It’s official; sources are reporting that on Monday Showtime announced that The L Word has been renewed for a 6th and final season, making it one of the network’s longest running series. Season Six will begin filming in June and premier in America early 2009.

In contrast to the usual drama-packed 12-13 episode seasons, L Word producers say that it will take only eight to bring closure to the lives and loves of the lesbian friends we have grown to love (and sometimes loathe).

In an interview regarding this announcement, series creator and Executive Producer Ilene Chaiken admitted, "It has been a privilege to do this series and tell these stories and have these characters in my life and to share them with the show's passionate fans," adding, "I am thrilled that Showtime has given us this final opportunity to conclude this journey we have all taken together."

Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's president of entertainment, said the network is "enormously proud of the legacy of The L Word."

"I am thrilled that Showtime has given us this final opportunity to conclude this journey we have all taken together."

Since premiering in January 2004, The L Word—starring Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Mia Kirshner, Laurel Holloman, Katherine Moennig and Pam Grier—has broken ground on the small screen by navigating a group of Los-Angeles-based friends through love and life, touching on topics such as coming out, same-sex relationships, artificial insemination, gay marriage and parenting, and transgender issues. To this day it is the first and only lesbian based drama on our small screens.

While the series is winding down, Chaiken positively remarked that this was by no means the end and that the spirit of The L Word will live on in cyberspace via OurChart.com (a social networking site for lesbians), as well as a presence in Second Life and L Word-branded products, including perfume, jewelry and books.

The show's current fifth season ends Mar. 23.

Interestingly for fans, Chaiken added that fan input will play a part in wrapping up the series' story lines, noting the role that viewer input has played in the past. GenQ is interested to know, if you had a chance to contribute something to the final season of The L Word, what would it be? What’s the one thing you’d like to see happen, and why?

Tags: The L Word