The L Word

Watch The L Word

  • TV-MA
  • 2004
  • 6 Seasons
  • 7.7  (28,573)

The L Word is an American drama series that aired for six seasons from 2004 to 2009 on Showtime. The show has been widely regarded for its unique portrayal of the queer community in a way that was not seen on mainstream television at the time. The L Word follows the lives and relationships of a group of lesbian and bisexual women as they navigate their way through love, heartbreak, sex, identity, career, and family in West Hollywood.

The show is centered around Jenny Schecter, played by Mia Kirshner, a young writer who moves to Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Tim Haspel, played by Eric Mabius. As she delves deeper into the secret lives of her neighbors, Jenny realizes she is drawn to the queer community, sparking a journey of self-discovery.

Bette Porter, played by Jennifer Beals, is a confident and ambitious art gallery director who is in a tumultuous relationship with her girlfriend, Tina Kennard, played by Laurel Holloman. Their relationship is complicated by their desire to have a child and the challenges they face in the adoption process.

Shane McCutcheon, played by Katherine Moennig, is a charismatic hairstylist and playgirl who struggles to maintain emotional connections with the people around her. Throughout the series, she engages in a string of casual encounters, but she ultimately yearns for deeper connections.

Alice Pieszecki, played by Leisha Hailey, is a witty and charming writer who is entangled in a complicated love triangle with her best friend, Dana Fairbanks (Erin Daniels), a professional tennis player and closeted lesbian, and Lara Perkins (Lauren Lee Smith), a sous-chef who becomes Dana's girlfriend.

Kit Porter, played by Pam Grier, is Bette's half-sister and a recovering alcoholic who navigates the challenges of sobriety and repairing strained relationships with her family members.

Other important characters include Max Sweeney (Daniela Sea), a transgender man who struggles with acceptance and identity, Tasha Williams (Rose Rollins), a soldier exploring her sexuality, and Jodi Lerner (Marlee Matlin), a deaf artist who becomes involved in a tumultuous relationship with Bette.

Throughout its six seasons, The L Word tackled a variety of complex themes, including bisexuality, gender identity, infidelity, reproduction, religion, and addiction. The show also featured a diverse cast of actors who represented different races, ethnicities, and abilities, such as Sarah Shahi, Kristanna Loken, Alexandra Hedison, Karina Lombard, Clementine Ford, Cybill Shepherd, and Janina Gavankar.

The L Word broke new ground for queer representation on television and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of queer relationships and the challenges faced by the queer community. The show also faced criticism for its limited representation of trans and non-binary characters and its portrayal of certain lesbian stereotypes.

The L Word is a must-watch for queer audiences and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships.

The L Word is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (71 episodes). The series first aired on January 18, 2004.

The L Word
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Seasons
Last Word
8. Last Word
March 8, 2009
In the final episode of the series, what starts out as a celebration of friendship quickly ends in a web of betrayal and deceit; the girls find themselves in the slammer with Sergeant Duffy; and the investigation into Jenny's death begins.
Last Couple Standing
7. Last Couple Standing
March 1, 2009
The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center dance marathon is on; someone is moving to the Big Apple; rumors fly fast around the dance floor that Alice and Tasha may be in couple trouble; The HIT!'s Sunset Blvd makes a shocking revelation to Kit; and there's a no-show at the bus station.
Lactose Intolerant
6. Lactose Intolerant
February 22, 2009
Jenny throws a baby shower for Max; Bette and Tina hit a roadblock in the adoption process; Bette goes solo to her gallery's opening night celebration leading Kelly to go in for the kill; Shane is feeling boxed in by Jenny; and Alice starts to feel like three is a crowd.
Litmus Test
5. Litmus Test
February 15, 2009
Jenny writes another script that sells; Bette and Kelly go into business; Alice and Tasha have a third-wheel crush; the girls plot a sting operation to test Dylan; and, Jenny encroaches more on Shane.
Leaving Los Angeles
4. Leaving Los Angeles
February 8, 2009
Shane and Jenny are still melting over each other; Bette and Tina go to Nevada to meet a potential birth mother; Max is trying to deal with being pregnant; Alice and Tasha play matchmaker; and Kelly Wentworth may have what Bette needs.
LMFAO
3. LMFAO
February 1, 2009
The negative of Lez Girls goes missing; Shane's incessant apologizing to Jenny finally gets noticed; Alice's feelings are hurt when Jenny denounces her desire to write a screenplay; Phyllis lets Bette in on a suppressed secret; and it's opening night at Kit and Helena's new club, HIT!
Least Likely
2. Least Likely
January 25, 2009
Bette and Tina talk about expanding their family and beginning a new life but the plan could be ruined when Bette bumps into an old friend with dangerous potential; Alice and Tasha ponder their compatibility as they seek counseling; an old flame appears sending Helena reeling; and Max is faced with an extraordinary situation.
Long Night's Journey Into Day
1. Long Night's Journey Into Day
January 18, 2009
Careers evolve, relationships are tested and friendships end in murder. It begins with Jenny found dead! As a result, everyone's lives are turned upside down leaving all the friends despondent but also suspects - who did it and how did it happen? Flashbacks of the months leading up to the murder will be the only way to put the pieces together to learn why.
Description
Where to Watch The L Word
The L Word is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The L Word on demand at Showtime, Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.
  • Premiere Date
    January 18, 2004
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (28,573)