Lisa Kudrow Revives "The Comeback" for Third Season

The "Friends" star reprises her role as washed-up sitcom actress Valerie Cherish in the HBO comedy series.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:11pm

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After a decade-long hiatus, Lisa Kudrow is bringing back her HBO comedy series "The Comeback" for a third season. The show, which premiered in 2005 and was revived in 2014, follows the story of Valerie Cherish, a faded sitcom star who attempts to stage a comeback by appearing in a reality show. Kudrow, who co-created the series with Michael Patrick King, says it feels "unsettlingly comfortable" to step back into Valerie's shoes, even after all these years.

Why it matters

"The Comeback" has developed a devoted cult following since its initial cancellation in 2005, and its return for a third season is a testament to the enduring appeal of the show and Kudrow's iconic character. The series also provides a unique and comedic look at the rapidly changing television landscape and the challenges faced by aging actors trying to remain relevant.

The details

Kudrow and King have found a way to bring back "The Comeback" and honor the memory of actor Robert Michael Morris, who played Valerie's loyal hairdresser Mickey and passed away in 2017. The new season will also tackle issues like AI and the evolving TV industry. Kudrow's real-life son, Julian Stern, is even set to appear in a role on the show, which is being filmed on the same Warner Bros. soundstage where "Friends" was produced.

  • "The Comeback" premiered in 2005 and was canceled after one season.
  • The show was revived for a second season in 2014.
  • Actor Robert Michael Morris, who played Valerie's hairdresser Mickey, passed away in 2017.
  • The third season of "The Comeback" is premiering on HBO in 2026.

The players

Lisa Kudrow

An Emmy-winning actress best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on the sitcom "Friends". Kudrow co-created "The Comeback" and stars as the show's lead character, Valerie Cherish.

Michael Patrick King

A television writer and producer who co-created "The Comeback" with Lisa Kudrow. He previously served as the showrunner for "Sex and the City".

Robert Michael Morris

An actor who played the role of Valerie Cherish's loyal hairdresser Mickey on "The Comeback". He passed away in 2017.

Julian Stern

Lisa Kudrow's real-life son, who is set to appear in a role on the third season of "The Comeback".

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What they’re saying

“It was a no for me. I don't know how to do it without Mickey. Unh-uh. Don't know how to do it without Mickey. No. No, no, no. No, no, no.”

— Lisa Kudrow, Actress

“Oh, it was heaven. It's my baby! But he's a grown man and beard, you know? Yeah. I was nervous for him, his first, like, table read. But he was great.”

— Lisa Kudrow, Actress

What’s next

The third season of "The Comeback" is set to premiere on HBO in 2026, with Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King continuing the story of Valerie Cherish's attempts to stage a comeback in the changing television landscape.

The takeaway

"The Comeback" has developed a devoted cult following over the years, and its return for a third season demonstrates the enduring appeal of Lisa Kudrow's iconic character Valerie Cherish. The series provides a unique and comedic perspective on the challenges faced by aging actors in the entertainment industry, while also honoring the memory of beloved cast member Robert Michael Morris.