'The Comeback' Star Dan Bucatinsky on Why the Show Doesn't Take Sides on AI and the Realities of Shrinking TV Budgets: 'We're Not 'Euphoria''

The actor and co-creator discusses his character's journey and how the show reflects the current state of the entertainment industry.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked, glittering disco ball, capturing the high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic of the entertainment industry in a time of uncertainty.The shimmering, fractured surface of a disco ball reflects the precarious state of the entertainment industry as it grapples with shrinking budgets and the rise of AI.Los Angeles Today

Dan Bucatinsky, who plays Billy Stanton on the HBO series 'The Comeback' and also serves as a co-creator and executive producer, discusses how the show's third season depicts the realities of shrinking TV budgets and the rise of AI in the industry. Bucatinsky explains that the show aims to represent different perspectives on these issues without taking a strong stance, and that the smaller writing team and budget constraints have led to a more meta and personal storytelling approach.

Why it matters

As the entertainment industry grapples with the impact of AI and tightening budgets, 'The Comeback' offers a nuanced look at how these challenges are affecting the lives and careers of those working in Hollywood. The show's ability to balance comedy and drama while avoiding preaching provides a relatable and insightful portrait of the current state of the industry.

The details

In the fourth episode of 'The Comeback' Season 3, Bucatinsky's character Billy Stanton, Valerie Cherish's longtime publicist-turned-manager-turned-producing partner, is being photographed for a fictional Variety 50 Over 50 issue. The episode explores Billy's desire for solo press and recognition, as well as the show's meta-commentary on the realities of shrinking TV budgets. With only three writers in the room for the eight-episode season, compared to 10 in the first season, the series had to adapt its approach, leading to Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King writing every draft of the episodes themselves. Despite these constraints, the show maintains its focus on the human experiences of its characters as they navigate the changing industry.

  • Episode 4 of 'The Comeback' Season 3 is now available on HBO Max.

The players

Dan Bucatinsky

An actor who plays the role of Billy Stanton on 'The Comeback' and also serves as a co-creator and executive producer of the series.

Lisa Kudrow

The lead actress who plays Valerie Cherish on 'The Comeback'.

Michael Patrick King

A co-creator and executive producer of 'The Comeback'.

Abbi Jacobson

An actress who plays the role of Mary Abrams, a writer on the fictional sitcom 'How's That?!' within 'The Comeback'.

Valerie Cherish

The main character of 'The Comeback', a former sitcom star who is trying to make a comeback in the entertainment industry.

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What they’re saying

“I had that line etched on glasses that I gave as wrap gifts to everybody, and they were signed, 'Billy Stanton.' It's unbelievable how that line tells you everything you need to know, and it just encapsulates so much of Hollywood. It says it all.”

— Dan Bucatinsky, Actor and Co-Creator of 'The Comeback'

“I'm an EP. I can get a parking spot and wear fucking cool clothes. I can finally get my perks and all the fringes that come with being an EP. We're meeting Billy at a time where he's going to take advantage of anything that comes his way, whether it be a gift bag or to be one of the 50 Over 50 in Variety.”

— Dan Bucatinsky, Actor and Co-Creator of 'The Comeback'

“I don't care that Rome is burning.”

— Mary Abrams, Writer on 'How's That?!' within 'The Comeback'

“We are representing Valerie's point of view, which is, 'I just want to work no matter what it takes,' and the point of view of the writer who's like, 'I'm not going to play this game this way.' You're showing humans, you're showing human experiences and not coming down on whatever the issues are. In other words, you're not preaching.”

— Dan Bucatinsky, Actor and Co-Creator of 'The Comeback'

“I've always thought of Valerie as a heroic figure. She can flip the switch. She can flip the narrative in a positive way, no matter what's thrown her way. Yeah, there's less work now, and yeah, it's written by AI, but look at the 200, 300 people we get to employ. She's able to find a path towards adapting, pivoting and being happy regardless of what comes her way.”

— Dan Bucatinsky, Actor and Co-Creator of 'The Comeback'

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to the rest of 'The Comeback' Season 3 to see how Billy's journey and the show's exploration of the entertainment industry's challenges unfold.

The takeaway

By balancing comedy and drama, 'The Comeback' offers a nuanced and relatable portrayal of the current state of the entertainment industry, where shrinking budgets and the rise of AI are forcing those working in Hollywood to adapt and find new ways to navigate the changing landscape.