a great show to work on," he nostalgically mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show was more than just a stepping stone for Martin – it was a valuable lesson in the art of compromise, an insight he carried forward to "Game of Thrones" and other projects. "I learned a lot. I like to think I contributed a lot. We were nominated for a bunch of Emmys. It was a good show. I'm proud of my association with it," Martin added.

So next time you’re cruising down Sunset Boulevard or catching the latest flick at the TCL Chinese Theatre, maybe give a nod to the beauty of storytelling – one that occasionally tames the beast.