Every TV Series Written by George R.R. Martin, Ranked

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As a die-hard fan of George R.R. Martin’s captivating storytelling, I find myself utterly captivated by his impressive body of work. From the intricate world of Westeros to the eerie realm of The Twilight Zone, there is no denying that the man has a knack for weaving tales that leave us on the edge of our seats.

What’s the release date for the next book by George R.R. Martin, a writer often praised for his intricate storytelling but also criticized for taking his time? While fan impatience is high, Martin has shown resilience in maintaining the quality of his work, ensuring no details are overlooked and no continuity errors creep into the expansive world of “A Song of Ice and Fire.

Initially, the renowned writer kick-started his professional journey by marketing science fiction short tales. Subsequently, he unveiled his first novel titled “Dying of the Light“, which belonged to the same genre. Later on, he transitioned to the fantasy genre, where he achieved remarkable success.

George R.R. Martin is most recognized for his literature, however, a significant portion of his adult career was spent as a television writer, and he continues to do so occasionally. Beyond writing several episodes of the highly praised ‘Game of Thrones’, such as “Blackwater”, he has also contributed his writing skills to other notable TV projects.

In other words, shows such as Nightflyers and House of the Dragon are not included in this list because George R.R. Martin serves only as an executive producer for these programs, not a creative member like he was with The Outer Limits’ Sandkings episode, where he wrote the novelette but wasn’t directly involved in the show’s production.

4
‘The Hitchhiker’ (1983 – 1987)

The Traveler Beyond Shadows (or Frightful Pursuits in the UK, and The Wandering Terror in France) is an anthology television series that showcased mystery and horror stories. Broadcast on HBO during the 1980s, it was similar to many shows of its era, featuring a semi-fictional host character. The enigmatic vagabond known as “The Hitchhiker” serves as both the introductory and concluding figure for each episode, which delves into human flaws and frailties.

George R.R. Martin wrote several scripts, however, just one (“Remembering Melody”) was actually produced for television. The story revolves around a lawyer who experiences inexplicable mishaps following the suicide of his former college sweetheart.

A Decent Training Ground

Martin’s work demonstrates that he hasn’t lost his knack for creating suspenseful scenes and exploring deep human emotions. He skillfully switches between ominous characters and those with a hopeful outlook, maintaining a balance that keeps viewers on edge. However, the production values of the show are subpar compared to others in its genre, as budgetary limitations become noticeable at times, especially for an HBO production.

Despite this, the assignment given to the renowned author was not one that easily slipped his memory. Engaging in an anthology series where he had to contend with numerous other writers for the most compelling script served as a refining process for George R.R. Martin’s writing abilities. This competition ultimately provided him with valuable insights into the kind of narrative that resonated most with audiences.

Stream it on Max

3
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1987 – 1990)

In a fresh adaptation set against contemporary urban backdrop, the timeless story “Beauty and the Beast” penned by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont is reimagined. Herein, Catherine (Linda Hamilton), a corporate lawyer transitioning to an investigator at the District Attorney’s office, develops affection for Vincent (Ron Perlman), a man with a lion-like visage who belongs to a hidden society residing in sophisticated underground networks beneath New York City.

George R.R. Martin collaborated as a lead writer with David Peckinpah, as well as Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon. Later, Gansa and Gordon moved on to produce shows such as “24” and “Homeland.

Strong Performances All Around

In this enchanting series, love and grief, social status, and professional pursuits are thoughtfully explored as we delve into the lives of diverse characters, both human and otherwise. Ron Perlman’s performance as the Beast is simply stunning, exuding warmth, bravery, and poise. Linda Hamilton’s intense portrayal serves as a compelling contrast to Perlman’s energy, while every other actor brings a genuine, endearing charm to their roles. Additionally, the exceptional cinematography imbues the storyline with a contemplative, ethereal atmosphere.

Martin remembers his time on the show fondly. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said:

I found the production incredibly rewarding. I acquired valuable skills, and I believe I made a substantial impact. Our team was recognized with numerous Emmy nominations, which is a testament to its quality. All in all, I’m pleased to have been part of such an excellent show.

A vast majority of folks seem to take a liking to it. What’s not to appreciate about a series starring a man-lion reciting verses? Nowadays, you can find numerous fan publications and creative stories based on this unique concept.

Stream it on Paramount+

2
‘The Twilight Zone’ (1985 – 1987)

George R.R. Martin contributed to the initial installment of Rod Serling’s three remakes of his famous 1959-64 series, The Twilight Zone. Similar to the original program, this revival presents narratives where characters find themselves in extraordinary situations related to either supernatural or science fiction phenomena. Unlike the original, however, many episodes in this remake consist of multiple self-contained stories rather than just one.

I had the pleasure of contributing to the writing team for the Game of Thrones series. Among the episodes I wrote were “The Last Defender of Camelot,” “The Once and Future King,” “Lost and Found,” “The Toys of Caliban,” and “The Road Less Traveled.” George R.R. Martin, the creator of A Song of Ice and Fire, was also a part of our talented team.

A Worthy Revival

In a fresh take on “The Twilight Zone”, the latest adaptation skillfully recreates everyday scenes in familiar and sometimes extravagant settings. The series’ rhythm shifts between leisurely and swift, while stunning cinematography consistently adds depth. Moreover, the multi-episode structure liberates the show from the time limitations of traditional TV episodes that previously hindered the original series. Consequently, stories can vary from brief 8-minute vignettes to longer 40-minute mini-movies.

Martin’s episodes are some of the most popular ones on IMDb, so why not give them a watch? Notably, this was the first show that the writer ever contributed to, an experience he claims led to his opportunity on Beauty and the Beast.

Stream it on Paramount+

1
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)

The television series, Game of Thrones, is based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series titled A Song of Ice and Fire. However, as the show progressed, it began to diverge from the original books (a move criticized by fans and the author himself as a poor decision).

The show unfolds across the make-believe continents of Westeros and Essos, focusing on the ambitions, illusions, and intricate plots of various characters who yearn for power and self-improvement. With boundless determination but flawed tactics, they aim for their objectives.

Since the series draws its foundation from his books, George R.R. Martin is acknowledged as one of the executive producers. Furthermore, he penned four episodes, specifically titled “The Bear and the Maiden Fair”, “Blackwater”, “The Lion and the Rose”, and “The Pointy End”.

One of the Greatest TV Shows of All Time

The TV series “Game of Thrones” boasts an abundance of captivating features such as intricate storytelling, complex character development, stunning visuals, and masterfully designed action scenes. This show has earned a staggering 59 Emmy Awards for a drama series, making it the most decorated in this category. It garnered immense popularity not only in America but also worldwide, outpacing “The Sopranos” by averaging 18.4 million viewers per episode to claim the title of HBO’s most-watched show.

Martin’s four installments garnered positive responses as well. Admittedly, the program’s success created immense pressure for him. In an exclusive chat with The Guardian, he disclosed:

The books have received immense popularity and praise, which makes me feel a constant pressure to create something exceptional whenever I work. However, when I immerse myself fully in the process, everything else fades away – meals, movies, emails, and even personal conflicts become irrelevant.

These are the types of challenges many authors would be grateful to encounter. Readers might understand if he needs a bit more time.

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2024-12-28 19:04