“The L Word: Generation Q” and “Work in Progress” have both been renewed for Season 2 at Showtime ahead of their respective first season finales on Jan. 26, the pay TV channel announced during the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California, on Monday.
The second seasons of “The L Word” sequel series and the Abby McEnany-led comedy will each consist of 10 episodes.
Currently airing Sundays at 10 p.m., Season 1 of “Generation Q” has followed the intermingled lives of Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals), Shane McCutcheon (Katherine Moennig) and Alice Pieszecki (Leisha Hailey), along with new characters Dani Nùñez (Arienne Mandi), Micah Lee (Leo Sheng), Finley (Jacqueline Toboni), Sophie Suarez (Rosanny Zayas) and Gigi (Sepideh Moafi), as they experience love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success in L.A.
Here’s the official description for the first season of the sequel series:
“The L Word: Generation Q” season one follows Bette (Beals) weaving her way through a contentious mayoral run while co-parenting her and Tina’s teenage daughter; Shane (Moennig) returning to L.A. and embarking on her new career as owner of a lesbian bar while trying to save her marriage; and Alice (Hailey) stepping into the spotlight as host of her own queer-focused talk show. Meanwhile, PR pro Dani (Mandi) is running communications for Bette’s campaign while balancing her relationship with fiancée Sophie (Zayas), a producer for Alice’s show. Production assistant Finley (Toboni) and professor Micah (Sheng) are finding their footing in the L.A. dating scene, while Gigi (Moafi) navigates family dynamics with her ex, Nat (guest star Stephanie Allynne), who is Alice’s current girlfriend. Season one guest stars include Megan Rapinoe, Brian Michael Smith, Olivia Thirlby, Fortune Feimster and Latarsha Rose.
“L Word: Generation Q” is executive produced by showrunner Marja-Lewis Ryan, along with “L Word” creator Ilene Chaiken, Kristen Campo, Allyce Ozarski, Steph Green (pilot only), and original series stars Beals, Moennig and Hailey.
“‘The L Word: Generation Q’ took our original series that was revered and reinvigorated it for a new generation and a new era,” said Gary Levine, president of entertainment at Showtime Networks. “The result has been a show that appeals to all generations for its relevance, its fearlessness, its emotion and its fun. I can’t wait to see what Marja, along with Ilene and this talented ensemble, will deliver for Season 2.”
“Work in Progress,” which airs immediately after “Generation Q,” was created and written by McEnany and Tim Mason and co-written by Lilly Wachowski. The show stars McEnany as a fictionalized version of herself whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a vibrantly transformative relationship. In addition to McEnany, the first season stars Chicago-based performer Karin Anglin alongside Celeste Pechous, with Julia Sweeney (Saturday Night Live, Shrill) appearing in “a crucial role” as herself. Theo Germaine (“The Politician”) also appears as a special guest star.
The comedy is executive produced by McEnany, Mason and Wachowski, who also serve as co-showrunners. Lawrence Mattis, Ashley Berns and Josh Adler of Circle of Confusion also serve as executive producers, along with Tony Hernandez of JAX Media and Julia Sweeney. Mason also directed the first season, with Jacqueline “JJ” Ingram serving as supervising producer. Showtime acquired the pilot for the series after its premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, where it was an official selection of the Indie Episodic program.
Season 2 of “Work in Progress” will be entirely written, shot and produced in Chicago this year, according to Showtime.
“We could not be more gratified that both critics and viewers are responding to the spark of creativity and original point of view that blew us away when we first saw the pilot that screened at Sundance last year,” said Jana Winograde, Levine’s fellow president of entertainment at Showtime Networks. “We fell in love with Abby at first sight, and are eager to share in the laughter (and tears) that she, Tim and Lilly will undoubtedly evoke in Season 2.”
The season finales of “The L Word: Generation Q” and “Work in Progress” will air Sunday, Jan. 26, at 10/9c and 11/10c, respectively, on Showtime.