More Love! More Lust! More Longing! SHOWTIME's THE L WORD(R) Returns for A Fourth Season

Groundbreaking Drama Series to Begin Production This Summer

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 -- On the heels of a year highlighted by industry recognition and critical acclaim for its award-winning original programming including WEEDS, HUFF(R) and SLEEPER CELL, SHOWTIME has ordered a fourth season of its hit drama series THE L WORD(R), it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment, SHOWTIME Networks Inc. All 12 new episodes are set to begin production this summer and premiere on Showtime in 2007.

"THE L WORD(R) without a doubt is one of SHOWTIME's true signature series," said Greenblatt. "Not only is the show -- and the title -- part of the pop culture, but we've seen a ratings explosion in season three, the likes of which we would never have predicted. Clearly something has caught fire, and we want the fourth season in production as soon as possible."

THE L WORD(R), which premiered its third season on January 8th, is one of Showtime's most popular series, generating a large and loyal audience, as well as critical praise for its provocative, sexy storylines, its principal cast, and for being a magnet for celebrated directors and guest stars. Premiering Sundays at 10PM PT/ET with several multi-plays during the week and available on the ever-growing SHOWTIME's On Demand service, the groundbreaking series follows a group of Los Angeles-based friends, some of whom are lesbians, as they navigate careers, families, friendships, inner struggles and romantic entanglements. Created by Ilene Chaiken and Kathy Greenberg & Michele Abbott, the series stars Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Dallas Roberts, Daniela Sea, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Shelley, and Pam Grier.

Since its debut in January 2004, THE L WORD(R) has become one of the rare television series to transcend the medium to become part of American popular culture, spawning dedicated fan websites and blogs, along with ancillary products such as THE L WORD(R)-branded perfume, jewelry and books.

THE L WORD(R) is executive produced by Ilene Chaiken through her production company, Little Chicken 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), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO, SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND. SNI also is an owner of the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL(R), 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(R) PPV. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.

SOURCE Showtime Networks Inc.
Web Site: http://www.SHO.com