Lisa Kudrow Returns as Valerie Cherish in The Comeback's Final Season

Lisa Kudrow is back as Valerie Cherish in the final season of HBO's The Comeback. This season tackles the impact of AI on the entertainment industry while exploring the challenges of job security and identity in a rapidly changing world. With new episodes streaming weekly on JioHotstar, fans can expect a blend of humor and poignant commentary on modern life. Join Kudrow and the returning cast as they navigate the complexities of fame and technology in this highly anticipated season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 16:50 IST

Lisa Kudrow's Return to HBO's The Comeback

Lisa Kudrow is reprising her role as Valerie Cherish in the HBO series The Comeback. The actress, known for her role in Friends, has previously received two Emmy nominations for the show, spaced a decade apart. In this final season, Valerie is cast in a multi-camera sitcom titled How's That?!, which is intriguingly written by AI. The studio has tasked her with keeping the AI aspect a secret. Will she succeed in maintaining this confidentiality?

During a virtual press conference, Kudrow, alongside writer-director Michael Patrick King, discussed the motivation behind revisiting Valerie's story. Kudrow noted, "Reality TV was like an almost-extinction event for scripted television, and we feel a similar urgency regarding AI."

Insights from Kudrow and King on The Comeback's Themes

Kudrow elaborated on the show's return, emphasizing the parallels between the desperation in Valerie's life and the current job market. King remarked, "The narrative extends beyond Hollywood; it reflects a world where individuals are increasingly anxious about job security and identity as they age." This season features characters grappling with their professional identities and the quest for recognition.

Kudrow also pointed out that the series has shifted focus, moving Valerie away from the cameras. She observed that in today's world, everyone is curating their own reality through social media, akin to the surveillance tactics used by reality TV producers.

Timeliness of AI in The Comeback

When HBO chairman Casey Bloys greenlit the third season, there was concern about the timing of the release. Kudrow expressed her worries about the show becoming outdated by the time it aired. King stated, "We aimed to premiere before studios openly acknowledged their use of AI. We wanted to capture the 'How?' and 'What?' phase rather than the 'Oh, we're just...' phase of AI integration in entertainment."

Fortunately, Kudrow feels they are still in the 'What If' stage. The first episode of the eight-part third season is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar, with new episodes released weekly on Mondays until the series concludes on May 11. The cast also includes returning actors Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young.