Why do more people not know about this show!? This is honestly one of the best comedies out there and nobody seems to care. Lisa Kudrow is beyond amazing, not only as an actress, but a writer too. She should have won Emmys, golden globes, sags etc for both instalments of this masterpiece! She literally predicted what was to become of celebrity culture and then came back and somehow not only matched but exceeded the brilliance of season one after a nine year absence. Well the next nine years are almost up and I wouldn't be mad at the prospect of a season 3 Lisa Kudrow, just saying...
64 Reviews
Embarrassment humour, but something more
oliver-12323 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I bought this as a long-time fan of Friends and of Lisa Kudrow as an actress (The Opposite of Sex and Wonderland are two *good* performances). I have just finished watching the last episode.
I can understand why this show did not get taken to the American public's heart. It depends too much on one character, and is not funny in the Friends, 30 Rock or even Ugly Betty style. Much of the "humour" lies in the continual humiliations that the central character Valerie Cherish undergoes, often self-inflicted - indeed, the readiness to be at the centre of a reality show is a source of continual embarrassments that, because seen by the reality show crew, are bound to be humiliating. Her high opinion of her own worth is constantly being undercut by what happens to and around her. The subtleties of the script in bringing out her character are one of the major features of the show.
At first I simply felt embarrassed for the character. But as well as all the relentless attempts at self-promotion and dizzying over-estimation of herself she does increasingly show sympathy for others, builds a relationship with Jane the director of the reality show that is suggested to make Jane sympathetic towards her, and goes against all her own principles in supporting an actors' strike that the other actors then duck out of. She then shows the nerve to confront the chief writers with their responsibility for the situation that led to the strike. This is in the second half of the season, when she begins to notch up some real if minor successes. Finally, she does what anyone with any heart will have been wanting her to do for ages and hits the odious Paulie G., one of the two chief writers, right where he lives, in his big fat gut.
There is a splendid irony in the fact that this, taped by the reality show crew and made part of its first episode, catapults her to real (if perhaps temporary) fame again, being featured on the Leno talk show, and ensures a second season of the reality show as well.
It would be interesting to know what ideas Kudrow and King had for a second season, because in many ways this was a natural end. Pushing her back into the swamp would have been an artistic mistake, I think.
I can understand why this show did not get taken to the American public's heart. It depends too much on one character, and is not funny in the Friends, 30 Rock or even Ugly Betty style. Much of the "humour" lies in the continual humiliations that the central character Valerie Cherish undergoes, often self-inflicted - indeed, the readiness to be at the centre of a reality show is a source of continual embarrassments that, because seen by the reality show crew, are bound to be humiliating. Her high opinion of her own worth is constantly being undercut by what happens to and around her. The subtleties of the script in bringing out her character are one of the major features of the show.
At first I simply felt embarrassed for the character. But as well as all the relentless attempts at self-promotion and dizzying over-estimation of herself she does increasingly show sympathy for others, builds a relationship with Jane the director of the reality show that is suggested to make Jane sympathetic towards her, and goes against all her own principles in supporting an actors' strike that the other actors then duck out of. She then shows the nerve to confront the chief writers with their responsibility for the situation that led to the strike. This is in the second half of the season, when she begins to notch up some real if minor successes. Finally, she does what anyone with any heart will have been wanting her to do for ages and hits the odious Paulie G., one of the two chief writers, right where he lives, in his big fat gut.
There is a splendid irony in the fact that this, taped by the reality show crew and made part of its first episode, catapults her to real (if perhaps temporary) fame again, being featured on the Leno talk show, and ensures a second season of the reality show as well.
It would be interesting to know what ideas Kudrow and King had for a second season, because in many ways this was a natural end. Pushing her back into the swamp would have been an artistic mistake, I think.
Fantastic display of tragicomedy acting by Kudrow
pauliewalnuts-493562 August 2022
I had never heard of this and after seeing the reviews on IMDB decided to give it a go...I'm very glad I did!
When something bad happens to Valerie pay close attention to her eyes,the way Lisa Kudrow acts with her eyes you can actually feel a part of her soul dissolve.
This is brilliant acting by Kudrow,sometimes it's so painful to watch the destruction of the character,but you can't take your eyes off her.
