HBO's "The Comeback" Set to Return for Third Season, Featuring AI-Written Sitcom Plotline

"The Comeback" Season 3 Anticipated for 2026 Release, Exploring AI's Impact

A third season of the HBO series "The Comeback," co-created by Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, is anticipated for release in 2026. This new installment will feature Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, starring in a fictional sitcom entirely written by artificial intelligence, exploring the impact of AI on the entertainment industry.

The upcoming third season will see Valerie Cherish starring in a fictional sitcom entirely written by artificial intelligence, directly engaging with the impact of AI on the entertainment industry.

Series History and Enduring Relevance

The series "The Comeback" first debuted in 2005, initially receiving low ratings before developing a dedicated cult following. It was renewed for a second season nine years later, which garnered significant critical acclaim. The show follows Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish, a TV actress navigating the often-turbulent entertainment industry.

Across its seasons, "The Comeback" has been noted for its sharp satire of Hollywood and its timely commentary on the evolving landscape of celebrity and media, including the rise of reality television and streaming platforms. Viral memes featuring Cherish's catchphrases have further contributed to the show's continued cultural relevance.

Valerie Cherish's Latest Chapter

In the upcoming third season, Valerie Cherish is portrayed as an Emmy winner who has continued working in the industry. The character's narrative includes signs of financial adjustments, such as downsizing her residence, and a decreased engagement from her publicist-turned-manager. Valerie is depicted adopting new strategies for maintaining her public presence, including hiring a social media consultant and launching a podcast.

Valerie's approach to her career is shown to have evolved. Whereas she previously accepted various professional situations, the new season portrays her as more assertive. This includes confronting dismissive behavior during rehearsals for a Broadway role as Roxie in "Chicago," leading to her withdrawal from the production citing contractual reasons.

When offered a role in an AI-written sitcom, she initially declines, then seeks assurances regarding human writers' involvement. Valerie ultimately assumes an executive producer role, which is presented as demonstrating a commitment to the production's quality and its cast and crew. Lisa Kudrow continues to portray Valerie with her distinctive physical and verbal mannerisms.

Production and Cast

The concept for the new season received approval from HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys. Lisa Kudrow serves as a co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer for the series. Co-creator Michael Patrick King stated that the concept of an AI-written sitcom would allow the show to engage with the future of entertainment and the significant shifts occurring in Hollywood.

Filming for the season took place at Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. lot, the same iconic location used for the series "Friends." James L. Burrows, who directed numerous episodes of "Friends," is returning to direct "The Comeback."

The cast includes returning regulars Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young. New additions to the cast feature Andrew Scott, Jane Fonda, Abbi Jacobson, John Early, and Tony Award-winning theater director Jack O’Brien. Lisa Kudrow's son, Julian Stern, makes his acting debut in the season as an AI tech expert.

Thematic Focus: AI in Entertainment

A central theme of the third season is the pervasive role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

HBO's head of comedy, Amy Gravitt, characterized Valerie Cherish as a "canary in the coal mine" for industry trends, suggesting the character's narrative often reflects broader changes.

Lisa Kudrow has discussed the potential impact of AI, acknowledging its capacity as an assistant while also expressing concerns regarding potential job displacement and social unrest. Kudrow has indicated that this third season is intended to be the "third and final" installment, aiming to conclude Valerie Cherish's story as a trilogy.