"The L Word" to be back for one last hurrah...

My friend Betty is just over the moon over this: Showtime's "The L Word" is returning for a sixth season! That's the good news. The bad news: It will be the swan song for the popular lesbian drama with an all-star cast headed from day one by Jennifer Beals and features such later additions as Marlee Matlin and Cybil Shepherd.

"The L Word" follows a group of Los Angeles-based friends as they navigate careers, families, friendships, personal struggles and romantic relationships. The series became the first lesbian primetime drama on television when it debuted in January 2004.

Eight episodes have been ordered for the last season, down from the usual 12-13 episodes during the first five seasons. Production is set to begin in early summer for an early 2009 premiere. The Season 5 finale is set to air March 23.

Says series creator Ilene Chaiken: "This is by no means the end of 'The L Word. The brand and the social network community, OurChart.com, will continue to live and be a destination for lesbians everywhere and a lasting tribute to what 'The L Word' has accomplished."