Very glad I found this and highly recommended.
When something bad happens to Valerie pay close attention to her eyes,the way Lisa Kudrow acts with her eyes you can actually feel a part of her soul dissolve.
This is brilliant acting by Kudrow,sometimes it's so painful to watch the destruction of the character,but you can't take your eyes off her.
Very glad I found this and highly recommended.
Dead on...
davelit18 July 2005
This show is brilliant and Lisa Kudrow is amazing in it. If you've ever lived in LA, you already know this is closer to reality than any of the shows it satirizes.
Comparisons to the BBC version of "The Office" are inevitable. This show is probably as good as that critical darling, and it might be even better.
I've heard that it hasn't been renewed, which is a shame, as it's certainly much smarter than Darren Starr's other HBO hit, the long-running "Sex and the City.
Kudos to HBO and all involved for taking a chance on this risky and smart and painfully funny show.
Comparisons to the BBC version of "The Office" are inevitable. This show is probably as good as that critical darling, and it might be even better.
I've heard that it hasn't been renewed, which is a shame, as it's certainly much smarter than Darren Starr's other HBO hit, the long-running "Sex and the City.
Kudos to HBO and all involved for taking a chance on this risky and smart and painfully funny show.
Phoebe is dead
alexhornbye315 September 2005
I have just had the pleasure of seeing the entire season of The Comeback. I cannot believe the poor reception this series has had with the viewing public of America. The writing and performances from all concerned are outstanding. The situations are extreme, but then how many of us have the insight into the makings of a TV sitcom. Even so, it always seems believable. Kudos to Kudrow for creating one of the most likable, infuriating, delicious, yet tragic characters to grace TV for a long while. And special mention to Lance Barber for instilling Paulie G with so much venom and hatred to create one of the most loathsome. So many good moments crammed into each episode this series demands repeat viewing. I caught an ep. of Friends shortly afterwards, and could not watch Phoebe (or indeed any of the contrived, poorly scripted nonsense I had so previously enjoyed) without seeing Big Red behind the drippy one-liners. I will most definitely watch it again and again when it comes to the UK.
(To Tom Selleck on the phone: "Well, maybe I'll call you again if they decide to revive my big beaver...")
(To Tom Selleck on the phone: "Well, maybe I'll call you again if they decide to revive my big beaver...")
Lisa Kudrow is just so damned good
arwenyourea4 September 2020
So good it hurts.
theparkmans2 January 2011
The only thing wrong with The Comeback is that it came out a few years ahead of its time.
Lisa Kudrow is pure genius. She finds a way to turn the contemptible into the endearing and feel for a character despite how deeply she's flawed.
The show came out in 2005 just before the reality television industry truly spun out of control and those in the industry were probably less than amused by HBO's dead on parody of their pathetic, narcissistic excuses for entertainment.
The Comeback is so good that it hurts.
GOD I wish this show had gotten more than one season! If HBO had had the balls to stay behind it, it would go down in history with Larry Sanders as one of the greatest shows ever made about the entertainment industry.
Lisa Kudrow is pure genius. She finds a way to turn the contemptible into the endearing and feel for a character despite how deeply she's flawed.
The show came out in 2005 just before the reality television industry truly spun out of control and those in the industry were probably less than amused by HBO's dead on parody of their pathetic, narcissistic excuses for entertainment.
The Comeback is so good that it hurts.
GOD I wish this show had gotten more than one season! If HBO had had the balls to stay behind it, it would go down in history with Larry Sanders as one of the greatest shows ever made about the entertainment industry.
A Masterpiece
HoldenSpark12 April 2007
You feel bored at first.
You're kind of embarrassed for Lisa Kudrow at first. Don't we all feel on some level that she's somebody we already know and love and sort of our friend because we've all had the great experience of watching her as a part of "Friends"?
At first you kind of just feel weird about "The Comeback".
And there's all this kind of stuff that isn't exactly groundbreaking, and the first episode you see, regardless of which of the first 12 episodes you happen to watch, as the initial episode that you watch, no matter which of the first 12 of these thirteen episodes that you watch, whichever one it is, it will probably leave you wondering, why in the world would I (me, now, this guy who's writing all this for you to read) why in the world would he start by telling you that any episode you choose to watch first will leave you feeling bored?
