A sequel to “The L Word” is coming to Showtime, with the cable network granting an eight-episode order to a follow-up series to its groundbreaking drama, set to premiere by the end of 2019.
Marja-Lewis Ryan (The Four-Faced Liar, 6 Balloons) serves as showrunner on the sequel and is executive producing, along with “The L Word” series creator Ilene Chaiken and original series stars Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey.
Per the network, “In this revival, Beals, Moennig and Hailey will star on the series as their original characters alongside a new generation of self-possessed LGBTQIA characters experiencing love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success in L.A.”
“Marja has brought her unique and contemporary vision to ‘The L Word’ and blended it beautifully into the fabric of Ilene’s groundbreaking series,” Gary Levine, president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc., told reporters during the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour Thursday. “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.”
“The L Word” originally ran on the premium cable network from 2004-2009.
Levine made several other announcements at the top of Showtime’s day at the TCA press tour, including a Season 10 renewal for “Shameless,” a status update on the final season of “Homeland” and the Roger Ailes series, and a new legal thriller starring Bryan Cranston.