Showtime is bringing back The L Word later this year

Have you heard the word about The L Word? It's officially coming back with the original cast on board.

Showtime announced on Thursday that it has ordered an eight-episode revival of the series, which originally aired from 2004 through 2009, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Creator Ilene Chaiken is returning for the follow-up, as are actors Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig, and Leisha Hailey, who will be joined by "a new ensemble of self-possessed LGBTQIA characters experiencing love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success on the east side of L.A." Other stars from the original run weren't initially confirmed to be back, but Sarah Shahi later said she'd be interested in joining as well, Variety reports. Marja-Lewis Ryan will serve as showrunner.

The network has been eying a revival of The L Word since back in 2017 but took its time in officially ordering it, with programming president Gary Levine saying last summer that the project would only move forward "if we end up with a show that has something new to say," as Deadline reported. Apparently, they've since figured out the new spin, and the Reporter writes this sequel will explore "what has and hasn't changed since the show launched." The new episodes will reportedly air by the end of 2019.

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