Friends icon Lisa Kudrow is making a celebrated return to the sitcom arena, with HBO unveiling the first official glimpse of The Comeback's highly anticipated third series. This revival arrives over a decade following the show's last broadcast, marking a significant comeback for the beloved comedy.
A Long-Awaited Return for Valerie Cherish
The actress, aged 62, who co-created The Comeback and stars as the lead character Valerie Cherish, a perennial B-list sitcom star, is back in action. The series initially premiered with a single season in 2005, enjoyed a critically acclaimed second outing in 2014, and is now set to debut its third and final chapter on March 22 in the United States.
Plot Details and AI Twist Revealed
A newly released trailer offers fans an intriguing preview of the upcoming narrative. It reveals that Valerie has secured a leading role and executive producer position on a new sitcom titled How's That? However, in a modern twist, she is left utterly stunned upon discovering that the show's scripts are being generated by artificial intelligence. This plot development injects a contemporary, tech-savvy edge into the series' signature exploration of Hollywood vanity and resilience.
The show, co-created by Michael Patrick King, the creative force behind Sex and the City, derives its name from the original premise. The first series picked up years after Valerie's initial sitcom success, I'm It!, had concluded. Eager to stage a television comeback, Valerie opted to document her attempted return to the industry through a reality series, aptly named The Comeback.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Critical reception has been notably positive, especially for the second series. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a score of 63% based on 19 reviews. The second series saw a dramatic improvement, achieving an impressive 85% rating across 35 reviews.
The Independent praised the second outing, describing it as "one of the best comedies of the year, by turns excruciating and emotionally involving." The review highlighted the "clever script" and Kudrow's "wonderful central performance," which makes the character's self-obsession appear "both necessary and touchingly brave."
The Guardian offered similar acclaim, noting that Valerie Cherish is distinct from typical narcissistic TV characters. The publication stated she "has real, true feelings and is self-actualized enough to know when she is slighting someone and when she has been slighted," adding depth and humanity to the comedy.
From Friends to The Comeback
Lisa Kudrow remains globally renowned for her iconic portrayal of the eccentric Phoebe Buffay on the legendary NBC sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. The ensemble cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry, cemented the show's place in television history. Her return to The Comeback showcases her enduring talent and the lasting appeal of her unique comedic characters.
