Kudrow: Absolutely. And I think that’s why the show has endured. Valerie’s character is so complex and nuanced, which allowed us to explore different layers of her personality. She wasn’t just a one-dimensional character, but someone with real hopes, dreams, and insecurities.
King: And that’s what made the show ahead of its time. It tackled issues of fame, reality TV, and the entertainment industry in a way that was both funny and poignant. Valerie’s journey resonated with audiences because it was so relatable, even in its absurdity.
As we look back on the 20th anniversary of “The Comeback,” it’s clear that the show was a trailblazer in many ways. It paved the way for other shows that explore similar themes and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television. Valerie Cherish may never get everything she wants, but she certainly left a lasting impact on viewers and the TV landscape as a whole.
Kudrow: They were so invested in their idea of what should work, they didn’t even let us finish the season.
King: And then they didn’t give it any Emmy nominations. They were like, “We don’t understand this show.”
Kudrow: They wanted to support it, but they just didn’t know how.
King: And when they didn’t give it any Emmy nominations, we were like, Oh, they really don’t know what this show is. Because “Entourage” was nominated for a Golden Globe in its first season.
Kudrow: It was the first time we were really, really disappointed.
King: But then the show became this cult thing.
Kudrow: And then the Emmys realized it was a good show, but they didn’t really know what to do with it.
King: And we thought, Well, it’s too late now, but it was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Kudrow: It’s like, Oh, you like us now? Well, you missed it!
King: But they got it. They got it.
Kudrow: They got it. We were ahead of the curve, but it was also a double-edged sword. Being ahead of the curve meant that we were doing something new and groundbreaking, but it also meant that people didn’t quite know how to react to it. Valerie’s character was so unique and different from anything else on television at the time that it was hard for audiences to categorize or understand her.
Looking back now, in 2025, with reality TV shows and social media influencers dominating our screens, Valerie’s character seems much more relatable and understandable. We’ve seen women like her on reality shows, playing a role to further their own brand and gain fame. The world of front-facing phone cameras and media-hungry reality show stars is now a familiar one, making Valerie’s character more identifiable to audiences today.
Despite the struggles the show faced back in 2005, the themes and characters of “The Comeback” are more relevant and impactful now. Valerie’s desperate need for success, her single-minded focus, and the dark humor of the show all resonate with viewers in a way they might not have before. The show may not have been renewed for a second season back then, but its legacy and impact are still felt today.
As creators, Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King have always been ahead of their time, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. While it may have been a disappointment that the show didn’t get a second season right away, the fact that it eventually did, ten years later, speaks to the enduring quality and relevance of “The Comeback.” Valerie Cherish may have been a misunderstood character in 2005, but in 2025, she’s a trailblazer and a cultural icon. Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King recently reflected on their groundbreaking show, “The Comeback,” in a candid interview. Kudrow shared her thoughts on the rise of reality television, noting that while it wasn’t gratifying to see everyone living their lives on camera, they saw it coming. King recalled the early days of pitching the show to HBO, with former boss Carolyn Strauss questioning if it would be funny. However, once they heard Kudrow’s portrayal of Valerie, they were sold on the concept.
One pivotal moment in the show was the Palm Springs episode, where Valerie is left waiting for a valet that never comes. King was initially unsure about the direction of the scene, but Kudrow reassured him that the discomfort was intentional. To their surprise, HBO praised the episode as their favorite so far.
The character of Valerie Cherish was inspired by a character Kudrow had developed at the Groundlings. Describing Valerie as a phony actress with a unique way of speaking, Kudrow and King knew they had something special. They decided that Valerie had to be a redhead, embodying a balance of sexiness and intelligence.
The late Robert Michael Morris, who played Valerie’s beloved hairdresser Mickey, was a standout on the show. King shared how Morris brought authenticity to the role, drawing on his own experiences as a theater teacher. Kudrow fondly remembered Morris giving her QVC jewelry to wear on set, a gesture that added to their on-screen chemistry.
As for the possibility of a third season of “The Comeback,” Kudrow and King remain hopeful. They are always discussing ideas and searching for the right concept to bring Valerie back to the screen. King emphasized that Valerie’s journey is never about getting everything she wants, creating a compelling narrative for future episodes.
In conclusion, the legacy of “The Comeback” continues to resonate with fans, showcasing the brilliance of Kudrow and King’s collaboration. Whether or not a new season materializes, the impact of Valerie Cherish and her unforgettable journey remains a testament to the power of storytelling. In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. With an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans each year, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address this issue.
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine life, with millions of sea creatures dying each year as a result of ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Additionally, plastic waste can take hundreds of years to break down, leading to the accumulation of plastic in our oceans and on our beaches.
One of the main contributors to plastic pollution is single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and water bottles. These items are used for a short period of time before being discarded, often ending up in our oceans and waterways. To combat this issue, many countries and cities around the world have implemented bans on single-use plastics, encouraging the use of more sustainable alternatives.
Recycling is another key solution to reducing plastic pollution. By recycling plastic waste, we can reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans and landfills, and help to conserve valuable resources. However, recycling alone is not enough to solve the problem of plastic pollution. It is essential that we also reduce our overall consumption of plastic and make a conscious effort to choose reusable and biodegradable alternatives.
Education and awareness are crucial in the fight against plastic pollution. By educating people about the impact of plastic on the environment and providing information on how they can reduce their plastic footprint, we can inspire individuals to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.
In conclusion, plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires immediate action. By reducing our use of single-use plastics, recycling effectively, and raising awareness about the issue, we can all play a part in protecting our oceans and marine life for future generations. It is up to each and every one of us to make a difference and be a part of the solution to plastic pollution.
