Summary
The L Word: New Yorkreboot is officially in the works, and although details have been kept pretty under wraps, long-time fans ofThe L Wordare speculating about whichcharacters from the originalL Wordseriescould return for the East Coast spinoff. Developed by Ilene Chaiken,The L Wordwas revolutionary when it debuted on Showtime in 2004. Made by and for lesbian women, the show centers on a cast of majority queer characters living in Los Angeles. Although the originalL Wordhasn’t aged particularly well in some respects, there’s no denying its place in the canon ofonce-groundbreaking LGBTQ+ TV shows.
In 2019,The L Word: Generation Qreboot picked up the story a decade or so after the original six-season series ended. Featuring a blend of new and returning characters,The L Word: Generation Qlooked to correct some of the original show’s missteps, though, ultimately, it ran for just three seasons. Showtime’s cancelation of the fan-favorite series coincided with the network’s Paramount merger, which left little room for TV show renewals. While she didn’t serve asGen Q’s showrunner,Chaiken surprised fans with the announcement of a brand-new series,The L Word: New York.
Is The L Word: Generation Q Season 4 Happening? Everything We Know
The L Word: Generation Q ended with questions up in the air, and based on The L Word: Generation Q season 4’s status, they might not get answered.
AlthoughThe L Word: New Yorkhas been dubbed a “reboot,” it’s not entirely clear what that means in terms of the existingL Wordtimeline and characters. While the upcoming show could completely reinvent the original and forgo any connection to the LA-based series, it’s also possible that the reboot terminology is more about refreshing the series with a new location and mostly new cast of characters. Unless TheL Word: New Yorkplans to be a period piece that deftly avoids several characters' histories in New York City,it would make sense for the show to be more like a spinoff— a standalone entry that leaves the door open for pre-existing fan-favorite characters to guest star.
9Alice Pieszecki
Leisha Hailey
In the original series, Alice Pieszecki started off as a largely a comic relief character, though she did go on to have a few truly crushing plotlines — especially in season 3 — and some of the series' most memorable romances.One of the best parts ofGeneration Qwas that it allowed Alice to really shine. A talk-show host with sharp humor and insightful takes, Alice is by far one of the franchise’s most charming protagonists. After the original 6-season show ended, Chaiken developed an unaired spinoff starring Alice, reiterating her importance to the series.
It’s easy to imagine Alice setting off to New York to embark on a new adventure that sees her enmeshed in an entirely new group of friends. Like several other prominentL Wordcharacters, Alice also spent time in NYC prior to the original series’ pilot. On the other hand,Alice is kind of the perfect guest star. With tons of charm and on-screen presence, she could easily gel with any ensemble for a multi-episode stint. Since actor Leisha Hailey was so involved inGen Q, it seems like she’d continue to be a key player in any futureL Wordseries.
8Bette Porter
Jennifer Beals
Even outsideThe L Wordfandom, Bette Porter is one of those once-in-a-series TV show icons. Played by Jennifer Beals, Bette actually lived in New York City prior to her time in Los Angeles. The art lover-turned-politician actually met (and dated) Alice in Manhattan, making the city fertile ground for stories connected to the characters' pasts. In all honesty,it’s hard to imagineThe L Wordwithout Bette. After her failed bid for office inGen Q, Bette could use a change of scenery as she recommits herself to the art world (and Tina).
Of course, introducing Bette into the mix ofThe L Word: New Yorkcomes with some added complications. In the finale ofThe L Word: Generation Q, Bette and Tina Kennard (Laurel Holloman) finally get married after years of frustrating on-again, off-again plotlines. While the characters’ apparent endgame relationship is divisive — to say the very least — it does seem likeBette’s potential inclusion in the New York-based series can’t happen without Tina. Ironically, the pair met in NYC years prior to the original show, so a return to Manhattan — even briefly — could be full-circle.
7Peggy Peabody
Holland Taylor
One of the original series' most memorable guest appearances came in the form of Holland Taylor’s Peggy Peabody. A wealthy, art-loving eccentric, Peggy has some of the show’s best one-liners. It’s a shame that Taylor didn’t return forGeneration Q, but she would very much fit in with the cast and tone of a New York-centered series.The L Wordteased Peggy’s queerness— she was a self-proclaimed lesbian for a time in 1974 — but didn’t fully explore that dimension of the character. Needless to say,The L Word: New Yorkcould revisit that thread in a more genuine way.
