The Nerdy Girl Express asked the Fandom of The CW’s Beauty & the Beast to show their thoughts on what the show means to them. We received several responses.
I was a fan of the original 1987 Beauty and the Beast series starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton. It was one of the many shows I shared with my then 63 year old mother.
My mom passed away in May, 2005 right before the start of a series that would change my life, Supernatural. During the third season of Supernatural, viewers were introduced to the Ghostfacers (although founders Ed and Harry had appeared on Season One episode “Hell House”). There was something about Ghostfacer cameraman Kenny Spruce I liked, so I began following the career of actor Austin Basis. I watched the short-lived (and prematurely cancelled) series Life Unexpected.
When I heard that Austin Basis was cast in Beauty and the Beast, I knew I’d be watching. Additionally, the show’s new heroine was going to be played by Kristin Kreuk, Smallville’s former Lana Lang. This was the trifecta for me: Austin, Kristin (who mom also loved in Smallville) and a Beauty and the Beast remake.
2012 was a very difficult year for me. Things happened in my life that I would have never imagined. And there were times I wanted to give up. Beauty and the Beast taught me determination to fight against difficult odds.
Stacy Miller
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Without further adieu, here in their own words (an emojis!) are what the other fans had to say:
Hi! My name is Debbie Green, and I’m a HUGE fan of Beauty and the Beast. Fell in love with the original series and was so very excited to see it was being re-imagined.
In 2012, I was informed that I had Ovarian Cancer. Now, I’d already been through and conquered Thyroid Cancer, but this was something different. It meant I’d need to have a hysterectomy and that’s a game changer. I did what needed to be done (a hysterectomy) and was waiting for the pathology results when I saw a commercial for Beauty and the Beast. I was so very excited.
Things seemed to be going well for me, and I was eagerly waiting for the premiere of Beauty and the Beast. Just before the air date I got news that I was going to be going through chemo and it was going to be aggressive and thorough. You know how the healthcare system works. This is something that should have happened right after the surgery you know? Anyway, I was able to watch the first episode and I was so moved and impressed with the acting, sets, directing and the story line. And then chemo started. It’s not easy, pretty or fun. It’s debilitating. It will rob you of your senses, your emotions, your ambition, your peace of mind and your sanity.
I missed watching the second episode live because I was just too exhausted. Woke up in the wee hours of the night, violently sick, took care of business and when I got back in bed, turned on the tv and went through the DVR list of shows. And there was Beauty and the Beast. Still a bit sick to my stomach, I started the episode and got lost in it. For an hour, I forgot about the sickness, the pain and the uncertainty of my future. It was a healing balm and peace to my soul.
From that day forward, I only had my chemo treatments on the day that Beauty and the Beast aired. And again, when I wasn’t able to watch it live, I’d wake up in the middle of the night and it would bring me peace and comfort. There were times I couldn’t even keep my eyes open, but if I heard the episode playing I would calm down…even out if you will…and just listen. And then of course, I’d watch the episode the next day.
It was about the last 3rd of the first season that I found my like minded Beastie sisters on Face Book! They gave me so much support and really stiffened my back bone and along with the show itself, helped me through the battle.
How did Beauty and the Beast enhance my life? It gave me this awesome show with stellar acting! It gave me hour upon hour of pain free entertainment! It brought to my life beautiful and positive friends who would band together to support me, among those being none other than Austin Basis who has messaged and Tweeted me personally.
I’ve had 2 subsequent surgeries since the start of Beauty and the Beast, and through my recoveries for each one, my go to for comfort and peace was and will always be BATB. Never thought a show could have such a profound impact on my life, but there it is. The acting, superb; the writing, awesome; the sets, wardrobe and directing, impeccable!!! What’s not to love? I’ll tell you what’s not to love….no Season 5! But no matter what, I’ll have the 3 seasons I’ve seen so far, and the 4th season to come in June to always fall back on, should the need arise.
It is with respect and peace that I acknowledge the awesomeness of this little show that defied the odds for as long as it did.
Debbie Green
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Greetings from Spain.
BatB means friendship & love, also generosity & indefatigable determination. One day a group of unknown girls found each other at Beauty & The Beast forum on Internet sharing the passion for the show & bewitched by the undeniable chemistry between Kristin Kreuk & Jay Ryan. We got hooked since the 1rst second. It was a magic that raised stronger in our hearts & made us open a Twitter account realizing we are many in love with the CW show. In the frenetic impulse we wanted to know not only the actors involved, also the fandom & found followers from many countries. Then we become !! It was a very HAPPY moment!!!
We didn’t know that this extraordinary group of persons (now BFF) could mobilized the world on Twitter supporting great causes launched by actor Austin Basis, great actor & human being, as well as trending parties supporting the show. That daily & indefatigable enthusiasm was the milestone of such an eternal friendship of all of us. BatB joined us because we share the same values of love & perseverance & fight & truth the show reflects. So the best gift is this amazing group of people that shares love & friendship forever, Chicasluz And I 
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Hello,
My name is Yolanda and I’m not your typical fan girl as a matter of fact I’m far from one. I’m a 52 year old mother if 4 and grandmother of 9 kids. I’m not your typical television viewer either. The show has to lure me in and keep me interested. This is what BATB did for me. I’m a romantic at heart. I’m a fan of the original series too. Hence why I decided to give the show a chance. Well to sat that I was hooked on the “You’re him.” line from the pilot is an understatement. I loved everything about VinCat and still do.
I’ve also made and met Beasties around the world cause if the show, I make music videos about VinCat and I’ve done many of the campaign’s to support the show.
This show has changed my life and I’m so sad it’s coming to an end but I also am glad that I have fond memories of the friendships I’ve made
Yolanda Corp
Miami Florida
————————————————————————————————————————
I can guarantee that Beauty and the Beast touched many more lives than these. I thank all who shared their feelings and if you didn’t that’s okay. The actors, show and other fans know your love.
Comments? Sound off below. Or tweet @thenerdygirlexp and @stacyamiller85 .
TheNerdyGirlExpress 
Reblogged this on stacyamiller and commented:
The article I wrote for The Nerdy Girl Express.
LikeLike