Watch The Comeback

The Comeback is an American television series starring Lisa Kudrow, which originally aired on HBO from 2005 to 2006, and was renewed for a second and final season in 2014. The show is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows the life of Valerie Cherish, a fading television sitcom actress who is attempting to revive her career with a role on a new series, while also seeking validation and respect from her colleagues.

The show is created and written by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, who also served as showrunner. The series is notable for its unconventional format, which blends traditional scripted narrative with a more documentary-style approach, utilizing handheld cameras and faux behind-the-scenes footage.

Valerie Cherish (played by Kudrow) is introduced as a former sitcom star from the 1990s who is attempting to make a comeback by accepting a supporting role on a new series called Room and Bored. The show, which is similar to Friends, depicts the lives of a group of attractive young people living in an apartment building together in Los Angeles.

Throughout the series, Valerie struggles with the indignities and frustrations of being a middle-aged actress in a youth-obsessed industry. She is forced to work with a group of younger and less experienced actors who snub her on set, and her former (and much more successful) co-star has become an award-winning film actor who is dismissive of her.

Valerie's time on the set of Room and Bored is fraught with tension and conflict, with the production team constantly belittling her and undermining her contributions. They frequently attempt to make her look foolish on camera, and she is subjected to numerous embarrassing scenarios in order to satisfy their demands.

At home, Valerie is married to Mark, a beleaguered hairstylist who is frequently undermined and dismissive of her career ambitions. She is also surrounded by a group of loyal friends and family members who offer her support and encouragement throughout her ups and downs.

The show also explores themes of feminism and the exploitation of women in Hollywood. In one notable scene, Valerie is asked to film a nude scene for the show, despite feeling uncomfortable and objectified. She is coerced into doing so by the show's producers, who promise her increased exposure and screen time in exchange for performing the scene.

The Comeback is also notable for its use of improvised scenes and dialogue, with Kudrow frequently ad-libbing her lines in order to make them feel more natural and authentic. The show's use of handheld cameras and documentary-style footage also helps to create a more intimate and immersive viewing experience, allowing the audience to feel like they are actually behind the scenes with the characters.

Overall, The Comeback is a unique and innovative comedy series that offers a biting critique of the entertainment industry and its treatment of aging actresses. Its success lies in Kudrow's performance as Valerie Cherish, who is simultaneously vulnerable and resilient, and who refuses to be defined by the industry's preconceptions and prejudices. The show's blend of scripted and improvised content, as well as its innovative approach to storytelling, make it a standout example of contemporary television comedy.

The Comeback is a series that ran for 2 seasons (21 episodes) between June 5, 2005 and on HBO