This was originally posted by azarella on the community forum.

Hi Jeri,
Thanks for that info - I was afraid that the show would only find a limited audience. Cindy and I have loved it from the start. Of course, the Olivia cruise (trip report coming next week)did make it extra special for us. We ordered Showtime the second we returned from vacation. I sent them a note of thanks as well.
As far as characters - I like the stability that Bette and Tina share. There's something about their relationship that I find the most arousing. Cindy and I have been together 15+ years and we're pretty solid so maybe that's why I relate to them the most.
Can't wait for the next Olivia trip - we had such a wonderful time on the Mexican Riviera cruise - I hope I can find the words to put into a trip report to do it justice.
-Ange

This was originally posted by tad on the community forum.

I wasn't that impressed with the first episode, maybe my expectations were too high. I liked the second episode much better, and I find I am really looking forward to tonight's episode. At first it bothered me that all the characters were so femmy, I don't think it is a realistic portrayal of lesbians. But...after all it is TV and it is kind of fun so see a bunch of hot-looking lesbians with really cool hair and clothes, so I am digging it more and more. My partner and I talked about it and it might be a pretty boring show if it showed our real lives, our life is wonderful but not really all that exciting!! No drama at all.
Happy watching!!

This was originally posted by janewny on the community forum.

In a word -- Excellent! Much better than I expected.

This was originally posted by Jeri at Olivia Guest Services on the community forum.

Hi All - Here is some great news - congratulations to "The L Word" team:


SHOWTIME RENEWS CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED SERIES
"THE L WORD" FOR SECOND SEASON

13-Episode Pick-Up Is Fastest Renewal
In Premium Network's History

NEW YORK, NY: January 29, 2004 - On the heels of the launch two weeks ago of its critically-acclaimed new series, THE L WORD, SHOWTIME has given the drama a 13-episode second-season renewal, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's President of Entertainment. The pick-up represents the fastest renewal in the premium network's history, following its debut 11 days ago on January 18, 2004. Production on Season Two is slated to begin in June for the series which airs on Sundays at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

"This groundbreaking series has quickly and successfully captivated the attention of viewers, critics, journalists, and even a presidential candidate, creating the kind of incessant buzz that signals a hit," said Greenblatt. "We already have 14 episodes completed so we've seen the strong future of the series, and with its provocative storytelling, rich character development, amazing cast, and universal appeal, the decision to renew THE L WORD was a no-brainer."

The first two episodes generated four times the Showtime prime-time average rating, pulling in a strong audience in spite of the fact that the second installment aired opposite the powerful Golden Globes telecast. From its unprecedented New York Magazine cover photo before the show had even debuted, to the full-page color cartoon of the cast in the New Yorker to references in the New York Times op.ed. pages, this show seems to be on everyone's lips. Even Gen. Wesley Clark has mentioned "the l word" in interviews lately and he wasn't only referring to the word "liberal."

THE L WORD was hailed by Tom Shales in The Washington Post as a "wickedly provocative…undeniably seductive TV." TV Guide called the series "a dynamic new drama." New York Magazine labeled the show "a powerful, wildly sexy new television series," while US Weekly called the concept "groundbreaking" and proclaimed: "Let the Emmy hype begin."

The drama is about a group of young women in Los Angeles, and follows their lives, careers, and romantic relationships - both gay and straight. The one-hour drama's cast includes Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig and Pam Grier.

THE L WORD is executive produced by Ilene Chaiken, through her production company Posse Productions, Inc., Steve Golin and Larry Kennar and is being distributed internationally by MGM Television Entertainment.

THE L WORD is being distributed internationally by MGM International Television Distribution, Inc.

This was originally posted by Dale on the community forum.

I think the show is great. I hope that eventually they will show some older lesbians in long term relationships, but hey, we should not complaining. We are being represented as passionate, caring and mostly together individuals. It is wonderful to see a show about women who happen to be gay. Being gay does not rule my life as much as being a woman. Kudos to the cast and congratulations on the shos renewal for an additional 13 episodes.

