The L Word revival might not have happened if Donald Trump hadn’t won
Ilene Chaiken, Jennifer Beals and Katherine Moennig of “The L Word: Generation Q” speak during the Showtime segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 2, 2019 (Amy Sussman/Getty)
The L Word’s upcoming revival was spurred into life when Donald Trump won the Presidency in 2016.
The beloved lesbian drama series is set to make a comeback in December for The L Word: Generation Q, with several main cast members returning alongside a new generation of younger queer stars.
However, it might not have actually happened if Hillary Clinton had become President, according to USA Today.
2016 election provoked show’s revival
Creator Ilene Chaiken explained at a press event: “We all felt there was a reason to bring the show back and it would be exciting and meaningful and I was waiting for the right time.
“But [the 2016 election] really provoked me to make the move and approach Showtime.”
Jennifer Beals, who is returning to her role as Bette Porter and also serving as an executive producer, revealed that she texted Chaiken as the 2016 election results came in to push for the revival.
She said: “We could see the tsunami coming.”
The cast and creators of “The L Word: Generation Q” speak during Showtime segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 2, 2019 (Amy Sussman/Getty)
“We haven’t reached any kind of state of equality. The power of storytelling can help that issue.”
The L Word: Generation Q will tackle more LGBT+ issues
The show will be far more LGBT-inclusive than its predecessor, which picked up criticism for its negative portrayal of trans characters.
The reboot will feature people across the gender spectrum, with a key role for trans actor Leo Sheng.
Beals said: “What I think what’s interesting about this show is that we’ve extended the discussion of sexuality and gender identity.
“When we started the show, ‘non-binary’ was a mathematical term … now we’re able to talk about [it].”
Executive producer Marja-Lewis Ryan said: “We have had long conversations about [lesbians and trans people] and we are very plugged into the conversations that are coming out of the divide.
“I strongly stand on the side of inclusivity… we don’t have enough teammates to play a full game if we’re not all on the team. We are (also) exploring trans lesbians.”
She continued: “I am from the generation that critiqued the show. I’m 34.
“I am right there with the things that people are saying. … All we can do is do better. The time-specific decisions of the original are not the decisions I’m making right now.
“We’re making something that is of now, and for now.”
The L Word: Generation Q is set to air from December 8 on Showtime.
