Pretty much everyone remember Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay from “Friends”, but her most ardent fans would argue that her role as Valerie Cherish in “the Comeback” is the comedic actress’ finest performance. HBO has just announced that there will be a third and “final” season of the critically rejected, but somehow massively memeable entry in pop-culture that’s borderline cringe-core. The announcement featured Kudrow telling us that “this is the last time”, but we question whether or not the word ‘final’ can apply to a show that takes about a decade or more between seasons.
The show first aired 20 years ago and slightly mirrored Kudrow’s real life struggles to build on her career after “Friends” finally stopped airing. The series was co-created by Kudrow and longtime “Sex and the City” Producer, Michael Patrick King. The series offered a funhouse style reflection of Kudrow’s situation, highly exaggerated for maximum comedic effect. Although the series was critically panned and initially cancelled, it was renewed for a second season 9 years later. During that first lull, the show developed a devoted fanbase who loved the story of a mostly washed-up actress who gets her 15 minutes of fame back through a Reality show following the actress as she attempts to cope with being the “older woman” in a sitcom. The second season came out swinging, with multiple high-profile cameos, including Seth Rosen. Kudrow was nominated for an Emmy in both seasons.
The announcement featured Kudrow telling us that “this is the last time”, but we question whether or not the word ‘final’ can apply to a show that takes about a decade or more between seasons.“
King and Kudrow are both signed on as Executive Producers. Along with HBO’s announcement, Amy Gravitt, the EVP of HBO and Max Comedy made a statement: “No matter what the industry throws at her, Valerie Cherish is a survivor. On the 20th Anniversary of her debut, Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow have brilliantly scripted her return to HBO and we cant wait to see that.” This statement seems to reveal that the original creators have at least developed rough outlines for a season 3. As Kudrow has aged 20 years since the show’s premiere, her struggles to cope as a senior actress in a town that is known to be harsh on women aging, there is bound to be a lot of “Hacks” style material to choose from.
The cult classic series is expected to go into production this summer, and likely in the next few weeks. The full season is not expected until sometime in 2026. Dan Bucatinksy, who plays Valerie’s publicist Bully, will reprise his role and also be Executive Producing. Laura Silverman and Damian Young will also reprise their roles, playing Valerie’s Producer and her husband, respectively. When asked about a revival of the series last year on Newsweek, Kudrow said: “Oh God I’d love to. Michael Patrick King and I are always talking about what would happen next. Always. And it’s been 9, 10 years now. So we’re due.”
With 2 passionate creators that have had over a decade to toss around ideas, the return of Valerie Cherish is likely going to be very memorable. WIll this be the final season as HBO is calling it? Or will Kudrow once again emerge in the 2030’s. Depending on how popular this third installment is will dictate if we ever see the team assemble again.
As of today, there have been no leaks about story details or any type of script information so the sky’s the limit as far as theories of where Valerie has been since she left the Emmy’s to be a better human being in 2014. As far as guest stars, it’s likely there will be some high-profile celebrities. After the success of “The Studio”, Seth Rosen returning would be interesting as well as Bryan Cranston, who just uncannily nails any role he plays. We believe we will likely see some of Kudrow’s “Friends” co-stars, especially after their small family lost Matthew Perry in 2023, which may drive the actress to combine two of her favorite fictional worlds. As we’ll likely never see a reunion of “Friends”, “The Comeback” may be our best chance at seeing the Central Perk gang together again in a scripted project.
Just seeing Cherish again in the announcement video sparked up excitement from longtime fans and in the small but dedicated subreddit for the series. Some question Michael Patrick King’s involvement in the project as he recently botched the ending of his “Sex and the City” revival “And Just Like That”. It’s obvious die-hard fans can become highly critical, but in the case of his series, the final episodes have been reportedly exceptionally bad, but still not a ‘GOT’ season 8 for what it’s worth.
What do you think? Where can Valerie go after the Emmy’s? Has she worked out her marriage and work/life imbalances? Will Kudrow and King end their creation with class? Or are they beating a dead horse for however many pennies they can get out of it? We like to believe in artists doing their craft the right way so hopefully the former. Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below!
