Local talkshow The Outhouse and provocative US lesbisoap The L Word start tonight (Mon) on TV2. Here's the heads-up on both shows. THE OUTHOUSE New to TV2 is the local gay series, The Outhouse premiering tonight at 10.55pm. Hosted by Greg Mayor, Amanda Betts and Andy Curtis, The Outhouse is a funny and slightly hazardous show dealing with the issues facing gay New Zealanders today. The Outhouse hosts promise to talk about gay matters the way the Sports Café larrikins discuss sport. Throughout the series, The Outhouse will feature items of interest to both gay and heterosexual audiences. Each week, the show will feature interviews with special and occasionally spunky guests. One lucky host will explore the hot places for drinking, eating, holidays and shopping around New Zealand. There are also prizes up for grabs. Host Greg Mayor has extensive experience in New Zealand television production. Greg was most recently seen on screen as a social commentator on TV One's Tonight. While Greg has had plenty of on-screen experience, it took some coaxing from the producers of The Outhouse to get him back on screen in a permanent role. "I saw myself in a terrible outfit, dog tired and looking tragic while fronting a documentary," Greg says. Luckily, Greg came around to the idea of fronting the irreverent talk-show and is now relishing his role as host of The Outhouse. "The excitement comes from being part of a show for Gay Lesbian Transgender Takataapui people that is about us being happy, successful and brilliant people," Greg says. Co-host Amanda Betts has a varied curriculum vitae, including modelling work, appearing in television commercials and career and motivational speaking. For a period, Amanda was the 'face of the 80's'. "I was even Miss Zodiac Inflatables in the Miss Powerboat Competition in the late 80's!” Amanda recalls. "The Outhouse is an opportunity to open up people's minds as to what gay people look like, what they do and what they are into," Amanda says. Completing The Outhouse panel is Andy Curtis. Andy immigrated to New Zealand in 1977. He has worked as a waiter and recently completed his degree in 3D furniture design and has had his work exhibited. 22-year-old commentator Ollie Hall has extensive experience in journalism and now edits Express, New Zealand's national gay newspaper. Highlights of Ollie's career include interviews with Helen Clark, Don Brash, Paul Holmes, Ian McKellan and Michael Barrymore. Tune in for the new gay show The Outhouse tonight at 10.55pm on TV2. THE L WORD Flashdance star Jennifer Beals takes a provocative turn as the lesbian Bette Porter in TV2's new drama, The L Word (tonight at 11.25pm). Since premiering on American screens, The L Word has caused a stir in both gay and heterosexual communities worldwide. The series follows the lives of a group of lesbians who try to find the balance between work and love in the City of Angels. The series stars Beals, along with Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) and Mia Kirshner (Exotica). Jenny Schecter (Kirshner) is an award-winning young fiction writer who arrives in Los Angeles to begin a new life with her boyfriend, Tim (Eric Mabius, Eyes). Tim resides in West Hollywood, next door to Bette (Beals) and Tina (Laurel Holloman, Boogie Nights), two thirty-something professionals, who are just beginning to navigate the choices and challenges lesbians face when trying to start a family. Bette's and Tina's close network of friends includes Shane (Katherine Moening, Young Americans), the resident heartthrob; Dana (Erin Daniels), a professional tennis player not yet out of the closet; bisexual journalist Alice (Leisha Hailey); and Bette's half-sister Kit (Grier), a musician and a recovering alcoholic. As Jenny befriends Bette and Tina's lesbian circle of friends, she becomes intrigued by the beautiful Marina (Karina Lombard, Legends Of The Fall), who causes Jenny to question her love and her sexuality. Series creator Ilene Chaiken is proud to be part of the phenomenon of The L Word. “Lesbians been so starved for representation - and yes, gay men have also been underrepresented, but it just doesn't begin to compare to the invisibility of lesbians in the world up until recently.” Chaiken used her experiences as a lesbian in Los Angeles within the series. “I based it on the world I lived during the past 20 years of my life, but the characters are all fictional. I looked at the dynamics of the women I've known in L.A., and tried to cut a broad swath through that community.” The L Word star Jennifer Beals hopes the series will encourage viewers to be more open-minded. "One of the most important things for me was the fact that it could be so helpful in terms of breaking down stereotypes,” she explains. The actress admits that she'd like to do a love scene with Sarah Michelle Gellar. "I want Buffy - I want Sarah Michelle Gellar on the show. It's set in LA, so Sarah could be herself." The L Word premieres tonight at 11.25pm on TV2. TVNZ - 5th September 2005