'The L Word' spinoff on the way

Cable channel Showtime is developing a spinoff to The L Word, which could pick up the show's storylines after its final season next year.

The project is at an early stage but will be led by Ilene Chaiken, creator of the lesbian-themed drama, when filming finishes later this year. It will also feature one of the actresses from the original, Showtime said last week.

L Word will be left open at the end of its sixth season so elements can be continued on the internet. Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's entertainment president, said the themes could then return to TV if the spinoff were developed as a series.

"We're still forming it," Greenblatt said of the project. "I'm sure I have a million emails already from loyal viewers about it, but we're still in the process of figuring it out."

Separately, Showtime has ordered two more 13-episode seasons of pot-themed comedy Weeds.