HBO has formally confirmed that “The Comeback” is, properly, making a comeback.
The cult favourite sequence co-created by Lisa Kudrow and “Intercourse and the Metropolis”’s Michael Patrick King will return for its long-awaited third, and supposedly ultimate, season in 2026.
But when you recognize “The Comeback,” you recognize the phrase ultimate doesn’t carry a lot weight.
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Lisa Kudrow’s ‘The Comeback’ Returns
Initially airing in 2005, the biting satire of actuality TV and Hollywood ego returned for a shock second season in 2014. Now, 12 years after that revival, Valerie Cherish is stepping again into the highlight as soon as extra.
“Valerie Cherish has discovered her means again to the present tv panorama. Neither of us are stunned she did,” Kudrow and King stated in a joint statement launched by HBO.
Kudrow introduced the information in character through a cheeky behind-the-scenes video. Dressed as Valerie, she begins off excitedly proclaiming, “That is the final one, alright, the final time. By no means doing this once more. Nicely, I’ve received a brand new present. How’s that? And I’m so enthusiastic about it!”
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However in true “Comeback” vogue, her director isn’t glad and pushes her to maintain re-recording the announcement till Valerie ultimately storms off set. “Ought to I flip the digital camera off?” the cameraman requested. “No… I’m fairly certain she’ll come again,” the director deadpans.
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Season 3 Begins Manufacturing This Summer season
Manufacturing for Season 3 begins this summer time, with a premiere anticipated in 2026 on HBO and Max.
Returning alongside Kudrow are authentic solid members Dan Bucatinsky as Valerie’s ever-nervous publicist Billy, Laura Silverman as actuality present producer Jane, and Damian Younger as her long-suffering husband Mark.
One notable absence is Robert Michael Morris, who performed Valerie’s beloved hairdresser and confidant, Mickey. Morris handed away in 2017, and his presence will little question be deeply missed.
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How ‘The Comeback’ Went From Canceled To Critically Revered
When “The Comeback” premiered in 2005, it was forward of its time, a lot in order that many viewers didn’t know what to make of it.
In truth, critics initially dismissed the present as too uncomfortable, and HBO canceled it after one season, regardless of Kudrow incomes an Emmy nomination for her efficiency. However within the years that adopted, “The Comeback” grew to become a revered gem amongst TV insiders and followers alike.
Valerie’s catchphrases, “I don’t wish to see that!” and “Hey, whats up, whats up!” grew to become memes, and the present was celebrated for its brutal, trustworthy portrayal of a lady navigating ageism and misogyny in Hollywood.
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Valerie Cherish’s Emmy Redemption
The second season in 2014 noticed Valerie try to supply a pilot for Andy Cohen. Valerie can also be solid in an HBO sequence referred to as “Seeing Purple,” taking part in a fictionalized model of herself in a present concerning the lifetime of Paulie G. (performed by Seth Rogan), the sitcom author who tormented her.
Within the years since, “The Comeback” has solely continued to develop in stature.
Earlier this 12 months, Selection ranked Kudrow’s portrayal of Valerie Cherish because the fourth biggest TV efficiency of the twenty first century.
And now, in 2026, she’s again once more.
Lisa Kudrow Honors Matthew Perry By Binge-Watching ‘Associates’
The actress lately opened up about how powerful it’s to maneuver on with out Perry in her life anymore however is honoring him in one of the best ways she will be able to… by binge-watching “Associates.”
“Truthfully, I wasn’t capable of watch it as a result of it is too embarrassing to look at your self. But when I make it about Matthew, then that is OK,” the actress advised The Hollywood Reporter. “And it is simply celebrating how hilarious he was, and that’s what I wish to bear in mind [about him].”
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“Everyone seems to be hilarious. I’m blown away by Courteney Cox. I’m blown away by Jen. Matthew, clearly, is simply uniquely hilarious. Nobody ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm earlier than him. Matt LeBlanc is hilarious. And David Schwimmer, too,” she continued of her former co-stars. “Typically I even chuckle at what I’ve achieved.”
She concluded by saying, “So yeah, I imply, that’s my very own little means of celebrating [the anniversaries], simply watching it. But it surely’s embarrassing. At residence, if anybody walks within the room and I am watching ‘Associates,’ that is a horrible look, I feel, do not you?”
