Eight episode sixth season will be the last for lesbian drama

Showtime has ordered a new season of "The L Word," announcing that the drama's sixth season will also be its last.

The premium cable network announced that production will begin in early summer on an eight-episode season of what has become one of Showtime's longest running shows.

"It has been a privilege to do this series and tell these stories and have these characters in my life and to share them with the show's passionate fans," says series creator and executive producer Ilene Chaiken. "I am thrilled that Showtime has given us this final opportunity to conclude this journey we have all taken together."

"The L Word" premiered in 2004 and focuses on a group of friends in Los Angeles, looking more specifically at the city's lesbian and transgender community. The show drew large audiences to Showtime and also attracted high profile guest stars and spawned its own successful social networking website.

"We are enormously proud of the legacy of 'The L Word,' a groundbreaking series that well surpassed its niche as a gay show," says Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt. "The title of the show became part of the lexicon, and the breadth and reach of the characters and storylines are a testament to the talent of Ilene Chaiken and her incredible cast. We have a strong tradition of shows that move beyond the stereotypes of lesbian and gay characters, and we are grateful to everyone involved with 'The L Word' who contributed to its legacy."

Adds Showtime CEO and Chairman Matthew Blank, "'The L Word' has been such an important franchise for Showtime. We look forward to an outstanding finale season next year and know this show will live on in many, many ways."

The sixth and final season of "The L Word" will premiere early in 2009.