Trending Now - Lisa Kudrow's 'the Comeback' Season 3 Tackles AI, Tops Ratings

WHO:

Dan Bucatinsky, co-producer and co-star of "The Comeback," emphasized that the show's AI plot is "agenda-less."

Lisa Kudrow described her experience of having her son, Julian Stern, on set as "heaven."

Dan Bucatinsky, co-producer and co-star of "The Comeback," stated, "The Comeback is everywhere now."

Lisa Kudrow described her son, Julian Stern, as "my baby! But he's a grown man and beard, you know?" regarding his role in the series.

Fran Drescher made a cameo as herself in the new season of "The Comeback."

Dan Bucatinsky, co-producer and co-star of "The Comeback," stated he is "nothing like the kind of partner that Billy is."

Fran Drescher made a cameo as herself in the new season of "The Comeback."

Lisa Kudrow stated, "Oh, it was heaven," regarding her experience having her son, Julian Stern, on set.

Kudrow described Julian as "my baby! But he's a grown man and beard, you know?"

Dan Bucatinsky, co-producer and co-star, emphasized he is "nothing like the kind of partner that Billy is" in reference to his character in "The Comeback."

Lisa Kudrow described her son, Julian Stern, as "my baby! But he's a grown man and beard, you know?" regarding his role in the series.

Andrew Scott, John Early, and Abbi Jacobson are also part of the cast for Season 3 of "The Comeback."

Lisa Kudrow, Emmy-winning actress

Michael Patrick King, writer and producer

Dan Bucatinsky, co-producer and co-star

Julian Stern, Kudrow's son, who plays a tech character

Matthew Perry, Kudrow's "Friends" co-star who died in 2023

WHAT:

The first episode of Season 3, titled "Valerie Gets a New Chapter," premiered on March 22nd, 2026, at 10:30 PM ET.

Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, is hesitant to accept a role in a sitcom written entirely by AI due to concerns about writers' rights.

The approval process for Season 3 was described as "very much as-fast-as-you-can" to air before studios admitted to using AI in writing.

The first episode of Season 3, titled "Valerie Gets a New Chapter," premiered on March 22nd, 2026, at 10:30 PM ET.

Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, is set to star in a new sitcom written entirely by AI, which she initially hesitates to accept due to concerns about writers' rights.

Kudrow stated, "I never went through that period of, 'No, no, I don't want to talk about "Friends." I have to move on...'" regarding her connection to her past role.

The first episode of Season 3, titled "Valerie Gets a New Chapter," premiered on March 22nd, 2026.

Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, is set to star in a new sitcom written entirely by AI, which she initially hesitates to accept due to concerns about writers' rights.

Kudrow mentioned that she was nervous for Julian during his first table read but noted he was great.

Kudrow reflected on her emotional connection to filming at Warner Brothers' Soundstage 24, stating, "On different levels, it definitely is... that made me a little emotional."

Kudrow stated, "I don't know how to do it without Mickey. Unh-uh. Don't know how to do it without Mickey. No. No, no, no. No, no, no," reflecting on the challenges of continuing the show after Robert Michael Morris's death.

Kudrow mentioned that filming in the same location as "Friends" made her "a little emotional," stating, "And my nose is running now. I don't cry, but my nose runs."

Season 3 of "The Comeback" is described as a "bittersweet swan song" for Lisa Kudrow's character Valerie Cherish.

The new season addresses the impact of the pandemic and the two union strikes that affected Hollywood.

Kudrow stated, "It really had to be an idea like the AI thing for me to return to this world after so much time had elapsed."

The approval process for Season 3 was described as "very much as-fast-as-you-can" to air before studios admitted to using AI in writing.

Michael Patrick King noted that "The Comeback" is "more of a jab at ego than Hollywood."

The first episode of Season 3 premiered on March 22nd, 2026, at 10:30 PM ET, with new episodes to be released weekly.

"The Comeback" is a mockumentary reality series created by Kudrow and King.

The show originally premiered in 2005 and was canceled after one season.

It was revived for a second season in 2014.

Season 3 of "The Comeback" premiered on March 22nd, 2026.

Kudrow described returning to her character Valerie Cherish as "unsettlingly comfortable."

Kudrow stated, "It was a no for me" regarding continuing the show after Morris's death.

Kudrow mentioned that the show will tackle issues like AI and a changing TV landscape.

Kudrow expressed emotional sentiments about filming in the same location as "Friends."

WHERE:

"The Comeback" is filmed at Warner Brothers' Soundstage 24.

The show airs on HBO and is available for streaming on HBO Max.

WHEN:

The taping of "The Comeback" took place in November 2025.

Kudrow and King attended the Los Angeles Premiere of "The Comeback" on March 19th, 2026.

The taping of "The Comeback" took place in November 2025.

Kudrow and King attended the Los Angeles Premiere of "The Comeback" on March 19th, 2026.

"The Comeback" premiered in 2005.

The second season was released in 2014.

Season 3 premiered on March 22nd, 2026, at 10:30 PM ET.

WHY:

Kudrow stated that the idea of tackling AI was essential for her return, saying, "It really had to be an idea like the AI thing for me to return to this world after so much time had elapsed."

Michael Patrick King noted that "The Comeback" is "more of a jab at ego than Hollywood."

Kudrow expressed that the idea of tackling AI was essential for her return, stating, "It really had to be an idea like the AI thing for me to return to this world after so much time had elapsed."

Michael Patrick King noted that "The Comeback" is "more of a jab at ego than Hollywood."

Kudrow expressed that the idea of tackling AI was essential for her return, stating, "It really had to be an idea like the AI thing" for her to come back after a long hiatus.

