The L Word: Generation Q season 3 — how to watch, cast and everything we know about the series

Kate Moennig in The L Word: Generation Q
Kate Moennig in The L Word: Generation Q (Image credit: Isabella Vosmikova/SHOWTIME)

The L Word: Generation Q is a spinoff of the original Showtime series The L Word that debuted 2004. Generation Q was designed to be more reflective of the total LGBTQIA community and correct some of the missteps of the original series, like the treatment of transgender people. 

By bringing back some of the beloved The L Word characters like Bette Porter, Shane McCutcheon, and Leisha Hailey as Alice Pieszecki, the series was able to usher viewers into a modern version of the classic show that also sees new characters deal with the unique pressures and problems of navigating mdoer life and relationships as people who are LBGTQIA. 

The series was a hit from the jump and is heading into a third season. Here is what you need to know about The L Word: Generation Q season 3.

How to watch The L Word: Generation Q season 3

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 can be watched on the Showtime cable network or the Showtime app. In either situation, you need to have a subscription to showtime through a cable provider or directly through the app. You can also get Showtime via Paramount Plus with its Showtime bundle option.

Similarly, if you missed The L Word: Generation Q season 1 and 2 or just want to rewatch to get ready for season 3, both seasons are available for streaming now on the Showtime app and Paramount Plus.

The show streams on Paramount Plus in the UK.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 plot

Season 3 of The L Word: Generation Q picks up immediately where season 2 ended, with Tina showing up at Bette’s house, unable to move forward with Carrie until she knew what Bette’s feelings were for her. 

It's been confirmed there's a bit of a time jump early on, because Bette and Tina’s daughter Angelica is now 18 and entering her first year of college. So it's likely that they are not going to spend too much time in the immediate aftermath of the season 2 finale.

Season 3’s focus is going to be on finding the right relationships rather than just convenient relationships, which is a switch from season 2 when most of the primary characters' relationships were in constant flux. 

Now the main characters are really trying to figure out what mature relationships look like in this day and age and how to find "the one" and maintain that relationship when constantly being battered with distractions, temptations and the emotional baggage that they all carry.

According to Showtime, season 3 is all about finding "the one:"

"Picking up right where the dramatic season two cliffhanger left off, the series continues to follow the cast of characters as they struggle with secrets, old scars and new flames on their search for 'the one.' Bette Porter is on the brink of a devastating letdown or startling confession after Tina appears at her door; while they determine their future together, their daughter Angie embraces her new freedom at college, finding love in all the wrong places. 

"At the bungalow, Finley returns from rehab and discovers news about Sophie that threatens both her sobriety and their relationship. Meanwhile, Dani and Micah both attempt to take major steps forward in their relationships, but Gigi’s baggage and Maribel’s temper put their plans to the test. The drama heightens as Shane and Tess grapple with secrets that could tear them apart for good, while Alice questions whether she’ll ever find her soulmate, or if she’s doomed to be alone forever." 

Rosanny Zayas and Jacqueline Toboni in The L Word: Generation Q

Rosanny Zayas and Jacqueline Toboni in The L Word: Generation Q (Image credit: Nicole Wilder/SHOWTIME)

Of course the road to true love won’t be a smooth one. Expect Pippa, Carrie and Gigi to cause some drama for Bette and Tina, if they do reunite. This time the forces working against these two may be too much to overcome, especially now that Angelica is grown up and figuring out her own identity as an adult. There’s probably going to be some rocky relationships for Finley, Sophia, and Dani as well.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episodes

