Angels that smoke, curse and tell drug jokes? 'Touched by an Angel' creator reveals CBS plan

‘Touched by an Angel’ creator Martha Williamson says she rejected CBS’ initial plan on the series. (IMDb)

Had the CBS network gotten its way, the well-loved faith-based series "Touched by an Angel" would have featured angels that smoked, cursed and told drug jokes.

But creator Martha Williamson firmly stood her ground, saying she wanted her angels to be wholesome and inspiring.

"They pitched a show with angels who smoked, drank, swore and told drug jokes. I turned the show down because I said it's not what I believe in and I can't be a part of it. And the Lord said to me, this is your opportunity to change that or this is going to go on the air like this," Williamson told The Christian Post.

"Could you imagine now seeing Roma Downey and Della Reese smoking, drinking and telling drug jokes?" she said.

Williamson said putting Reese and Downey in the series was one of the best things she ever did, and she feels proud that despite all the changes "Touched by an Angel" went through, three things remained the same – "Roma, Della and the word angel."

Williamson is also proud of the fact that Downey and her husband Mark Burnett are working as executive producers of several faith-based series and films such as "The Bible," "A.D. The Bible Continues," and "Dovekeepers," among many others.

"I applaud anyone who has the courage to take on the Bible," said Williamson. "I can't. I would be overwhelmed. It's such a huge responsibility and it's very expensive to do. But for me, I'm really enjoying for something like Hallmark to just take the small stories of real people today, and try to encourage the people who are trying to deal with today's problems. That's what I do best."

related articles
A.D. The Bible Continues producers stress the role of women in the church
A.D. The Bible Continues producers stress the role of women in the church

A.D. The Bible Continues producers stress the role of women in the church

Roma Downey says everyone should know the story of Dovekeepers
Roma Downey says everyone should know the story of Dovekeepers

Roma Downey says everyone should know the story of Dovekeepers

You don\'t have to be of Christian faith to enjoy A.D.: The Bible Continues, says Roma Downey
You don't have to be of Christian faith to enjoy A.D.: The Bible Continues, says Roma Downey

You don't have to be of Christian faith to enjoy A.D.: The Bible Continues, says Roma Downey

News
17,000 turn out for Franklin Graham event in London
17,000 turn out for Franklin Graham event in London

Graham preached a message about God's love but also expressed his concerns that the world seemed to be "one step closer to Armageddon".

Over 20 Christians killed in suicide bombing of church in Syria
Over 20 Christians killed in suicide bombing of church in Syria

At least 22 Christians have been killed and dozens more injured after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a church in Syria. 

'I just think it's all wrong,' police officer tells street evangelists
'I just think it's all wrong,' police officer tells street evangelists

A police officer has been filmed confronting a pair of Christians in London for street preaching.

Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report
Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report

"Despite providing key frontline services and serving as an essential safety net, churches often remain isolated from strategic partnerships."