Showtime has just announced that it will be giving fans of The L Word a sixth and final season.

The drama - one of the longest-running series on the cable channel - debuted back in January 2004.  The show, which initially drew attention because of its cast of primarily lesbian characters, was not the first gay-themed program for Showtime.  Queer as Folk had already made its debut in 2000.  (Folk closed up shop after five rounds.)

The last eight episodes of the series are slated for air in early 2009.  Meanwhile, the current season’s finale is scheduled for March 23.