"Fifty Shades of Grey," a film adaptation of the popular erotica book series written by E.L. James, is set for release in February 2015. But did you know that a network wanted to produce the best selling S&M novels as a TV series?

During a panel discussion at the Television Critics Association summer tour, Starz CEO, Chris Albrecht, revealed that he wanted to secure the rights to the book series. "I know the people that run the place over there. They were very nice to listen to me," The Hollywood Reporter noted.

Albrecht believes that television is the best medium for storytelling and has outperformed movies in this area. That's why he wanted to pitch the idea. The Hollywood Reporter quoted the CEO as saying: "I'm the guy who called up Universal and said, 'I'll get you three years on the air as a series. Let's just do a 'Fifty Shades of Grey' series."

In a report from DigitalSpy.com, the CEO added that for him, splitting the books into three Seasons is better than having three installments of the film.

"You don't have to worry about box office, you don't have to worry about a rating, you can tell the story the right way."

His offer was shelved though. He shared, "But movie people think things are movies, and authors think things are movies. Up until recently, movies were the Tiffany jewel in the crown."

For those know don't know what "Fifty Shades of Grey" is all about, it is a story that follows the deepening relationship between a young business magnate, Christian Grey, and a college graduate, Anastasia Steele. It is a romantic adventure full of S&R. The film will feature Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as the film's lead stars.

The film will be released on Valentine's Day 2015 with a hotly-anticipated trailer confirmed to be revealed on July 24, 2014. Last week, E.L. James used Twitter to tease fans about the trailer, and an image posted on the film's official Facebook account said "In two weeks, the trailer arrives."

Hold on to your hats folks. You'll get your first look at the FSoG movie trailer on July 24. I’ve had a sneak peek and WOW! #WeAimToPlease

— E L James (@E_L_James) July 9, 2014

What're your thoughts on the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series? Would you have preferred a three season series to a trilogy franchise?