Showtime Announces Third Season Of Groundbreaking Series The L Word

Los Angeles, CA.-- January 12, 2005-- The critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME series, THE L WORD, has been picked up for a third season with 12 new one-hour episodes, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. The groundbreaking drama has successfully captivated the attention of viewers, critics and the media with its provocative storylines and widespread appeal. Production will resume this June.

THE L WORD, which kicks off its second season on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT), follows a group of friends � both gay and straight � through stories of career, family, inner struggle, friendship and romantic relationships. The second season stars Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Shelley and Pam Grier.

�THE L WORD has not only proven itself to be a signature series for SHOWTIME, but also one that has captured the imagination of a large mainstream audience with its bold, sexy storylines and talented cast, � said Greenblatt.

THE L-WORD is executive produced by Ilene Chaiken through her production company Posse Productions, Inc. The series was created by Chaiken and Kathy Greenberg & Michele Abbott and is being distributed internationally by MGM International Television Distribution, Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME�, THE MOVIE CHANNEL� and FLIX�, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME� TOO�, SHOWTIME� SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME�, SHOWTIME BEYOND�, SHOWTIME NEXT�, SHOWTIME WOMEN�, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE� and TMC xtra. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD�, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD�, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND� and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND�. SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL�, which is a venture between NBC Universal, Robert Redford, and Showtime Networks Inc. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME� PPV. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.