Twenty years ago, TV was in a state of flux. The era of multi-camera sitcoms like Friends was winding down, reality TV was on the rise, and prestige dramas were just beginning to emerge. Into this chaos stepped HBO's The Comeback in 2006, a show so ahead of its time that audiences initially didn't know what to make of it. Starring a never-better Lisa Kudrow—just a year after Friends ended—the series follows Valerie Cherish, a washed-up actress desperate to reclaim her glory days. It was canceled after one season, only to find a devoted fanbase and return for two more seasons that cemented its legacy. All three seasons are brilliant, but one stands above the rest. Here's our ranking.
3. Season 1 (2005)
Season 1 introduces us to Valerie Cherish, a B-list star of the '90s sitcom I'm It! who lands a role on a new show, Room and Bored, playing Aunt Sassy. The catch? She's also starring in a reality show documenting her comeback. The season is a cringe-comedy masterclass, with Kudrow fully committing to Valerie's relentless positivity and obliviousness. The cruelty of showrunner Paulie G (Lance Barber) and the constant humiliation make for uncomfortable viewing, but it's also where the show's heart shines—through Valerie's home life and her bond with hairdresser Mickey Deane (Robert Michael Morris). While uneven and a bit long, Season 1 is a flawed gem that laid the groundwork for everything to come.
2. Season 3 (2024)
After an 11-year gap, The Comeback returned for a third and final season that feels like a poignant swan song. Set in a post-strike industry dominated by AI, Valerie is cast in How's That?, the first show written entirely by artificial intelligence. The season trades cringe for melancholy as Valerie battles an indifferent production company, a clueless AI, and a manager more interested in his own fame. The absence of Mickey Dean is deeply felt, but the season delivers one of the most bittersweet endings in recent memory. It's a reflective, subdued season that captures the existential dread of an industry on the brink. For a deeper dive into shows that blend comedy with sharp social commentary, check out our ranking of Elle Fanning Shines in Hulu's 'The Great'.
1. Season 2 (2014)
Nine years after its cancellation, The Comeback returned with a season that perfected everything the first season attempted. Valerie lands a role on a prestige cable drama, Seeing Red, and the satire sharpens to a razor's edge. The show skewers the pretensions of 'quality TV' and the industry's obsession with awards, while giving Valerie more agency and depth. Kudrow delivers a career-best performance, balancing absurdity with genuine pathos. The season is tighter, funnier, and more emotionally resonant, culminating in a finale that feels both triumphant and heartbreaking. It's the season that proved The Comeback wasn't just a cult curiosity but one of HBO's greatest comedies. For more on shows that push boundaries, see our list of The Best Sci-Fi Movies of 2006.
From its misunderstood debut to its triumphant finale, The Comeback remains a singular achievement in television. Lisa Kudrow's Valerie Cherish is a character for the ages, and each season offers a unique lens on fame, aging, and the entertainment industry. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this ranking is your guide to the best of the best.
