The Comeback

2005 • HBO

4.4

126 reviews

TV-MA

Rating

Eligible

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Season 1 episodes (13)

1 Pilot

6/5/05

Series Premiere. Trying to land a role in a new sitcom, actress Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow) allows reality cameras to follow her life at home and on the set. Although she wins the part, Valerie must swallow her pride when the producers recast her role.

2 Valerie Triumphs at the Upfronts

6/12/05

Valerie, Mickey and the cast of 'Room and Bored' are flown to NYC to be introduced to the media. In the Big Apple, Valerie gets stiffed on a perk, misses out on a meal, and fears the worst as the president of the network intros the cast.

3 Valerie Bonds with the Cast

6/19/05

After a table read for 'the first official episode,' Valerie invites her co-stars to a 'bonding lunch,' but Juna doesn't show up. The two make up later with a one-on-one lunch, where Valerie learns why Juna is such a paparazzi favorite.

4 Valerie Stands up for Aunt Sassy

6/26/05

Concerned that Paulie G. has written an unflattering line that will turn audiences against her character, Valerie enlists a new writer, Gigi, to help pitch a less-offensive one. Meanwhile, Valerie rethinks her impulsive decision to adopt a puppy.

5 Valerie Demands Dignity

7/10/05

Valerie worries that her comeback storyline isn't 'enough' when the network tries to spice up her show by bringing in the star of another reality show--and by pulling a prank that nearly sabotages Valerie's lunch with a 'TV Guide' editor.

6 Valerie Saves the Show

7/17/05

With the cast in a funk following a lackluster premiere, Valerie tries to boost morale with a late-night cookie delivery that gives new meaning to her trademark line, 'I don't want to see that!'

7 Valerie Gets a Very Special Episode

7/24/05

Excited about an episode dedicated to her character, Valerie pulls some strings to get a 'name' actor to play Aunt Sassy's romantic interest. Mark's behavior at the Viper Room brings to light some 'intimacy' issues that prove too hot for the camera.

8 Valerie Relaxes in Palm Springs

7/31/05

Valerie and Mark head to the desert for a long weekend at a Palm Springs resort--with strings attached. While Mark draws the line with Jane's crew on the golf course, Valerie finds a new mentor in an old acquaintance.

9 Valerie Hangs With the Cool Kids

8/7/05

At the insistence of the network, 'Room and Bored' gets a makeover and two new cast members, Greg and Kaveen, spurring talk of a coup by the 'original five.' Meanwhile, Franchesca's new friend Kalla shakes up the status quo at home.

10 Valerie Gets a Magazine Cover

8/14/05

With Juna getting all the hype and most of the magazine covers, Valerie enlists a new publicist, Billy Stanton, to land her a cover. Billy obliges by scoring a shoot for 'Be Yoga,' forcing Valerie to remodel her fitness room and take a yoga crash course.

11 Valerie Stands Out on the Red Carpet

8/21/05

Valerie gets a new dress and a new look after 'Room and Bored'--and Juna--earn nominations for a familiar TV-awards show.

12 Valerie Shines Under Stress

8/28/05

Jane pulls rank on Tom and Paulie G to get Valerie more lines on 'Room and Bored.' A stalker threat forces extra security on the set, exposing Valerie's old back problems as she's prepping for a big pratfall scene.

13 Valerie Does Another Classic Leno

9/4/05

(Season One finale) After hosting a memorable coming-out party for the premiere of 'The Comeback,' Valerie makes an even more memorable guest appearance on 'The Tonight Show.'

About this show

Full episodes of The Comeback Season 2 will be available for playback on January 19, 2015.

From 'Sex and the City' writer Michael Patrick King comes this comedy series starring Lisa Kudrow as a former B-list TV actress who agrees to star in a reality show that follows her efforts to land a part in a new sitcom.

Ratings and reviews

4.4

126 reviews

J.B. V

November 22, 2014

My favorite show of all-time. I can basically act out from memory the entire first season I've watched every episode at least 30 times. Almost a blessing in disguise that it took HBO nine years to give the green light to season 2. It is only a limited four episode run, but so far it has me just as excited as I was nine years ago for every Sunday to roll around to see what Valerie Cherish is up to!! Watch it, and fall in love with Kudrow like I have!

Brent Holcomb

October 17, 2014

Lisa Kudrow is absolutely brilliant in this genius show. I'm so glad they're bringing it back for another season...nine years later! Welcome back, Red!

3 people found this review helpful

Amanda Kirkman

November 12, 2014

She is the female Micheal Scott. The show was just way ahead of its time when it aired. When i heard it was Coming back i was literally OMGing. I was like , bout time. She so deserves this !

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