With a new reboot of the groundbreaking Showtime series about a circle of lesbian and bisexual friends in Los Angeles underway, we look back at the original six seasons and forward to the new series—unpacking the ways those L.A. lesbians lived and loved. From the team at Xtra Magazine.
“Honestly, I've never liked a guy more in my life.” —Shane McCutcheonWe've arrived at our destination: Lesbian Hell. Thanks for riding the Hot Mess Express with us this season of The L Word: Generation Q! Season 2 may have finally come to a close, but we're still experiencing whiplash. Our dear L.A. lesbians are making some interesting choices: Bette is breaking up an almost-marriage, Shane can't figure out the meaning of long-distance relationships, Alice can't stop herself from snooping, Dani is in contempt of court and so much more. And of course, our roller coaster ride ends right at the edge of a cliff. Hang on tight! Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagiese
“Really? I'm Eeyore?” —Shane McCutcheonGet your tuxedos and dresses ready—it's prom, The L Word style! But first, Angie is trying to meet her donor, Alice is coming out as bisexual again, Bette and Pippa are protesting big pharma at the California Art Center, Sophie is searching for Finley and Gigi has a recorder concert to get to. Will they slow dance the night away in this penultimate episode of Season 2? Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagiese
“There she is: the lady of the hour.” —Shane McCutcheonDid you hear that? It's the sound of hearts shattering everywhere, to the tune of “You Are My Sunshine.” It's Episode 8 ofThe L Word: Generation Q, and everyone's thinking about Dana after Alice's book launch. Plus, Bette is angry about art, Dani's wearing her CEO pants, Micah loves Maribel and Shane wants a real partnership. Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagiese
“Us? We just hang out and stuff.” —Alice PieszeckiIt's a stormy night in L.A. What are our favourite fictional lesbians to do but make out in the rain? It's Episode 7 ofThe L Word: Generation Q Season 2, and everyone seems to be hooking up: Bette stops crying at art long enough to get together with Pippa, Alice returns to old comforts, Shane and Tess make it happen and Sophie and Finley struggle to keep it in their pants. How could any of it possibly go wrong?! Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I ain't singing no damn karaoke song, okay? This voice is reserved for the shower” —Sophie SuarezTo our patron saints Tegan and Sara: We are sorry. This week's episode of The L Word: Generation Q was deeply chaotic, and yet our favourite L.A. lesbians still managed to find time to butcher a classic queer bop. At least we'll always have “Love Shack.” Plus: Micah and Maribel miscommunicate, Dani and Gigi heat up and Alice and Tom get it on. Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer of video Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I don't think anything.” —Sarah FinleyWe're halfway through The L Word: Generation Q Season 2, and things are getting spicy! This week, Bette, Tina, Carrie and Angie are in therapy, Shane is confronted with a former flame and Micah and Maribel finally get it on. And amidst it all, Bette is being a real jerk. What's her deal? Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer of video Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“The world wasn't ready for you when you got your first break.” —Bette PorterWhat do romantic movie nights, stalking artists, brand-new blazers and kitchen counter sex have in common? They're all staples of Episode 4 ofThe L Word: Generation Q Season 2, of course! This week, our L.A. lesbians long for lost loves, search for direction and wind up in each other's beds—as usual. Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer of video Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“You look like you could use a night out.” —Gigi GhorbaniOh,The L Word: never change. Three episodes into Generation Q Season 2 and we're already back in love-triangle territory. In the Bette-Gigi love ring, a new fighter has emerged—and it's, shockingly, Dani. Plus, Angie has a sister, Alice has an editor, Bette has an artist crush and Shane and Tess have a lot of moola. Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer of video Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiChelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Chelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I'm getting a hormonal surge, I'm ready to take all your money.” —Bette PorterDeal us in, ladies! In this week's episode of The L Word: Generation Q, the gang convenes at Dana's for a sexy poker game—and they're gambling more than just cash. (Spoiler alert: There are a lot of feelings!) Xtra's senior editor Erica Lenti and managing producer of video Chelle Turingan host.Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“You're very naughty.” — Bette PorterThe L Word: Generation Q is back for a second season—and we're kicking things off with a very lesbian love triangle. Will anyone emerge unscathed?Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanTechnical producer: Lito Howse @LitoHowseExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“Was any of it worth it?” — Bette PorterSo much dyke drama, so little time. The L Word: Generation Q wrapped up its debut season last week, and we have a lot of processing to do: Will Sophie pick Dani or Finley? When was Jose planning to tell Micah about his husband? Is Bette Porter going to run for president next? And who will comprise our next throuple?While we eagerly await Season 2 of The L Word: Generation Q, here are our thoughts for the bests and worsts of Season 1 and our predictions for Season 2!Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I dated her. The birds were a whole thing.” — Dani NunezWhat better way to end a season of lesbian drama than by turning everything into shambles! In this season finale of The L Word: Generation Q, everyone’s grappling with loss: Bette struggles to find purpose after the mayoral race, Alice comes to grips with possibly losing her talk show, and Shane once again becomes a sad boi. Meanwhile, Sophie is forced to make a choice between Dani and Finley, and Micah learns something troubling about Jose. It all ends in a cliffhanger at the airport. Last boarding call for our L.A. lesbians: We’ll see you next season
“Why would I judge you? I’m in a throuple—with two ex-wives!” — Alice PieszeckiRemember that dyke drama we were asking for? Well, it’s here—albeit moments before The L Word: Generation Q’s debut season comes to a close. In this penultimate episode, Bette’s still pining for Tina (TINAAAAA!), Alice gives the throuple the boot and Shane is navigating the pre-parenthood stage. Meanwhile, Jose’s meet-the-mom date with Micah goes sour, Dani can’t stop working, and Sophie and Finley swap spit. Lies, deception and a forthcoming mayoral race: Perhaps only Angie can save us.Episode notes and extras:Just a reminder that Tina and Bette never described Angie’s heartbeat as “horses stampeding in mud”Ma’am Sir, the Filipino restaurant where Micah, Jose and Grace have lunch #RepresentationWinsNew from Autostraddle: On The L Word’s trans actors playing cis charactersFeaturing: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturingan Producer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“Look around. I’m wrong all the fucking time.” — Bette PorterShe’s baaaaaack! Tina Kennard, the other half of the famed TiBette, has returned to the cast of our favourite L.A lesbians—and in typical The L Word fashion, things are getting saucy. In this sixth episode, Bette and Tina hash out the past, Dani does damage control on Bette’s mayoral campaign, Angie confesses her love for Jordi, Shane makes a big decision on parenthood, Sophie and Finley get closer during bro night, and Alice and co. continue to navigate their throuple. And where’s Micah, you ask? Probably avoiding the dyke drama.Episode notes and extras:Jennifer Beals talks Tina’s return and co-star Laurel Holloman: “Even when we first saw each other after a while, it was like no time had passed. Zero time.”Holloman on her return to The L Word: “It felt very surreal.”TINAAAAAAA!In praise of queer women’s friendshipsFeaturing: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“We never get any good words. Vulva, labia, throuple!” — Alice PieszeckiNever mind what you want; Episode 5 of The L Word: Generation Q is begging you to tell us what you need. We catch up with our hungover favourites post-Shane McCutcheon 40th birthday bash, and everyone’s trying to get their priorities straight: Alice is navigating throupledom, Bette’s trying to be a better mom, Shane’s forced to contemplate parenthood, Dani is shutting down her daddy and Micah’s exploring love and sex with Jose. Poor Finley, meanwhile, is still a hot mess—and in desperate need of some guidance and guardianship. In the end, we could all use an Uncle Shane and a Mama B in our lives.Episode notes and extras:Janelle Monáe’s “I Like That”The rise of the sober queerWhat polyamory means to six queer folks, from Autostraddle: “I view polyamory as a structure that’s helpful in me decolonizing my love life and the way I view relationships.”Never forget the simpler days: Baby Angie, Mama T and Mama B (and Auntie Kit, RIP!)Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I got divorced on my birthday!” — Shane McCutcheonWe’re halfway through the season and it’s one big reveal after another in the fourth episode of The L Word: Generation Q. Bette finally explains why she’s running for mayor (rest in power, Kit). Finley gets drunk and tells Rebecca she’s in love. Dani finds out Bette is still sleeping with Felicity. Jose shows Micah what he really wants. Tess figures out what’s been going on between Lena and Shane. Shane clarifies why she and Quiara broke up just before Quiara makes a surprise entrance at Shane’s surprise 40th birthday party. And, oh yeah, Nat tells Alice that she’s still hot for Gigi—AND A THREEWAY ENSUES. Anyone want some cookies to go with those MILFs?Episode notes and extras:The LA Times on the westward expansion of the opioid crisisYou’re looking very Shane todayChelle’s fave bop of the episode: Shura’s “religion (u can lay your hands on me)” The L Word Book by Jennifer BealsQuiara is played by Lex Scott DavisFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“I fucked the priest!” — Sarah FinleyTensions are running high for our L.A. queers—and it’s about time! In this episode of Off The Chart: Generation Q, we process the third episode of our beloved L Word reboot: Dani and Sophie are still sparring over wedding plans, Finley freaks out when she realizes she’s sleeping with a minister, Bette and Angie face off over public school and Shane can’t stop being a fuckboy. At least Megan Rapinoe shows up. Is it hot in here, or is it just us?Episode notes and extras:Inside the Metropolitan Community Church, a queer-friendly haven for more than 50 yearsHow Grindr changed the way the world datedThe last time we saw Tina Kennard invigorated: at a lesbian oil wrestling matchMegan Rapinoe: Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year for 2019Featuring: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“I just want you to know that I would help you hide a body.” — Sarah FinleyWe’re just two episodes into the Generation Q reboot, but there are already so many red flags
“Time’s up, bitch!” — Sarah FinleyIt’s been 10 years since our L.A. lezzies walked off the scene (with the wind machine in their hair, no less), and it’s time for some new faces! In the premiere episode of “Off The Chart: Generation Q,” we meet the goofy Sarah Finley, the loved-up couple Dani Nunez and Sophie Suarez and the very adorable Micah Lee. All the while, we catch up with our OGs: future mayor Bette Porter, Alice Pieszecki a.k.a. the new Ellen and the very rich Shane McCutcheon (we’re just as confused as you are). What’s changed in the last decade in the queer universe that is The L Word —and what (or who) refuses to change with it? Find out along with us! https://media.giphy.com/media/f5dhu3tUavqw5Na7TG/giphy.gifEpisode notes and extras:Jacqueline Toboni, who plays Finley, is the real-life sister of Gianna Toboni! Jennifer Beals talks to Variety about the reboot—and why she’s the lamest cast member The new cast reflects on how the show has evolved......except for Shane’s hair: “Anyone who says Shane can’t commit doesn’t realize she’s been committed to her hair since the day she swaggered into our lives,” writes Shannon Melero“The L Word Generation Q is trying to atone for the original’s sins”A look inside the opioid crisis, worst addiction epidemic in American historyFeaturing: Erica Lenti @ericalentiMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Michelle TuringanExecutive producer: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseMusic: KidKulit
“That hiatus felt really long. It felt like a decade, right?” — Alice Pieszecki It’s finally here! This episode we look ahead at The L Word: Generation Q. No spoilers, we promise! We talk about what’s changed for queer women and trans people in politics and visibility in the 10 years since the original series wrapped in 2009. We share our hopes for Generation Q: Better trans representation! More racial diversity! Lots of queer drama! We offer our first impressions on the new series and get to know the new characters, Dani, Sophie, Finley and Micah. We pour one out for the Betty theme song and give love to the Gen Q music supervisor for Lizzo and Le Tigre. We plan to vote for Bette Porter, we want to be guests on Alice’s talk show and we still have concerns about Shane’s hair.Episode notes and extras:The L Word: Generation QJennifer Beals in New York magazine on The L Word: Generation QGLAAD’s annual report on Where We Are On TV“Brother” by The OrganShane and Carmen have sex on the set of The Organ video shootFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganSpecial guest: Katie Sketch @KatieSketchBandProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“Goddammit, Jenny. Fucking, fucking bitch!” — Bette PorterWe’ve reached the final season of original The L Word run, and one question lingers: Who killed Jenny Schecter? Don’t get too excited, because you’ll never know—and in the end, it doesn’t really matter. We process possibly the most confusing season of the series: Jenny and Shane hook up (barf)! Max is pregnant! Bette almost sleeps with Nomi from Showgirls! Alice and Tasha join a throuple! It all leads up to a series finale no one asked for. Is this really the way we lived and loved?Episode notes and extras:Jennifer Beals in Autostraddle: “I would do the scenes and then go to my trailer and yell WHYYY???” Why Do I Care Who Killed Jenny Schecter?