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Valerie Cherish Returns in 'The Comeback' Season 3, Older and Wiser
Lisa Kudrow's iconic character is still desperate for attention, but now she wants to be heard too.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:04pm
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In the third season of the HBO comedy series 'The Comeback', Lisa Kudrow's character Valerie Cherish is back, older and wiser but still essentially the same blithely optimistic and hungrily opportunistic Hollywood C-lister she's always been. However, Valerie's self-awareness is now matched by defiance and action, as she stands her ground against disrespect and works to ensure quality in her latest acting gig. While the show's satiric bite falters at times, allowing for moments of uncharacteristic sincerity, the season ultimately feels like a valedictory, triumphant swan song for the iconic character.
Why it matters
The Comeback has always been a biting satire of the entertainment industry and the desperation of fame-hungry performers. Valerie Cherish's return in this third season signals how much the industry and the nature of celebrity have evolved, with Valerie now craving not just attention, but to be heard and respected. The show's willingness to let Valerie grow and change, while still retaining the core of what makes her character so beloved, reflects the creators' clear vision and the series' enduring relevance.
The details
In this new season, Valerie is older and wiser but still essentially the same character - blithely optimistic, hungrily opportunistic, and desperate for attention. However, something has shifted - she no longer just wants to be seen, she wants to be heard and respected. When faced with disrespect during a Broadway rehearsal, Valerie calls out her director and fellow dancers, and even finds a way to quit the production. Later, when offered a chance to star in an AI-written sitcom, Valerie initially refuses, seeking assurances that actual writers will be involved, and then steps up as the show's executive producer to ensure quality. Throughout the season, Valerie stands her ground against those who see her as mere camp, defies a network executive, and even helps her husband improve his own reality show performance.
- The Comeback originally aired its first season in 2005.
- A second season of The Comeback aired in 2014.
- The third season of The Comeback premiered in 2026.
The players
Valerie Cherish
The perennially desperate-to-be-seen, desperate-to-be-loved Hollywood C-lister played by Lisa Kudrow, who reenters the collective consciousness once every decade.
Damian Young
Valerie's husband.
Dan Bucatinsky
Valerie's publicist-turned-manager, who seems even more checked out than baseline.
Ella Stiller
Valerie's social media consultant.
Benito Skinner
A costume designer who sees Valerie as mere camp.
The takeaway
The Comeback's third season signals how much Valerie Cherish has evolved, with her self-awareness now matched by defiance and action. While the show's satiric bite falters at times, allowing for moments of uncharacteristic sincerity, the season ultimately feels like a valedictory, triumphant swan song for this iconic character, as she continues to navigate the ever-changing entertainment industry.