Kudrow expressed that the idea of tackling AI was essential for her return, stating, "It really had to be an idea like the AI thing for me to return to this world after so much time had elapsed."

Kudrow likened Valerie's confrontation with AI to her "ultimate battle," comparing it to the initial fears about reality TV's impact on scripted content.

Kudrow expressed that returning to the character Valerie Cherish felt "unsettlingly comfortable" and described filming in the same location as "Friends" as emotional.

The revival of "The Comeback" is due to its cult following despite its initial cancellation.

Kudrow wanted to honor the memory of Robert Michael Morris, who passed away in 2017.

HOW:

Kudrow and King were mindful of the portrayal of Hollywood in the final season, stating, "let’s not be running around in golf carts too much," referencing another show filmed on the same lot.

The approval process for Season 3 was described as "very much as-fast-as-you-can" to air before studios admitted to using AI in writing.

Kudrow and King were mindful of the portrayal of Hollywood in the final season, stating, "let’s not be running around in golf carts too much," referencing the style of another show filmed on the same lot.

The premise of Season 3 was fast-tracked due to its relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape influenced by AI.

Kudrow's son, Julian Stern, plays a tech character in the series, marking his first significant role in a TV show.

Kudrow and King collaborated to create a way to continue the series while honoring Morris.

Kudrow's son, Julian, was included in the cast, marking a personal connection to the project.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 15:33 UTC)

The highly anticipated third season of "The Comeback" premiered last night with its first episode titled "Valerie Gets a New Chapter," featuring Lisa Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, grappling with the idea of a sitcom written entirely by AI. Co-producer and co-star Dan Bucatinsky emphasized that the show's AI plot is "agenda-less," while Kudrow described her experience of having her son on set as "heaven." The taping took place in November 2025, and Kudrow expressed that the concept of addressing AI was crucial for her return to the series after such a long break.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 13:30 UTC)

The highly anticipated third season of "The Comeback" premiered last night, featuring Lisa Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, who grapples with starring in a new sitcom written entirely by AI. Kudrow, who attended the Los Angeles premiere with Michael Patrick King earlier this week, expressed that the concept of AI was crucial for her return to the show after so many years, while Dan Bucatinsky, a co-producer and co-star, declared that "The Comeback is everywhere now." In a fun twist, Fran Drescher made a cameo as herself in this season, adding to the excitement surrounding the show's return.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 09:19 UTC)

The highly anticipated third season of "The Comeback" premiered yesterday with its first episode titled "Valerie Gets a New Chapter," featuring a cameo by Fran Drescher. In this new season, Lisa Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, faces the challenge of starring in a sitcom written entirely by AI, a concept that Kudrow felt was essential for her return to the show after a long break. Co-producer and co-star Dan Bucatinsky emphasized that he is "nothing like the kind of partner that Billy is," highlighting the dynamic within the series as it tackles contemporary issues in the entertainment industry.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 05:38 UTC)

At the Los Angeles premiere of "The Comeback" last Monday, Lisa Kudrow shared her heartfelt experience of having her son, Julian Stern, on set, describing it as "heaven" and affectionately calling him "my baby!" while acknowledging he's now a grown man. Kudrow expressed her nervousness during Julian's first table read, but was pleased with his performance, and reflected on the emotional significance of filming at Warner Brothers' Soundstage 24, saying it made her feel a bit emotional. She also emphasized the importance of tackling AI in the storyline for her return, while being mindful of Hollywood's portrayal in the final season, humorously suggesting they avoid excessive golf cart scenes.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 03:58 UTC)

At the Los Angeles premiere of "The Comeback" on March 19, Lisa Kudrow shared her emotional connection to the filming location, noting that it brought back memories from her time on "Friends." Reflecting on the challenges of continuing the show after the passing of Robert Michael Morris, Kudrow expressed that she couldn't imagine doing it without him, while also emphasizing that the idea of exploring AI was crucial for her return. Co-producer and co-star Dan Bucatinsky highlighted how different he is from his character, further illustrating the dynamic behind the scenes as they navigate the final season's portrayal of Hollywood.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 01:29 UTC)

Season 3 of "The Comeback" is being hailed as a bittersweet farewell for Lisa Kudrow's character, Valerie Cherish, as it tackles the effects of the pandemic and the recent Hollywood union strikes. Kudrow mentioned that her return was sparked by the show's exploration of AI, which she described as her "ultimate battle," reflecting her concerns about the impact of reality TV on scripted content. The approval process for this new season was expedited to ensure it aired before studios openly acknowledged their use of AI in writing, with creator Michael Patrick King emphasizing that the series serves as a critique of ego rather than Hollywood itself.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:16 UTC)

The highly anticipated third season of "The Comeback" premiered last night at 10:30 PM ET, featuring new episodes set to be released weekly. Lisa Kudrow, who reprises her role as Valerie Cherish, shared that returning to the character felt "unsettlingly comfortable," and filming in the same location as "Friends" was an emotional experience for her. Joining Kudrow in the cast are Andrew Scott, John Early, and Abbi Jacobson, while her son, Julian Stern, makes his TV debut playing a tech character in the series.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 17:15 UTC)

Today marks the premiere of Season 3 of "The Comeback," the mockumentary series created by Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, which originally aired in 2005 and was revived in 2014. Kudrow, who returns to her role as Valerie Cherish, described the experience as "unsettlingly comfortable," while also reflecting on the emotional significance of filming in the same location as "Friends" and honoring the late Robert Michael Morris. The new season, which tackles contemporary issues like AI and the evolving TV landscape, airs tonight at 10:30 PM ET on HBO and is available for streaming on HBO Max.