The Comeback (2005)
HBO's wickedly sharp mockumentary comedy-drama following a fading actress who will do anything to reclaim her place in the spotlight.
The Comeback - Series Information
- Original Title: The Comeback
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Michael Patrick King, Lisa Kudrow
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 29
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 5, 2005 (United States - TV-MA), June 5, 2005 (Brazil - 16), June 5, 2005 (Mexico - C), June 5, 2005 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: 喜开二度 (CN)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, HBO, Is or Isn't Entertainment, Working Class Films, Michael Patrick King Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Comeback - Plot
For Valerie Cherish, no price is too high to pay for clinging to the spotlight. Desperate to revive her career, she agrees to star in a reality TV series, allowing cameras to follow her every move as she lands a part on a new network sitcom.
The Comeback - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Valerie Cherish's desperate bid for relevance unfold:
It's time to face reality.
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The Comeback - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michael Patrick King
- Lisa Kudrow
Main Cast
- Lisa Kudrow
- Laura Silverman
- Damian Young
- Lance Barber
- Robert Michael Morris
- Malin Åkerman
- Robert Bagnell
- Kellan Lutz
- Jason Olive
- Kimberly Kevon Williams
Writers
- Lisa Kudrow
- Michael Patrick King
The Comeback - FAQs
Is The Comeback based on a true story?
The Comeback is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from real Hollywood experiences. Co-creator Lisa Kudrow channeled observations about the entertainment industry's treatment of aging actresses, and the mockumentary format satirizes actual reality TV conventions of the early 2000s with sharp, uncomfortable precision.
Is The Comeback worth watching in 2024?
Absolutely worth your time. The Comeback holds a stellar reputation among critics and devoted fans as one of the most underrated comedies in HBO's history. Lisa Kudrow's performance as Valerie Cherish is a masterclass in cringe comedy, and the show's razor-sharp satire of Hollywood ego and reality TV feels just as relevant today.
Why was The Comeback cancelled after Season 1?
HBO cancelled The Comeback in 2005 after its first season due to low ratings, despite strong critical praise. The show found a much larger audience through DVD releases and streaming over the following years, eventually prompting HBO to revive it for a second season in 2014 — nearly a decade later.
Where can you stream The Comeback?
You can stream The Comeback on Max (formerly HBO Max), including through the Max Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Did The Comeback win any awards?
Yes, the show earned significant recognition during its revival. Lisa Kudrow received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Season 2, and the show was widely celebrated by critics as one of the best television comebacks in recent memory, earning renewed awards attention.
Who plays Valerie Cherish in The Comeback?
Lisa Kudrow plays Valerie Cherish, the show's central character and co-creator. Kudrow's portrayal of the desperately optimistic, camera-hungry actress is widely considered one of the finest comedic performances in television history, earning her critical acclaim and Emmy recognition for the role.
How many seasons does The Comeback have?
The Comeback has three seasons across 29 episodes. Season 1 aired in 2005 with 13 episodes before cancellation, Season 2 arrived nine years later in 2014 with 8 episodes, and Season 3 is set to continue the story. A small collection of special episodes rounds out the full run.
What are some shows similar to The Comeback?
Fans of The Comeback often enjoy other mockumentary and industry satires such as Reboot (2022), Life's Too Short (2011), W1A (2014), and Brockmire (2017). Each shares a similar blend of cringe comedy, behind-the-scenes entertainment industry humor, and deeply human characters navigating professional humiliation with misplaced confidence.
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