Lisa Kudrow Revives Iconic Role as Valerie Cherish in 'The Comeback' Season 3 After 11-Year Hiatus

After an 11-year absence from screens, Lisa Kudrow reprises her role as the indomitable Valerie Cherish in the third and final season of HBO's cult comedy 'The Comeback,' announced as debuting in March 2026. The series, created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, first premiered in 2005, following Valerie—a former sitcom star from the 1989-1993 hit 'I'm It!'—as she navigates a comeback via a reality show documenting her role as Aunt Sassy on 'Room and Bored.' Season 2 aired in 2014, and now, 20 years after its debut on June 5, 2005, Valerie faces new industry challenges.

HBO surprised fans with the renewal announcement on June 27, 2025, emphasizing Valerie's enduring appeal in a joint statement from King and Kudrow: “Valerie Cherish has found her way back to the current television landscape. Neither of us are surprised she did.” In this season, Valerie stars in what is billed as the first TV sitcom ever written by artificial intelligence, a premise ripe for the show's signature cringe comedy. A teaser features Kudrow as Valerie struggling to promote her new project convincingly, snapping, “This is the last one, all right? Last time. Never doing this again,” before a slate clap resets the take.

The core cast returns, including Kudrow as Valerie, Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young. New additions bring fresh dynamics: Andrew Scott, known for roles in 'Fleabag' and 'All of Us Strangers,' joins as the head of a studio, announced during HBO's programming slate in London on December 3, 2025. Tim Bagley, Matt Cook, Jack O’Brien, and Ella Stiller also join, with Bagley and Cook having appeared in Season 2 as Frank and Ivan—though it's unclear if they reprise those parts. Scott's casting was first reported by Deadline on August 21, 2025, heightening anticipation for how his charismatic presence will clash with Valerie's self-absorbed world.

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO and Max comedy programming, praised the revival: “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 can’t wait to see that.” The production team remains intact, with Kudrow, King, John Melfi, and Bucatinsky as executive producers.

'The Comeback' draws from Kudrow's improvisational roots with The Groundlings, where she developed an egotistical, oblivious celebrity character called "your favourite actress on a talkshow." The series satirizes reality TV's humiliation tactics, inspired by shows like 'The Office' and the boom in unscripted content during the mid-2000s. Valerie's journey mirrors real Hollywood struggles: after fading from fame, she endures invasive filming for her reality companion series while playing a supporting role, exposing the absurdities of fame-chasing.

King, known for 'Sex and the City' and 'And Just Like That…,' directs episodes and co-writes, infusing sharp wit into Valerie's misadventures. The show's mockumentary style captures unfiltered awkwardness, making it a prescient commentary on media evolution—from network sitcoms to AI-driven content.

While 'The Comeback' centers on straight actress Valerie Cherish, its ensemble and creators amplify LGBTQ+ voices, reflecting inclusive industry shifts. Dan Bucatinsky, a gay actor and producer who plays Valerie's manager Billy Stanton, returns, bringing authenticity drawn from his own experiences; he won an Emmy for "Scandal" and has long advocated for queer representation. Tim Bagley, an openly gay comedian known for 'Will & Grace' and 'The Goldbergs,' rejoins, his Season 2 role as Frank adding layers of campy humor that resonate with queer audiences.

Michael Patrick King, gay executive producer of landmark series like 'Sex and the City'—which featured queer allyship and characters—brings his perspective to Valerie's AI sitcom, possibly satirizing how technology intersects with authentic storytelling for LGBTQ+ creators. The show's history of inclusive guest stars and behind-the-scenes talent underscores its place in a landscape prioritizing affirming narratives. As Hollywood grapples with AI ethics, 'The Comeback' Season 3 offers timely, humorous insight, ensuring Valerie's final bow honors diverse talents. Premiering on HBO and Max, it promises to delight fans with Valerie's unyielding spirit.