Valerie Cherish Returns to TV in 'The Comeback' Season 3

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The third season of the HBO comedy series 'The Comeback' premiered, picking up the story of Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow), a former sitcom star who continues to pursue opportunities in show business despite constant setbacks and embarrassments. In the season opener, Valerie takes on the role of Roxie in a Broadway production of 'Chicago,' but struggles to keep up with the show's demanding pace and is met with disdain from the younger cast members. After the 'Chicago' gig falls through, Valerie lands a small role in an indie film, only to face more humiliation on set. However, Valerie's likable and enthusiastic personality shines through, even as she navigates the challenges of an aging actress trying to stay relevant in an evolving entertainment industry.

Why it matters

The return of 'The Comeback' highlights the continued appeal of Lisa Kudrow's character Valerie Cherish, a flawed but endearing former sitcom star who refuses to give up on her showbiz dreams. The series offers a satirical look at the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by actors, especially women, as they age. By depicting Valerie's persistent optimism and resilience in the face of setbacks, the show explores themes of identity, reinvention, and the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.

The details

In the season 3 premiere, Valerie arrives for rehearsals of the Broadway production of 'Chicago,' where she is set to play the role of Roxie. However, Valerie is woefully underprepared for the musical's demanding pace, constantly delaying rehearsals to talk to the cameras documenting her experience. The young cast members openly mock and belittle Valerie, further exacerbating her struggles. After the 'Chicago' gig falls through, Valerie lands a small role in an indie film, but the shoot is another disaster, with Valerie playing a fitness trainer for elderly nursing home residents and an actual medical emergency occurring during filming.

• The season 3 premiere of 'The Comeback' takes place in 2023, as the entertainment industry is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with strikes by writers' and actors' unions.
• The story then jumps ahead to 2026, where Valerie is pursuing various projects, including a podcast, social media influencing, and a small role in an indie film.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The season 3 premiere sets up the main storyline for the season, which will follow Valerie as she takes on a lead role in a new sitcom written entirely by artificial intelligence, despite her initial skepticism about the concept.