“Ilene Chaiken and her team did not write Season Six with knowledge of Jenny’s killer in mind. They don’t know who killed Jenny.”For posterity’s sake: The final scene of The L Word, featuring a wind machineFor the New York Times, Ginia Bellafante reviews The L Word’s “lunacy-revealing plot points.”Featuring: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“Jesus Christ, it’s like South Beach threw up in here.” — Shane McCutcheon at Dawn Denbo’s ShebarWe’ve gone full meta! In season five, we enjoy the movie version of the book version of the television series The L Word (yes, you read that correctly)—because we’ve reached the point in this series where nothing makes sense! We hit the set of Lez Girls, where Jenny has reached peak diva, and meet closeted Hollywood star Niki Stevens (Kate French), white man movie mogul William Halsey (Wallace Shawn) and Jenny’s doting assistant Adele Channing (Malaya Drew). Meanwhile, Shane can’t keep it in her pants and sparks a lesbian club war between Kit and Dawn Denbo (Elizabeth Keener) and her lover Cindy. Tasha fights for her right to keep serving in the military. And Tina finally shows some emotion! It’s the beginning of the end, baby.Episode notes and extras:A brief history of Don’t Ask, Don’t TellMolly Kroll, Phyllis Kroll’s daughter played by Clementine Ford, is Cybill Shepherd’s real-life daughter! And Elizabeth Keener, who plays our favourite lesbian club mafioso Dawn Denbo, is the IRL sister of actress Catherine Keener! “This is my lover Cindy.”Miami’s Great Lesbian Club Wars of the 1990sFrom Carmen Maria Machado’s In The Dream House: When your abuser is also queerWired’s Kam Burns on how The L Word got trans representation wrong—and why the reboot is television’s second chance at getting it right.Featuring: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“I can show you that you’re never going to need a man again. You know Papi can rock your world, right?” — Eva “Papi” TorresIn season four, the arrival of Papi (Janina Gavankar), Tasha (Rose Rollins), Phyllis (Cybill Shepherd) and Jodi (Marlee Matlin) rocks the insular world of The L Word for the better, shaking up and diversifying les girls. Our bougie bitches play hoops and Helena plays poker. Alice gets played by Papi then makes a play for Tasha. Shane plays house with Shay and Paige, and Angus plays with Kit’s emotions. Bette can’t play it cool when it comes to Jodi, while Tina gets bored of playing it straight. And Jenny, channeling Cruella de Ville, plays head games with an adorable veterinarian. It’s all fun and games until someone euthanizes a rescue dog. Seriously, Jenny: WTF?!Episode notes and extras:“You’re looking very Shane today.”Consider the Merkin: A Brief History of Pubic Wigs in HollywoodThe making of The L Word basketball sceneThe Instagram dogs of Xtra: Chelle’s Ellie and Erica’s BelleThe history of Don’t Ask, Don’t TellScarlett Johansson: “I should be able to play any person, tree or animal.”Featuring: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“C’mon loosen up lesbians... You want to celebrate the snatch, venerate the vagina, praise the pussy!” — Billy BlakeyDana Fairbanks, you will always be our sunshine. Season three of The L Word was a literal matter of life and death, as Dana succumbs to breast cancer in the saddest story arc of the series, while Max begins his new life as a trans man. In our recap, we talk about the show’s hit-and-miss portrayal of Max’s transition and his uneasy integration into the clique—warning, it gets TERFy. We mourn the untimely and unexpected death of one of the series’ most sympathetic characters. We get hot over Carmen’s steamy striptease and bothered by Shane’s wedding day betrayal. And we say willkommen, welcome, bienvenue to guest star Alan Cumming!Episode notes and extras:TERFS explainedAfter Max and Ivan: Revisiting The L Word as a Trans Masculine PersonErin Daniels and Ilene Chaiken on Dana’s deathBreast cancer resources for lesbian, bisexual and trans peopleFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganWith guests:Kam Burns @kamcburns, journalist @wiredKathy Tu @_kathytu, co-host @NancyPodcast from WNYCProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“It’s not my job to make you a better man” — Jenny Schecter Whew girl, that is the truth! And there’s a whole lot more truths (and lies) in the second season of The L Word. We recap the love triangles—Bette/Tina/Helena; Dana/Tonya/Alice; and Jenny/Carmen/Shane—as well as some dark truths about our beloved L.A. queer women. We explore the rubble left in Bette and Tina’s explosive breakup—and Tina’s pregnancy; Kit’s alcoholism; Jenny’s traumatic childhood; Shane’s inability to just commit; and a super gross voyeurism/lesbian fantasy plot by Jenny and Shane’s roommate Mark Wayland. We also process some of the season’s lighter (albeit, weirder) moments: Jenny’s Judaic strip tease, Alice and Dana awkward first hook up for the first time, some annoying whispering added in post-production, and a golden shower of sorts.Episode notes and extras:Feminist scholar Laura Mulvey’s bible on the male gazeThe L Word came out in 2004; in real life, it would have taken Bette and Tina four more years to get legally married in L.A.The coming out haircut is still a thingThe super creepy Mark Wayland is played by Eric Lively—Blake Lively’s brother!BuzzFeed’s Shannon Keating recently braved the Olivia cruise, the notorious travel company for queer women, and proceeded to blow up her lifeIt’s here! The Betty theme song we all love to hateFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“Jail is whack!” — Shane McCutcheonLez get this party started! In this episode, we recap and process the first season of The L Word. We guide you through this world of L.A. lesbians and bisexual women so you can get to know the characters and what they’re up to, including: Bette and Tina looking fora sperm donor, Shane breaking her fuckboy rules for an older, married woman, and tennis pro Dana struggling to come out as a lesbian. We’ll also talk about how certain plots in the show stack up today—from reproductive rights for LGBTQ2 parents, to the perception of bisexuality to “gaydar.” Plus, we weigh in on the debut season’s big-name celebrity guest appearances, like Holland Taylor, Rosanna Arquette, and Snoop D.O. Double G!Episode notes and extras:More on The Planet, where our ladies like to lunchThe Jenny/Marina plotline was inspired by show creator Ilene Chaiken’s first romance with another womanThe depiction of Alice’s bisexuality did not age wellA quick history of LGBTQ2 parental rights in the U.S.Shane’s awful leather outfit! Keith Richards, is that you?!?!R.I.P. to gaydarAin’t no weekend like a Dinah Shore weekendGo Fish (1994), a classic lesbian indie film, directed and co-written by Rose Troche and starring and co-written by Guinevere Turner—Troche directed several episode of The L Word, Turner played Alice’s awful ex Gaby DeveauxFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
“Am I crazy? Am I drunk? Am I hallucinating?” — Jenny Schecter It’s the “Off The Chart” pre-party! Before we start our season-by-season recapping, this premiere episode digs into lesbian, bisexual and queer culture circa 2004 and breaks down the impact of The L Word’s launch. Meet our recap crew, two who watched the original series as it aired, and two youngster late-comers. (There’s even one of us who loves Jenny.) Revisit the Riot Grrrls and New Queer Cinema, remember that summer we all said, “That’s hot,” regret those low-rise flares—and get ready to live, laugh, love and listen. Episode notes and extras:“Not Your Mother’s Lesbians,” New York Magazine on the launch of The L Word in 2004The ChartNew Queer CinemaGo Fish (1994), a classic lesbian indie film, directed and co-written by Rose Troche and starring and co-written by Guinevere Turner—Troche directed several episodes of The L Word, Turner played Alice’s awful ex Gabby DeveauxThe Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (1995) Another classic lesbian indie film from the 1990s, this one starred Laurel Holloman (Tina)Queer As Folk (UK) and Queer As Folk (US)Lesbian AvengersQueer NationHow the Riot Grrrl movement sold the world on girl powerRIP early aughts fashionFrom BuzzFeed: Which L Word character are you?The L Word: Generation QThe L Word creator Ilene Chaiken on what fans can expect from the rebootFeaturing: Rachel Giese @rachelagieseErica Lenti @ericalentiEternity Martis @eternitymartisMichelle Turingan @chelleturinganProducer and editor: Corey Misquita @coreymisquitaSenior producer: Rachel Matlow @rachelmatlowExecutive producer: Rachel GieseMusic: KidKulit
Prepare for The L Word: Generation Q reboot with Xtra’s primer on the original series, hosted by Rachel Giese, Erica Lenti, Eternity Martis and Michelle Turingan. Subscribe now!