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Showtime sets its 'L Word' spinoff lead

By Daniel Fienberg

September 05, 10:00 AM

Leishahailey_240_2After a couple months of speculation -- maybe not here, but somewhere -- Showtime has settled on a centerpiece for its possible spinoff of The L Word.

The premium cable network announced on Thursday (Sept. 4) that The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken will write and produce a spinoff pilot presentation built around Leisha Hailey's Alice.

The presentation will be shot in December, one month ahead of the January 2009 premiere for the sixth and final season of The L Word on Showtime.

Showtime executives teased the still-untitled spinoff at July's Television Critics Association press tour.

"[W]e're doing this interesting thing: The storyline at the end of The L Word, the final episode in the final season, there will be an open-ended component to it," Showtime CEO Matt Blank explained. "And Ilene is going to carry that story along on the Internet, which we think is an interesting way to keep The L Word experience going. Then if we decide to go ahead with the spinoff that storyline will segue into the new series."

Hailey has played Alice Pieszecki since The L Word premiered on Showtime in 2004. A journalist, Alice may be best remembered as the creator of The Chart, a graphic representation of the romantic entanglements and sexual escapades of her group of friends, loved ones and acquaintances.

So, The L Word fans, did Chaiken and Showtime choose the right character for the spinoff? Would you want to follow Alice into her own series?


Comments

I was sad after I first heard that The L World was going to end in 2009, but now I have new hope that this amazing series will carry on.

Alice has become the franchise of this series and she's perfect for a setup of a spin-off. I hope Showtime follows through on this.

Hot Pocket | Sep 5, 2008 12:11:25 PM | #

This was by far the best choice for the spinoff...Alice is my favorite character in the show by far...and as Ive read on many articles about this spinoff, one of the most relatable and loveable characters, next to Dana...who wouldve also been a great choice, if Ilene hadnt viciously killed her off in season 3 :( Long live Crispay.

Heather | Sep 5, 2008 1:59:14 PM | #

If they're only continuing with one character, it makes sense to go with the character with the best sense of humour. You need some fun with the angst. They made the right choice in this instance.

Andy EN | Sep 5, 2008 7:18:56 PM | #

The best choice for a spin off - Alice is a great fun character and Leisha Hailey one of the most versatile actresses. I wonder whether any of the L Word cast will be carried over to the planned spin off?

Cathy | Sep 6, 2008 8:00:20 AM | #

Where can i send a headshot/resume for the spinoff?

Thanks,
Laura

laura | Sep 7, 2008 12:37:25 AM | #

The perfect choice for the new series. Leisha Hailey is one of the best underrated actresses on TV, and now she will get a chance to shine in the spotlight. Showtime has always been sweet on her character, so it's not really a shock they are carrying her on.

sharon | Sep 8, 2008 6:43:57 PM | #

I'm excited for the Alice spinoff, can't wait to see more Leisha Hailey. But I can't help feeling a little sad that it's not a Shane spinoff.

Jen | Sep 10, 2008 6:37:30 AM | #

I am heart broken that the six season is the final season. I'll miss Bette, Tina, Shane, and even Jenny! But I will miss Alice most of all! So if there is a spin off I'll stay tuned for Leisha Hailey...yeah..I'm kinda in love with her. =)

Jayme | Sep 15, 2008 5:56:24 PM | #

WoW what a bummer no more L-Word after 2009 :( it was the best series of anything i have seen, however i am happy they are doing a spin off and it is with Leisha Hailey, also i hope that some of the original cast are in the spin off often. The spin off in my opinion will be good with Leisha playing Alice i love that character.

T | Oct 20, 2008 11:28:18 AM | #

It's sad to see the end of the L word I hope the spin off will bring back some of the old cast from time to time. In reality lesbians are known for keeping contact.

Scarlett | Nov 21, 2008 11:11:07 AM | #
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