Gay drama series The L Word has been commissioned for a fourth season.

US network Showtime has greenlit twelve new episodes, which will go into production this Summer for broadcast early in 2007.

"The L Word without a doubt is one of Showtime's true signature series," said Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's president of entertainment. "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."