Here are the synopses for all the aired episodes of The L Word: Generation Q season 3 and our recaps for each.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 1, "Last Year"
"Bette and Tina struggle to reconcile their past and future selves as Angie is dealt a shocking blow on her first day of college. Meanwhile, Shane adjusts to domestic life with Tess, and Alice questions what she wants in a partner." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 1 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 2, "LA Traffic"
"Bette and Shane break new ground with Tina and Tess; Sparks fly with Alice's latest prospect while Angie heals her heartbreak with a new flame; Finley competes for Maribel's favor and Dani puts hurt feelings aside for Gigi." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 2 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 3, "Quiz Show"
"Alice leverages her 100th episode as an opportunity to find 'The One' with help from a special appearance from guest host Margaret Cho. Dani cares for Gigi until old wounds drive them apart. Meanwhile, Shane competes for Tess's attention. Finley and Carrie make big moves, while Angie discovers a troubling revelation about her new flame." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 3 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 4, "Last to Know"
"Micah finds a queer role model while a new face helps Dani and Sophie break out of their funk. Meanwhile, Alice tests the waters of her new relationship. Shocking truths come to light when the masks come off." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 4 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 5, "Locked Out"
"Alice and Tess uncover the lies in their relationships. Shane has nowhere to run. Dani's fantasy with a sexy stranger threatens Sophie and Finley's newfound trust. Micah and Maribel struggle towards parenthood as Angie helps her roommate." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 5 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 6, "Questions for the Universe"
"Alice, Shane and Sophie grapple with their biggest questions on the path to finding The One." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 6 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 7, "Little Boxes"
"Alice searches for 'The One' while Dani fights her true feelings. Sophie jeopardizes Micah and Maribel's chance at parenthood. Finley acts as Carrie's wingman while Angie must confront a hard truth before furthering things with Hendrix." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 7 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 8, "Quality Family Time"
""Chosen families come together at Thanksgiving when an unwelcome visitor brings Finley to her breaking point. Sophie realizes the price of her indecisiveness, while Maribel plans a grand gesture for Micah, and Carrie lets her true feelings slip. Across town, Dani kicks back for a solo holiday until unexpected circumstances push her and Dre closer and Shane and Angie volunteer together when a surprise sighting forces them to confront Angie's feelings." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 8 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 9, "Quiet Before the Storm"
"Alice's past mistakes blow up in her face, forcing Sophie and Dani to pick up the pieces. Shane drops a bombshell at Angie's class reading. Meanwhile, Finley helps Carrie seduce Misty, but can Carrie check her baggage and get the girl?" Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 9 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 10, "Looking Ahead"
"Shane and Sophie challenge old patterns, while Alice discovers 'The One' may be closer than she thinks. Dani distracts herself from Dre, until a surprising reveal force her to choose what she really wants. Micah and Maribel make moves toward becoming parents, while Finley takes a big step into adulthood as all of the season's love, lust, loss, laughs and longing come to a head." Read WTW's The L Word: Generation Q season 3 episode 10 recap.

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 cast

The primary cast members from The L Word: Generation Q are all be back in season 3. Plus some big names are appearing in recurring and guest starring roles. Some of the highlights of the season 3 cast are: 

  • Jennifer Beals as Bette Porter
  • Katherine Moennig as Shane McCutcheon
  • Leisha Hailey as Alice Pieszecki
  • Arienne Mandi as Dani Nùñez
  • Sepideh Moafi as Gigi Ghorbani
  • Leo Sheng as Micah Lee
  • Jacqueline Toboni as Sarah Finley
  • Rosanny Zayas as Sophie Suarez
  • Jordan Hull as Angelica "Angie" Porter-Kennard 
  • Jamie Clayton as Tess Van De Berg 

Recurring characters:

  • Freddy Miyares as José
  • Carlos Leal as Rodolfo Nùñez
  • Brian Michael Smith as Pierce Williams
  • Stephanie Allynne as Natalie "Nat" Bailey
  • Jillian Mercado as Maribel Suarez
  • Olivia Thirlby as Rebecca
  • Latarsha Rose as Felicity Adams
  • Sophie Giannamore as Jordi Sanbolino
  • Lex Scott Davis as Quiara Thompson
  • Donald Faison as Tom Maultsby

As well as a handful of special guest stars, including Rosie O'Donnell, Fortune Feimster, Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette and Joey Lauren Adams, as well as Roxane Gay, Megan Rapinoe and Margaret Cho all as themselves. Plus, rumor is that a familiar face from the original show will also appear in season 3.  

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 trailer

The L Word: Generation Q season 3 trailer sees the show pumping up the drama that fans can’t get enough of: 

Will there be The L Word: Generation Q season 4?

There is no word yet on whether Showtime is going to renew or cancel The L Word: Generation Q now that its third season has come to and end.

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Sonya Iryna

Sonya has been writing professionally for more than a decade and has degrees in New Media and Philosophy. Her work has appeared in a diverse array of sites including ReGen, The Washington Post, Culturess, Undead Walking and Final Girl. As a lifelong nerd she loves sci-fi, fantasy and horror TV and movies, as well as cultural documentaries. She is particularly interested in representation of marginalized groups in nerd culture and writes reviews and analysis with an intersectional POV. Some of her favorite shows include Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Sandman.