That's not a very good way to start a review, is it? And yet that's exactly the way I've started this review of it. So, let me give you a little of my backstory....
I missed the original airing of this series and happened across all 13 episodes of it being offered 'on demand' on HBO cable his past weekend (April 2007). I'd never heard of it at that point but I did notice at that moment when I happened across it, that it had Lisa Kudrow in it and so I thought I'd watch it just because of that. That she was in it.
So I watched episode six first.
And I was kinda bored.
And when I was finished watching episode six I just thought ...oh .... uh ..... whatever. So, following that viewing of episode six of "The Comeback" I watched something else next.
But, well, that day was a slow TV day plus it was cold outside plus I'd flipped around through the other umpteen channels that day and nothing else was on that was even remotely watchable, so I came back to "The Comeback" and decided to just jump ahead and watch the last episode -- episode number thirteen, thinking that, well, even if it was a boring episode too at least I would know what happened. That at least I'd know how the whole thing ended...cause ...well... that one episode that I'd already watched, ... you know... episode six, ... it had kinda sorta already made me kind of wonder what had happened, you know... wondered how it ended...
So, regardless of how boring it was and probably was, I watched the last episode (#13) as the second one of this series that I watched. And I was drawn in a little more, cause there are some really awful feelings that come out during that episode, the last episode in the series, which I felt really strangely and really deeply about. Mostly because I didn't know what was going on. But I kinda sorta did. And I felt kind of embarrassed for them all. But I couldn't help noticing how deeply this story bored into me as I watched that episode, drilling into me down to a level that was unusual for me to feel, especially given the show's (still, to me) tepid hollow nature.
I did notice, however, that episode #13 did gave a decent payoff.
So, I decided to watch another episode and thought I'd better just watch the episode before episode #13, in case all the episodes really were all boring and that maybe this, episode 13, the last episode, was the best it was going to get. So I watched episode 12. And I was stunned to find myself being drawn in a little more. And so I kind of wanted to watch #11 by then so I did. Then I just decided I'd better watch the rest of them.
So I did. In order. But backwards, counting down from then onward to the first episode, counting down to number one.
And, as I did, I began to "get it".
And I began to understand what they were doing, and how incredible Lisa Kudrow was actually being, in this remarkable achievement. And each time I dropped back an episode I became more and more incredulous at how they had, and were, and did, and were still doing, the whole cast and crew, were, impossibly, yet still doing it, were turning all this boring stuff into something ...something... incredible.
And as the episodes rolled backwards I actually changed from being bored to being totally engrossed.
I began to laugh out loud once I began to "get it". And I started to actually tear up a little, and I begin to understand that somehow, this was a show how, from the seemingly dull and boring and slow and kind of mindless they were being, which was more than just the obvious wickedness they were also being, after I got past the idea it was boring, I realized they were creating something much much more, much much richer. They had looked into this woman's soul and they had found not only her, but had found her, the character, her humanity.
And it became clear that all of the cast were actually being all they could be in these roles and building a platform upon which Lisa Kudrow stood. And then marvelously, way up there above and beyond, she delivered something so worthy of all the effort it took to hold her up there, that I began to realize (with a breathless kind of start and shock and awe and in reverence), that she did them, the cast holding her up there, justice. And she did us, the audience, justice. And she did her own self justice. And she did the character justice.
And she brought honor even upon her own family, for this is something they can be proud of from her in a way that is universal.
Which, if you think about it, is a really weird yet weirdly wonderful thing for a casual reviewer to say. Yet here I am, typing it out for the whole world to read.
For, in fact, she brought humanity to this woman, the real humanity of exactly how this woman would live in our world as it is today.
Ms. Kudrow (she's so good, I can't just call her casually by her first name anymore) portrayed, in this character, life as it really is.
No matter who you are or what you do, most people, when it comes down to it, deep inside, have the same fears and hopes and dreams and ways of getting along in the world. But, like we all do, we all still remain wanting what ever it is we want.
By the time I'd come to the end (or really to the beginning, the end of episode one) I was enormously sad that this was all there would ever be of this series and that I would never again be able to have the joy of seeing it all for the first time.
