Showtime's The L Word, continuing its ground breaking efforts to stay connected with its loyal and passionate fan base, will become the first cable television original series to go virtual with the launch of "The L Word in Second Life" on January 22.

Created by The Electric Sheep Company, "The L Word in Second Life" is a 3D experience that will take visitors into a virtual reality world inspired by the show. The virtual world will have many features, including the following:

* A neighborhood cafe that serves as the hangout for "The L Word" characters. Called "The Planet", the cafe will host various Second Life events such as speed dating and group discussions about episodes of "The L Word."

* A virtual amphitheater supported by real-time video, audio, and text with a 50-60 person seating capacity. Second Life users will have the ability to screen select episodes of "The L Word" and behind the scenes clips. Live events such as Trivia Night and weekly chats with special guests and cast members from the show will also take place at the amphitheater.

* A virtual Dance Club that will feature various theme nights, stream live audio, and have special events hosted by DJs.

* Stores with virtual merchandise available for purchase for users to customize their avatars.

* A customized registration and orientation experience that is catered to "The L Word" fan, teaching new users the basics of Second Life and easing their transition to the virtual world.

Second Life is a 3D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively. It is a digital world of users who make their own creations using a simple but sophisticated set of 3D modeling tools and a powerful scripting language. Second Life is the true incarnation of interactive television and demonstrates how to turn disparate audiences into vibrant communities. The community will get to determine much of the expansion plan of the virtual The L Word, with users defining the project's direction.

Residents can design and build models of practically anything imaginable, including homes, vehicles, clothing and fully interactive games. By selling their creations, residents can make real world money trading the in-world currency (the Linden Dollar) for US$ on the LindeX
currency exchange. Many other real life companies have developed a presence in Second Life including IBM, American Apparel and Reuters News Service.

- The L Word photo gallery