6Jodie Lerner
Marlee Matlin
Played by Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, artist and professor Jodie Lerner was one of Bette’s best love interests. In fact, it was rough to see them ultimately part ways as the original show wound down. Jodie deserved better than she got, which means the New York reboot has the chance to revisit the character. She doesn’t necessarily need to be with Bette either; Jodie is incredibly compelling on her own. Although Matlin didn’t return forGen Q,she is good friends with Beals in real life, which means that the door to returning is probably very much open.
The L Word: 6 Things That Have Aged Poorly (& 5 Things That Will Remain Timeless)
The L Word was one of the most groundbreaking TV shows of its time. However, some aspects of this LGBT+ series don’t hold up well.
5Tasha Williams
Rose Rollins
In the final episodes ofThe L Word: Generation Q’s third season, Tasha shows up briefly and reconnects with Alice. By far one ofThe L Word’s best relationships,Tasha and Alice weren’t really given a fair shake in the original series, with much of Tasha’s screentime dedicated to a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” plotline. Although important, it gave Tasha little time to be joyful onscreen. Now a firefighter, Tasha seems much happier. Between the character’s new career path and her reunion with Alice, there’s plenty more to explore, especially givenGen Q’s frustrating cliffhanger ending.
4Shane McCutcheon
Kate Moennig
A fan-favorite character, Shane is as synonymous withThe L Wordas Bette and Alice, especially given her role in the sequel series. Unfortunately,Gen Qstill didn’t quite know how to handle Shane’s nonmonogymous lifestyle, which is a shame. However,The L Word: New Yorkreboot could rectify that and finally give the character a story that doesn’t center on ruining marriages, breaking hearts, or cheating. Plus, Shane has so much love for her friends and chosen family, which would be wonderful to explore in any spinoff or reboot series.
3Carmen de la Pica Morales
Sarah Shahi
Of all the characters, Carmen was probably the one fans most wanted to return toThe L Word. Unfortunately, Carmen doesn’t show up inGen Q, but that makes her return in a future series spinoff all-the-more needed. After being jilted at the altar by Shane, Carmen vanished from the original series. Even so, the relationship looms heavily over Shane’s character.Sarah Shahi has expressed interest in returning to the series, though the actor’s docket has been pretty full of big-budget flicks likeBlack Adam. If the timing works this go around, Carmen’s return is a must.
2Angie Porter-Kennard
Jordan Hull
Technically, Jordan Hull’s Angie debuted inGeneration Q, but the character did crop up as an infant in the original series. The daughter of Bette and Tina, Angie is one of the sequel’s best characters. Hull is so incredibly compelling — both fun and driven by emotion — and it would be great to see her reprise the role of Angie in a future franchise show. On the other hand, ifThe L Word: New Yorkintends to focus on an entirely new group of young queer women and people in their 20s and 30s,Angie, who heads off to college inGen Q’s third season, could be part of that crew, adding some connective tissue between theL Wordshows.
1Jenny Schecter
Mia Kirshner
AlthoughJenny Schecter was killed off inThe L Word’s finale, the writer deserved better.Gen Qseemingly doubles down on her tragic fate, but, depending upon howThe L Word: New Yorkseason 1handles the canonical events of the past shows, Jenny could make a triumphant return. In the original show, Jenny moves to LA with her long-term boyfriend, who just so happens to be Bette and Tina’s neighbor. Eventually, Jenny comes to terms with her queerness and becomes the tight-knit group’s newest member. An incredibly divisive character, Jenny certainly always makes things more interesting.
Of course, there are plenty of other characters from the originalL Wordwho could make great appearances inThe L Word: New York. Peggy’s daughter, Helena Peabody (Rachel Shelley), is another obvious pick, for example. If Peggy were to return, Helena’s reappearance would almost be a requirement. And ifThe L Word: New Yorkis willing to retcon divisive finale andGen Qcharacter deaths like Jenny’s, it would be wonderful to see Bette’s sister, Kit Porter (Pam Grier), return toThe L Worduniverse once more. Regardless, it’s exciting that theL Wordfranchise will continue in a new capacity.
The L Word
Created by Kathy Greenberg, Ilene Chaiken, and Michele Abbot, The L Word is a Drama created for the Showtime Network and ran for six seasons between 2004 to 2009. It’s considered the pioneer show for shining a light on lesbianism in television.
