'The L Word' Sequel Is Officially Happening

The L Word is officially back at Showtime…
 
Showtime has greenlighted a new incarnation of The L Word, a sequel of the network’s influential 2000s series.
 
The follow-up series, which has been in the works at Showtime for more than a year, is aimed at reflecting how beloved characters’ relationships, lives, and experiences have evolved and what has changed (and what hasn’t) since the show’s inception. Its pickup comes as the original groundbreaking lesbian-focused drama marks its 15th anniversary.
 
Playwright and screenwriter Marja-Lewis Ryan serves as showrunner and exec produces alongside original series creator Ilene Chaiken. Stars Jennifer Beals (Bette), Katherine Moennig (Shane) and Leisha Hailey (Alice) are also on board to exec produce and will reprise their roles from the original series while also introducing a new ensemble of self-possessed LGBTQIA characters. Other characters from the original series — which included fan favorite Erin Daniels (Dana), Laurel Holloman (Tina), Mia Kirshner (Jenny), Sarah Shahi (Carmen) and Pam Grier (Kit) — may appear in a potential new version.
 
The original The L Word revolved around a group of lesbians in West Hollywood and their friends, family and lovers. Hailed as the first drama series to focus on lesbian characters who are complex and open about their sexuality, it ran on the network from 2004-2009.
 
When The L Word bowed on Showtime in 2004, the show was revived as a racy docuseries, The Real L Word — which ran for three seasons — and then a one-off documentary.
 
The follow-up series is expected to premiere before the year’s end.
 
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