During its presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, Showtime announced that it has officially ordered a sequel series to the groundbreaking drama The L Word. The new season will produce eight episodes, which will likely debut in late 2019.
Playwright Marja-Lewis Ryan will serve as showrunner for the new iteration of the drama. She executive produces alongside original series creator Ilene Chaiken.
Original series stars Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey are also onboard to executive produce and reprise their roles as Bette, Shane and Alice, respectively.
Other characters from the original series - including Erin Daniels (Dana), Laurel Holloman (Tina), Mia Kirschner (Jenny), Sarah Shahi (Carmen) and Pam Grier (Kit) - may also appear in the new version.
The drama follows an ensemble of self-possessed LGBTQIA characters experiencing love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success on the east side of Los Angeles.
"Marja has brought her unique and contemporary vision to The L Word and blended it beautifully into the fabric of Ilene's groundbreaking series," said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks. "This revered show was both entertaining and impactful when it originally ran on Showtime, and we are confident that our new version will do that and more in 2019."