This was originally posted by DEWILWYMN on the community forum.

I watched episode one and two, I think two is better. And I have to agree the show is beginning to come to life. Sure its a bit hollywood, but isn't all shows...even QAF, so.. be that as it may we finally do have a show! They sure could do away with the straight sex though.

This was originally posted by LWordFan on the community forum.

An amazing cruise to the Mexican Riviera .... an outstanding Leadership Summit .... and The L Word ...... all in one vacation.
Thank you Oliva staff for coordinating such a wonderful vacation / experience.

As for The L Word ...... I am hooked.

I certainly understand the comments that these women are not necessarily representative of the entire community .... but they are a group friends that dearly care for eachother .... and for me that makes these characters quite likable.

I would recommend that whether you think this is the best show or not .... it is an opporutity for lesbian visability ... It would be amazing if all 1250 women on the cruise would go to the Showtimeonline.com website and go to the bottom of the page and hit the "contact" button and send a message to Showtime supporting the show. The premiere received less that 1 million viewers. If we are not supporting lesbian visability on television then I am not sure how we can expect others to do so ... and I fear that the show will not be renewed.

I look forward to next Sunday night and the next episode. I want to support lesbian visability and I hope that there are others out there that feel the same.

Again, thanks to Olivia!

Chris Gillespie

This was originally posted by Jeri at Olivia Guest Services on the community forum.

Who watched episode two? I just caught it last night. I really like the way the scenes flow together and I'm becoming invested in the characters.

I didn't think the blonde with the bull horn in the bar was realistic, but hey I'm 40 and perhaps you younger lesbians are a little more radical these days. :) I must say, I do have an ex I would like to have done that to ... so it gave me a visual of an old fantasy and I couldn't help but laugh - LOL!

Anyone else want to share? Have you identified which character is most like yourself? Do tell!

Jeri

This was originally posted by Mary Grey Bear on the community forum.

I liked the L-Word showing on board and meeting some of the cast. It was a nice treat.

I too have the same feeling about the cast in that they are very Hollywood. Hopefully as the show matures other guest stars could bring a more balanced approach and show the older, mature, over weight, stressed out, active, partnered(+15yrs)...do I dare go on...women, facing life's choices.

This was originally posted by Angie on the community forum.

We were on board for the screening and I definately love the show.. All the free trinkets we got were great too...I hope it does good and continues on like queer as folk has..

This was originally posted by dldix on the community forum.

as with any Hollywood production, the women were thin, beautiful and very feminine (even the 'butch' character). I heard a lot of comments that related to that, but we all have to remember that 'Friends' or 'Sex in the City' are not portraying 'average' people, either. It's entertainment...a Hollywood production...not an expose or documentary. All in all, it had a little bit of everything for everyone. The very hard subject of lesbianism was presented in a positive way. I am glad they portrayed lesbians as vibrant and voluptuous women. If you don't think you are beautiful just the way you are, you need to re-evaluate your self image. Your beauty lies within you! I loved the show.
Debbie, Houston, TX

This was originally posted by bocanda on the community forum.

I have mixed emotions about the show. I liked the 2nd episode better than the 1st. The sex didn't seem real to me (it seemed real to me in "Bound" so it is not the medium). My partner LOVES the show. Andrea

This was originally posted by Jeri at Olivia Guest Services on the community forum.

Hi Everyone -

We just wrapped up our Mexican Riviera trip where we had the great pleasure of being one of the first to see the premier episode of The "L" Word" before it debuted on Showtime. Hopefully by now, all of us have seen it.

We also had the opportunity to do a little Q&A with three of the cast members as well as the show's creator. It was really amazing and our guests had some great questions.

I'd love to know what you think about the show -- I'm looking forward to reading your replies!

Thanks for stopping by,

Jeri