The Comeback Returns: Valerie Cherish Navigates an AI-Written Sitcom in Third Season

Co-creators Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King have developed a highly anticipated third season of the HBO series "The Comeback." The new season, expected in 2026, will feature Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, starring in the first sitcom fully written by artificial intelligence.

King identified the concept as a significant element for the series, engaging with a pressing industry concern:

"It would engage with the 'terrifying future of entertainment' and the 'existential threat ripping its way through Hollywood.'"

Series History and Cultural Impact

"The Comeback" debuted in 2005, initially receiving low ratings but steadily growing into a cult hit. It was famously renewed nine years later for a second season, which garnered critical acclaim.

Lisa Kudrow portrays Valerie Cherish, a washed-up TV actress persistently navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry. The show has been noted for its sharp satire of Hollywood and insightful commentary on the evolving nature of celebrity and media, including the rise of reality TV and streaming services. Viral memes featuring Cherish's memorable catchphrases have further contributed to the show's continued relevance and enduring appeal.

Production Details and Cast

HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has officially approved the concept for the new season. Kudrow, who also co-writes and executive produces, expressed her profound enjoyment in playing the character and the show's unique ability to telegraph major industry shifts.

Fellow "Friends" stars Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston provided positive remarks about Kudrow's portrayal of Valerie Cherish, with Aniston affectionately stating she would "do anything for Lisa Kudrow."

This season was filmed at Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. lot, the very same iconic location where "Friends" was shot. Adding to the nostalgic resonance, James L. Burrows, who directed many "Friends" episodes, returns to direct for "The Comeback."

The cast includes returning regulars Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young. New additions to the ensemble feature Andrew Scott, Jane Fonda, Abbi Jacobson, John Early, and Tony Award-winning theater director Jack O’Brien. Notably, Kudrow's son, Julian Stern, makes his acting debut as an AI tech expert.

The Future of The Comeback and AI

Kudrow indicated that this third season would be the "third and final" installment, aiming to conclude Valerie Cherish's story as a definitive trilogy.

HBO's head of comedy, Amy Gravitt, aptly noted Cherish's role as a "canary in the coal mine" for industry trends, consistently finding herself at the forefront of cultural shifts. Kudrow shared mixed feelings about AI's impact on entertainment, acknowledging its potential as an assistant tool but expressing significant concern over job displacement and potential social unrest.