Lisa Kudrow's "The Comeback" Returns for a Final Season Addressing AI

Lisa Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, returns for the third and final season of "The Comeback," a show that has evolved significantly since its inception in 2005. Kudrow, who co-created the series with Michael Patrick King, reflects on her dual role as both actress and producer, noting that she has portrayed Valerie longer than her iconic character Phoebe Buffay from "Friends." The new season, which premieres on March 22, 2026, explores Valerie's career revival amidst the rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

Deadline Hollywood

The third season premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where it received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The premiere featured two episodes that showcased Valerie's latest endeavors, including her reluctant foray into podcasting and her role in a sitcom written by AI. The audience's laughter and applause indicated a strong connection to Kudrow's character, who has become a cultural touchstone over the years.

Variety Magazine

This season's narrative is heavily influenced by the current discourse surrounding artificial intelligence. Kudrow and King recognized the urgency of addressing AI's impact on the industry, particularly following the dual strikes in 2023 that highlighted AI as an existential threat to creative jobs. King emphasized that their goal was to reflect the present reality rather than provide a definitive conclusion about AI's future. Kudrow noted the pervasive anxiety in the industry, stating, “Everybody is panicked and desperate,” as creators navigate the new landscape.

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Returning cast members include Dan Bucatinsky as Valerie's producing partner and Laura Silverman as Jane Benson, while new addition Jack O’Brien plays Tommy, a former TV hair stylist who becomes part of Valerie's entourage. The season also pays tribute to Robert Michael Morris, who portrayed Valerie's loyal stylist Mickey, who passed away in 2017. O’Brien remarked on the importance of having a supportive character like Tommy in Valerie's life.

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Kudrow expressed her ease in slipping back into the role of Valerie, stating, “She’s never gone.” King noted that the idea of integrating AI into Valerie's story felt reminiscent of the show's original exploration of reality television. HBO's chairman, Casey Bloys, quickly greenlit the season, recognizing the need to address AI's implications before studios fully acknowledged their use of it.

Variety Magazine

"The Comeback" has transitioned from a canceled series to a cult classic, with its revival for a second season in 2014 and now a final season after a decade-long hiatus. As the show navigates the complexities of modern Hollywood, it aims to provide a satirical yet poignant commentary on the intersection of technology and creativity, leaving audiences to ponder the future of entertainment in an AI-driven world.

Variety Magazine

• “Yes, I have played Valerie longer than I’ve played Phoebe,” — Lisa Kudrow, Actress/Producer

Deadline Hollywood

• “Everybody is panicked and desperate,” — Lisa Kudrow, Actress/Producer

Variety Magazine

• “Once we came up with the idea of Valerie and AI, it felt like the same energy as Valerie and reality TV 20 years ago,” — Michael Patrick King, Co-Creator

Variety Magazine

• “I’m at the stage in my life when I just want to say yes to everything,” — Jack O’Brien, Actor

Variety Magazine