"The L Word" (2004) TV series 2004-????

Creators:

Michele Abbott
Ilene Chaiken
Kathy Greenberg

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Release Date:

18 January 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

L hath no fury...

Plot:

Follows the lives and loves of a small, close-knit group of lesbians living in Los Angeles as well as the friends and family members that either support or loath them.

Plot Keywords:

Lesbian | Writing | Tennis | Dating | Lesbianism

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 5 wins & 23 nominations

Cast

Jennifer Beals	...	Bette Porter (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Leisha Hailey	...	Alice Pieszecki (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Laurel Holloman	...	Tina Kennard (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Mia Kirshner	...	Jenny Schecter (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Katherine Moennig	...	Shane McCutcheon (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Pam Grier	...	Kit Porter (70 episodes, 2004-2009)
Rachel Shelley	...	Helena Peabody / ... (54 episodes, 2005-2009)
Daniela Sea	...	Max Sweeney / ... (44 episodes, 2006-2009)
Erin Daniels	...	Dana Fairbanks (39 episodes, 2004-2007)
Marlee Matlin	...	Jodi Lerner (29 episodes, 2007-2009)

Also Known As:

Earthlings (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

50 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-15 (DVD rating) (2006) | Germany:16 (DVD rating) | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) (DVD rating) | Canada:18A (Manitoba/Ontario) (DVD rating) | Argentina:16 | Brazil:18 | Portugal:M/16 (DVD rating) | Hungary:16 | South Korea:18 | UK:18 (some episodes) | UK:15 (some episodes) | USA:TV-MA | Australia:MA

Filming Locations:

Beverly Hills, California, USA

Company:

Anonymous Content

Trivia:

Scott Bairstow was originally cast as the male lead , but was replaced by Eric Mabius soon after allegations of sexual assault on a minor were made against him in 2003 (he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second degree assault on 9 December 2003).

Quotes:

[Jenny and Annette are in the bathroom at Tim's house having a light conversation about Jenny's affair. Jenny is on the floor sipping a cup of water, while Annette gets ready in the mirror]
Annette: So Jen... were you always a lesbian?
Jenny: [Takes a sip of water] I never said I was a lesbian.
Annette: So it just came outta no where and bit you on the ass like that? Cause I mean... I love women... yeah I mean, for the companionship. I figure I could do without the company of men entirely except dude
[turns to Jenny]
Annette: I can't get down with the puss... I love a dick.
Jenny: I think I'm bisexual.
Annette: Oh brother...
Jenny: [interrupting] I do... I really do.
Annette: Jenny, is this just your way of telling me that you had a crush on me in college?
[...]

Movie Connections:

Featured in "See Hear: (#29.13)" (2009)

Well-Done TV Series about Lesbians with Universal Themes that Appeal to All Audience

This artistically well-done Showtime-made TV series primarily focuses on portrayal of lesbians in their 20s to 40s as urban professionals and deals with their everyday issues; at the same time, thematic materials such as working on relationships or struggling against temptations have universal qualities so that any open-minded persons, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, can associate with the happenings in the show. Also, dramas without males' chauvinistic nature create a uniquely comfortable mood, which even the straight audience may feel refreshing. Gaining a wide range of supporters and fans beyond the lesbian community must be a big factor of the show's success, which made it possible for the series to continue to Season Two.

Speaking of the show's success, one cannot overlook its artistic merits, which are extraordinary as a TV show's. Many incidents are interwoven into one compelling story; a lovable ensemble cast that consists of a variety of personas engages in acting; and the director of photography Robert Aschmann takes full advantage of his skills and creativity in amazing long takes, aggressive crane shots, and illuminative lightings. There is inconsistency among episodes on writing, directing, and editing due to the fact that several different artists have worked on each episode; this drawback may be inevitable for a TV series. Among writers and directors, Rose Troche, the legendary director of Go Fish, writes believable dialogues and directs intimate scenes with crafts, while Lenka Svab stands out among editors, dazzling and mesmerizing the viewers with a deliberate disorientation. Some writers make homage to historic filmmakers such as Godard, Cassavetes, and Soderbergh by having the characters refer to them; this is a tiny detail but certainly amuses film fans.