SHOWTIME(R) INTRODUCES FIESTY NEW FEMALES ON THIRD SEASON OF THE REAL L WORD(R)

THE REAL L WORD Premieres Thursday, July 12th at 10 PM ET/PT

LOS ANGELES, CA - (May 2, 2012) SHOWTIME blazes a bi-coastal trail, adding new cast members from the vibrant New York lesbian scene to the provocative, unscripted series, THE REAL L WORD. Premiering Thursday, July 12th at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the third season will also feature returning LA-based fan favorite cast members. Although the series straddles both coasts, it will continue to depict these ladies in their passionate (mis-)adventures, both at work and play. Fans of THE REAL L WORD can also expect some big surprises and special guest star appearances throughout the season.

WHITNEY (Activist/Party Promoter)

Whitney, the resident celesbian, is still the untamed lover of life. An undeniable woman-magnet, her life is a complicated web of friends and exes... and exes who are friends. By far the biggest complication is Sara - the temptation Whitney just can't seem to resist - despite her friends' warnings. Due to her ever-growing fan base, Whitney has put her special effects makeup projects on hold and has been focusing on appearances and promoting her monthly girl party, Juicy.

SARA (Stylist)

The temptation that Whitney just can't resist, will Sara finally tame her heart? This stylist and go-go dancer has been through the wringer with Whitney, yet they only seem more intertwined because of it. Sara is considering making the move to the Big Apple, but is not sure what that will do to her and Whitney's relationship.

KACY & CORI (Entertainment Industry - Director of Marketing Production & Project Manager)

Married since July of 2008, Kacy and Cori have been focusing their efforts on starting a family. But navigating the confusing, scary, and often expensive path of conception hasn't been easy for this young couple.

ROMI (Jewelry Designer)

A woman constantly on the go, Romi's sobriety has given her the clarity and focus to develop and promote her jewelry line, Casa Por Vida. But she isn't stopping there; Romi is also exploring opportunities in the music industry and nurturing a hosting career. Once the closest of friends and occasional lovers, Romi has had a falling out with Whitney, and she believes Sara is at the center of it. Will Romi be able to steer clear of the drama by continuing to focus on her career and ever-changing love life?

LAUREN (CEO of a Jewelry Company)

Claiming LA as the hub of the lesbian scene in America, Lauren and her friends are having a great time in the middle of it all. A committed bachelor, Lauren is anxiously awaiting the move from NY of her best friend with benefits, Amanda. But when Amanda arrives in Lauren's home, it's hard to keep her emotions at bay as this non-couple navigate their relationship.

AMANDA (PR/Real Estate/Socialite)

Amanda's making the move to the west coast to reunite with her BFF and partner-in-crime, Lauren, though she will always remain a New Yorker at heart. A high energy jetsetter, Amanda finds it difficult to jive with the relaxed So Cal attitude and won't hesitate to call out anyone who doesn't make the grade.

KIYOMI (Front Woman, Hunter Valentine)

Kiyomi is the ultra-cool, heartbreaking rock star at the center of Hunter Valentine. A natural leader, Kiyomi is extremely stubborn and fiercely committed to the band that she believes is on the brink of making it big. Along with band mates Laura, Vero and Somer, Kiyomi is trying to balance a relationship at home with the demands of a rock star lifestyle.

SOMER (Rhythm Guitarist, Hunter Valentine)

Somer is having trouble trying to live a 'normal' life including domestication, babies and property with her new wife, yet still stay on the adrenaline-and-whiskey-infused rock star train that is her all-lesbian punk band. Since angsty Somer was voted by friends as "most likely to break a bottle at a bar," it's easy to see her conundrum. The newest member of Hunter Valentine is still struggling to figure out where she fits in this band of Alpha females, but insists on having fun while she's doing it

THE REAL L WORD is created and executive produced by Ilene Chaiken and fellow executive producers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of the Emmy(R)-winning production company Magical Elves (Fashion Star, Top Chef).