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Guide to Showtime's THE L WORD: GENERATION Q -- Overview, Episode Guide & Photos

Maj Canton - December 8, 2019

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On Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT, Showtime premieres THE L WORD: GENERATION Q with three of the original THE L WORD cast -- Jennifer Beals (as Bette Porter), Katherine Moennig (as Shane McCutcheon) and Leisha Hailey (as Alice Pieszecki) -- returning alongside a new group of diverse, self-possessed LGBTQIA+ characters. The original groundbreaking drama series that explored lesbian life in Los Angeles ran for six seasons from January 18, 2004 – March 8, 2009. It centered on a group of friends -- both gay and straight -- through their stories of career, family, friendship, and romantic entanglements. And in this new series, it still does.

 

New showrunner/writer Marja-Lewis Ryan talked about what the series means to her and plans for the reboot: "I was 19 when THE L WORD first aired, the series made me believe that my voice mattered. It profoundly influenced both my personal and professional life. For the first time ever, I saw myself reflected both on screen and behind the camera. The power of that really can't be underplayed. It allowed me to dream up the career that I have now. I describe my take as: queer, confident, aspirational, and joyful. I remind my collaborators that even as the world has changed, normalization is still radical. Our audience still needs to know that queer people are just people; they have jobs and they get coffee. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to usher in the next generation of diverse queer people. A generation that looks like Los Angeles does now. I couldn't imagine a better time to make this show."

 
Returning cast members (from left to right): Jennifer Beals as Bette Porter, Leisha Hailey as Alice Pieszeckie and Katherine Moennig as Shane McCutcheon in THE L WORD: GENERATION Q, Photo Credit: Hilary B Gayle/Showtime. Introducing new cast members (from left to right): Jacqueline Toboni as Finley, Leo Sheng as Micah Lee, Arienne Mandi as Dani Nunez and Rosanny Zayas as Sophie Suarez in THE L WORD: GENERATION Q, Photo Credit: Hilary B Gayle/Showtime.

 

Fans of the original can rest assured there are plenty of hook-ups and heartbreaks. While maybe not quite as a revolutionary as when THE L WORD first premiered, as queer acceptance certainly has changed, this reboot is just as entertaining, has more diversity, and strives to address contemporary issue social issues. There's a new generation of striving lesbians that intertwine with our characters from the past and it all makes for high drama and fun viewing. As of yet, there is no Jenny to love/hate, but you might find new character, Finley, who fits the bill. Welcome back, L WORD!

 

 

EPISODE GUIDE

If you want to know nothing about the episodes at all, skip this section. Provided by Showtime, this episode guide includes general episode descriptions and specific plot details.


"Let's Do It Again" (Premieres December 8, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT ): Ten years after we last left them, we now find Bette running for mayor of Los Angeles; Shane as she returns to the city after a setback; and Alice learning to balance co-parenting with her fiancée Nat and Nat's ex-wife Gigi and the rising success of her talk show. We meet PR exec Dani Núñez, her girlfriend and TV producer Sophie Suarez, their best friend and roommate Micah Lee, and former Olympic swimmer-turned production-assistant, Finley. Written by: Marja-Lewis Ryan; Directed by: Steph Green
.

"Less Is More" (Premieres December 15, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT): Bette weathers continued fallout as she prepares for an LGBTQIA Center talk. Meanwhile, Shane helps Finley, while Alice is annoyed when the network forces her to bring on a new sta member. Dani and Sophie celebrate good news as Dani begins a new job. Micah pursues a new crush. Written by: Marja-Lewis Ryan
; Directed by: Allison Liddi-Brown
.

"Lost Love" (Premieres December 22, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT): Bette prepares for an important mayoral debate. Meanwhile, Alice lands a huge guest and, at home, encourages Nat to branch out. Shane visits a
bar and gets embroiled in the lives of two of its employees. Elsewhere, Dani and Sophie's families clash, Micah is unsure of where he stands with his crush, and a budding relationship forces Finley to confront some complicated aspects of her past. Written by: Regina Y. Hicks Directed by: 
Sarah Pia Anderson
.

"LA Times" (Premieres December 29, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT): Dani is forced to get involved in Bette’s personal life, Shane grapples with a big decision, Alice is profiled by a newspaper, Sophie worries that Dani is pulling back, Finley struggles with her growing feelings for Rebecca, and Micah still doesn't know where things stand with José.

"Labels" (Premieres January 5, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT): Bette feels guilty about lying to Angie; some unexpected news throws Shane for a major loop; Alice, Gigi and Nat find common ground; Dani and Sophie deal with a bombshell dropped on them by Dani's father; Finley bonds with Tess and Micah grows closer to José.

"Loose Ends" (Premieres January 12, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT): Bette and Dani reckon with the fallout of a recent scandal; Shane spends the day with Angie; Alice, Gigi, and Nat have conflicting ideas about their family life; Sophie and Finley spend a raucous night out in an effort to get their mind off of things.

"Lose It All" (Premieres January 19, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT): Bette is conflicted about old feelings, Shane is tested by her relationship with Quiara, and Alice gets blindsided at home and work. Meanwhile, with Dani busy with the election, Sophie feels relieved to have Finley around. Micah introduces José to his mother.

"Lapse in Judgement" (Premieres January 26, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT): Tensions run high on election night as Bette and Dani await the results, Shane and Quiara go through their most difficult challenge yet, and Alice takes a big swing on her show. Meanwhile, Sophie and Dani consider another big step in their relationship, Finley is forced to stop running from her past and confront her feelings, and Micah is dealt an unexpected bombshell about José.

 

THE L WORD: GENERATION Q ON SOCIAL MEDIA

 
  The Series

Twitter: @SHO_TheLWord


Facebook: TheLWordOnShowtime


Instagram: @sho_thelword
 
  Jennifer Beals
as Bette Porter		 Twitter: @jenniferbeals
 
  Leisha Hailey
as Alice Pieszeckie		 Twitter: @Leisha_Hailey
 
  Katherine Moennig
as Shane McCutcheon		 Twitter: @katemoennig
 
  Rosanny Zayas
as Sophie Suarez		 Instagram: @rosannyzayas
 
  Arienne Mandi
as Dani Nunez		 Twitter: @AriMandi
 
  Leo Sheng
as Micah Lee		 Twitter: @iLeoSheng
 
  Jacqueline Toboni
as Sarah Finley		 Twitter: @jtaboner
 
  Sepideh Moafi
as Gigi		 Twitter: @SepidehMoafi
 
  Stephanie Allynne
as Natalie 'Nat' Bailey		 Twitter: @StephAllynne
 
  Brian Michael Smith
as Pierce Williams		 Twitter: @TheBrianMichael
 
  Jamie Clayton
as Tess Van De Berg		 Twitter: @MsJamieClayton
 
  Marja-Lewis Ryan,
showrunner/writer		 Twitter: @MarjaLewisRyan