The L Word sequel to air later this year

California — Showtime will air a sequel to its groundbreaking drama series The L Word, which explored lesbian and bisexual life in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey, stars of the original 2004-09 series, will reprise their roles, Showtime said Thursday.

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"The L Word" is officially back at Showtime. ?????? The reboot – which arrives nearly 10 years after the original wrapped its six-season run – is considered a sequel. Stars ?? @thejenniferbeals, @kateomoennig, @leisha_h and @sarahshahi are on board to exec produce and are expected to reprise their roles from the original series while also introducing a new ensemble. #thelwordfans #thelwordreunion #ilenechaiken #leishahailey #jenniferbeals #katemoennig #miakirshner #erindaniels #sarahshahi #tv #tvseries #series #movies #thelword #thelwordseries

A post shared by The L Word (@thelwordseries) on Feb 1, 2019 at 5:17am PST

The sequel will introduce other characters across the sexual and gender spectrum, the channel said. It also will explore new and old neighbourhoods throughout L.A., Showtime entertainment president Gary Levine said Thursday.

Production is set to begin this summer on eight episodes that the cable channel aims to air later this year, Levine said.

Original series creator Ilene Chaiken will be the executive producer, along with Marja-Lewis Ryan.