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The L Word first made its debut in 2004 when it was the only LGBT-friendly television show. However, some would argue that the title should go to the 2000 series, Queer as Folk. Nonetheless, there was nothing else at the time that was displaying queer sexuality so positively. It was unheard of to watch women fall in love with other women and have stable relationships. The L Word would later inspire other television shows such as Glee, Modern Family, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race. So, is the world ready for a L Word reboot? Jessica Beals believes so.
Back in 2004, when the series first debuted, Beals was already known for her roles on Devil in a Blue Dress and Flashdance. But it was her portrayal of Bette Porter that made her a role model for lesbian and bisexual women. Now, in The L Word: Generation Q, Beals has reprised her role alongside co-stars Katherine Moennig (Shane McCutcheon) and Leisha Hailey (Alice Pieszecki) along with many newcomers. The L Word reboot has the show in a different light. It’s more inclusive and less problematic than its counterpart.
In an interview with Refinery 29, Beals revealed the time when she thought the world was ready for a L Word reboot. Beals said it was during the 2016 election when she thought the show should make its return. “He took office and he attacked the LGBT community immediately,” Beals said, referring to President Donald Trump. “I think there’s a really interesting cultural tension going on. We wanted to err on the side of love.”
She also revealed whether she felt pressured for the new series to live up to the original. While she didn’t feel a “responsibility,” she felt there needed to be an “opportunity to reflect the times in which we live.” But Beals admits that she doesn’t feel pressured to live up to the original. She has learned a lot from the original series, but she wanted to reflect a different time in each character’s life. She also wanted to have a more diverse cast with transgendered actors “playing trans roles.
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Beals also reflected on her decision to continue playing a lesbian even though she’s straight in real life. She’s also been criticized for saying that her character has made her realize how straight she is. Beals explained that she feels incredibly “square.” Then she went on to say that she spends her time with “the coolest people ever. This is the fact I just realized.” Beals is happy to have the title “honorary lesbian,” but she would rather consider herself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
The L Word: Generation Q is set to make its premiere on Showtime in the U.S. on Dec. 8.