2021 summer TV viewing guide: 14 must-see new and returning shows

Summer TV: The L Word: Generation Q

Platform: Showtime

Release Date: TBD

Cast: Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moenning, Leisha Hailey, Arienne Mandi, Rosanny Zayas, Jacqueline Toboni, Leo Sheng

Premise: The L Word revival is back for its second season and promises more steamy drama this time around. Season 1’s cliffhanger left us gagged as Sophie (Zayas) was making a choice between Finley (Toboni) and Dani (Mandi). Only we didn’t actually get to see who she chose before the screen went black. Shane (Moenning) ended things with her wife, Quiara, and opened a bar named Dana’s in honor of Dana Fairbanks (Erin Daniels), a character from the original series who died of cancer. Bette (Beals) lost her run for office and is trying to decide what is next for her. Alice (Hailey) struggled with dealing with network pressure to make her talk show have more mainstream appeal.

Jordan Hull, who plays Bette’s daughter Angelica, has been upped to a series regular for season 2. Guest stars include Vanessa Williams (Candyman), Rosie O’Donnell, Donald Faison, and Griffin Dunne. Jamie Clayton and Freddy Miyares are expected to return in a recurring capacity. Original cast member Rachel Shelley is also expected to reprise her role as Helena Peabody in the upcoming season.

While an exact date for the premiere of season two has yet to be announced, reports indicate that the series is eyeing a late summer return. Originally, Season 2 was meant to arrive in June for Pride Month, but production was delayed due to the pandemic.