Entertainment

When Will 'The L Word' Sequel Air? Don't Hold Your Breath

by Nina Bradley

As Showtime announces plans to reboot one of the most groundbreaking series to be featured on its network, many fans are wondering when exactly The L Word sequel will air. As it stands, there seems to be no major details on the show's air date immediately available to the public. Although, sources for The Hollywood Reporter have implied that the reboot is currently looking to recruit a writer with ties in the lesbian community to spearhead the new project. But, with no show-runner seemingly lined up to take the reigns, it appears that the return may not be as close as many may hope.

While there are still many details that remain unclear in regards to the revival, THR did indicate that L Word creator Ilene Chaiken has signed on to return as executive producer for the series along with main characters Jennifer Beals, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, all of whom are slated to executive produce and reportedly star in the upcoming project.

However, in spite of the news that Beal, Moennig, and Hailey's will, in fact, be returning to the fold, THR explains that the reboot plans to highlight an entirely new ensemble of women who will somehow connect over their respective experiences.

Though the landscape of America has changed drastically since the show's initial inception in 2004, The L Word has long been heralded as one of the first major representations of lesbian women on television.

Referring to the show as "the country’s lesbian training wheels," THR guest columnist Dorothy Snarker indicates that the reboot must offer a progressive outlook in order to remain relevant present society. She explains,

"While it was critical then to be the country’s lesbian training wheels, we’ve long since pedaled past that. Now, suddenly unburdened by the mantle of having to be The First Lesbian Show, the return to this world can be as a bold and political step forward."

Although realistic depictions of women in the lesbian community still remain relatively scarce on screen, there's no doubt that the landscape and portrayal of lesbians on television has changed immensely since The L Word's departure from the small screen in 2009. Fans of the original series will have something to look forward to in the reboot — whenever the new episodes may air.