The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken says reboot needs ‘sexy stories about sex’
attends the FOX 2017 Summer TCA Tour after party on August 8, 2017 in West Hollywood, California.
The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken has said that it’s important for the rebooted show to share her “enjoyment of telling sexy stories about sex.”
Chaiken discussed The L Word‘s infamous sex scenes in an interview with NBC News published on Sunday (February 17), stressing that the new showrunner for Showtime’s revived series should continue in the same vein.
Chaiken acted as the showrunner on the original series; however director Marja-Lewis Ryan has been hired as the showrunner on the rebooted series, which will feature former cast members reprising their roles.
New showrunner Marja-Lewis Ryan was hired because she likes telling stories about sex, says The L Word creator
“One of things Marja and I connected over in the very beginning and one of the reasons it was clear that she was so right to do that show is that she and I really like telling stories about sex and making film about sex and portraying it and enjoying it and exploring it,” Chaiken told NBC.
“It’s really important to me that the person who takes over this show shares my enjoyment of telling sexy stories about sex.”
The original cast of The L Word.
Although she is no longer showrunner, Chaiken will still oversee the reboot as executive producer.
Former cast members Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig will take back their roles as characters Bette, Alice and Shane respectively.
“I think people will be gratified by how inclusive this show is.”
—Ilene Chaiken
The three actors will serve as executive producers on the reboot as well.
The L Word originally ran for six seasons between 2004 and 2009.
The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken: I accept “all” of the criticisms about trans and racial representation
Chaiken also discussed plans to make the revived show more inclusive.
The L Word had previously come under fire for its presentation of trans character Max, and its lack of racial diversity.
Asked about whether the revival will demonstrate greater awareness of diversity, Chaiken responded: “Absolutely. There’s no question.
“And there were criticisms of The L Word as well as of other shows. And what I would say is I accept all of those criticisms.
“The world has changed; we’ve learned a great deal, I’ve learned a great deal. ”
She continued: “I know things now that I didn’t know then, and I’m glad to know them. I recognise the sensitivities.
“I also think that to some degree the kind of—I’m going to call them the rules, but I think it’s the wrong categorisation—they’re always evolving.
“Marja is really keenly attuned to the issues of representation and inclusivity … I think people will be gratified by how inclusive this show is.”
