The Comeback may not have been the first series to parody Hollywood, but its clever mix of humor and self-reflection set it apart. Starring Lisa Kudrow as the eternally optimistic and self-absorbed Valerie Cherish, the show captured the highs and lows of LA actor life—from dealing with toxic writers to perfecting your hair for every on-set photo.
Co-created with executive producer Michael Patrick King, the first season premiered in 2005 and became a cult favorite. After a rare post-cancellation revival in 2014, the show now returns for its final season, 21 years after its debut.
While newer Hollywood comedies like Hacks and The Studio have explored the industry’s quirks, The Comeback remains unique in its focus on ego over glitz. King points out a standout scene in the new season where Valerie brings her social media curator to a WGA strike and reacts with frustration when a picketer’s sign blocks her best angle.
Lisa Kudrow said the team was mindful of avoiding overused Hollywood tropes. “We wanted to make sure we weren’t just running around in golf carts too much,” she joked, referencing Seth Rogen’s similar antics in The Studio, which films on the same lot.
The new season reflects recent events in Hollywood, including the pandemic, union strikes, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Valerie agrees to star in a new sitcom written by AI, offering a humorous take on the industry racing to keep up with emerging technology.
Michael Patrick King describes the show as a “cautionary tale about chasing the spotlight,” adding, “Hollywood’s a circus arena where so many people want to be center stage.”
The Comeback returns with sharp wit, relatable ego struggles, and a timely commentary on showbiz in the AI era, giving Valerie Cherish the final curtain call she deserves.
