Showtime's getting the last Word in.
The cable network announced Monday that it has renewed The L Word for a sixth and final season, which it will premiere in early 2009.
Producers said only eight episodes, as opposed to the usual order of 12-13, were needed to bring closure to its signature series' storylines about the lives and loves of a tight-knit group of lesbian friends in Los Angeles.
Shooting on the swan-song season will commence this summer.
"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," said show mastermind and executive producer Ilene Chaiken. "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."
"The title of the show became part of the lexicon, and the breadth and reach of the characters and storylines are a testament to the talent of Ilene Chaiken and her incredible cast," he added in a statement.
Since its premiere 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 addressing such hot-button topics as coming out, same-sex relationships, artificial insemination, gay marriage and parenting and transgender issues.
The series garnered it a GLAAD Media Award in 2006 for Outstanding Drama Series to go along with a several Image Award nominations.
Guest stars on The L Word have included Oscar winner Marlee Matlin, Golden Globe winner Cybill Shepherd, Sopranos star Annabella Sciorra and Terminator 3's Kristanna Loken.
While the series is winding down, Chaiken said the spirit of The L Word will live on in cyberspace via a social networking site for lesbians, OurChart.com, 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.