The CW's Reign may be historical fiction, but it's about to make some history of its own.
With a racy sex scene planned for tonight's episode, the network has made a bold decision to air a more audience-friendly version that meets broadcast content standards on TV, while posting a racier, uncensored cut online.
Music review: The CW's Reign has a gripping promo track >>
This isn't the first time a network has released a racier version of an episode. Shows have often included director's cuts in their DVD releases, long after the episode originally aired. But this is the first time a network is debuting a "too hot for TV" version of a scripted episode in the same week the episode is airing.
While The CW isn't saying what exactly happens in the scenes, a spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly that the content would not be R-rated, but a more sexually intense edit of the existing program. Two different scenes will contain altered edits: One at the beginning of the episode and one at the end.
Keep up with your favorite shows and music by signing up for our newsletter >>
Reign seems to be making a name for itself with scenes that push the limits of what is acceptable on television. The show already made headlines for a controversial masturbation scene in its premiere episode with character Kenna (Caitlin Stasey). Though the network made the decision to cut the scene down, it still made it into the episode.
On tonight's episode, it's time for Mary (Adelaide Kane) to choose. She will have to make a decision to marry either Francis or his bastard brother Bash. Things get even more complicated when Mary's mother turns up at French court with ideas of her own, according to The CW synopsis.
The censored version of the episode airs tonight, Thursday, March 6, at 9/8c. The risqué version of the episode will be available on The CW's website to stream Friday morning.