And I'm so glad I watched it in the way I did, for it was the best way to see it.
Though there will be no more episodes, its okay. For this series, these 13 episodes, compose a masterpiece. It's the Citizen Kane of the work of our generation of storytelling. I predict that over time "The Comeback" will rise in esteem just as "Its a Wonderful Life" did. "The Comeback" is just that good and worthy.
I hope you "get it". I sure did.
(I revised this review in 2019 and know there eventually was a second series, but I left my original thoughts about how I thought then I'd never get to see more episodes and what it meant to me at that time. If you haven't seen "The Comeback" you really should. It's a masterpiece.)
You're kind of embarrassed for Lisa Kudrow at first. Don't we all feel on some level that she's somebody we already know and love and sort of our friend because we've all had the great experience of watching her as a part of "Friends"?
At first you kind of just feel weird about "The Comeback".
And there's all this kind of stuff that isn't exactly groundbreaking, and the first episode you see, regardless of which of the first 12 episodes you happen to watch, as the initial episode that you watch, no matter which of the first 12 of these thirteen episodes that you watch, whichever one it is, it will probably leave you wondering, why in the world would I (me, now, this guy who's writing all this for you to read) why in the world would he start by telling you that any episode you choose to watch first will leave you feeling bored?
That's not a very good way to start a review, is it? And yet that's exactly the way I've started this review of it. So, let me give you a little of my backstory....
I missed the original airing of this series and happened across all 13 episodes of it being offered 'on demand' on HBO cable his past weekend (April 2007). I'd never heard of it at that point but I did notice at that moment when I happened across it, that it had Lisa Kudrow in it and so I thought I'd watch it just because of that. That she was in it.
So I watched episode six first.
And I was kinda bored.
And when I was finished watching episode six I just thought ...oh .... uh ..... whatever. So, following that viewing of episode six of "The Comeback" I watched something else next.
But, well, that day was a slow TV day plus it was cold outside plus I'd flipped around through the other umpteen channels that day and nothing else was on that was even remotely watchable, so I came back to "The Comeback" and decided to just jump ahead and watch the last episode -- episode number thirteen, thinking that, well, even if it was a boring episode too at least I would know what happened. That at least I'd know how the whole thing ended...cause ...well... that one episode that I'd already watched, ... you know... episode six, ... it had kinda sorta already made me kind of wonder what had happened, you know... wondered how it ended...
So, regardless of how boring it was and probably was, I watched the last episode (#13) as the second one of this series that I watched. And I was drawn in a little more, cause there are some really awful feelings that come out during that episode, the last episode in the series, which I felt really strangely and really deeply about. Mostly because I didn't know what was going on. But I kinda sorta did. And I felt kind of embarrassed for them all. But I couldn't help noticing how deeply this story bored into me as I watched that episode, drilling into me down to a level that was unusual for me to feel, especially given the show's (still, to me) tepid hollow nature.
I did notice, however, that episode #13 did gave a decent payoff.
So, I decided to watch another episode and thought I'd better just watch the episode before episode #13, in case all the episodes really were all boring and that maybe this, episode 13, the last episode, was the best it was going to get. So I watched episode 12. And I was stunned to find myself being drawn in a little more. And so I kind of wanted to watch #11 by then so I did. Then I just decided I'd better watch the rest of them.
So I did. In order. But backwards, counting down from then onward to the first episode, counting down to number one.
And, as I did, I began to "get it".
And I began to understand what they were doing, and how incredible Lisa Kudrow was actually being, in this remarkable achievement. And each time I dropped back an episode I became more and more incredulous at how they had, and were, and did, and were still doing, the whole cast and crew, were, impossibly, yet still doing it, were turning all this boring stuff into something ...something... incredible.
And as the episodes rolled backwards I actually changed from being bored to being totally engrossed.
I began to laugh out loud once I began to "get it". And I started to actually tear up a little, and I begin to understand that somehow, this was a show how, from the seemingly dull and boring and slow and kind of mindless they were being, which was more than just the obvious wickedness they were also being, after I got past the idea it was boring, I realized they were creating something much much more, much much richer. They had looked into this woman's soul and they had found not only her, but had found her, the character, her humanity.
And it became clear that all of the cast were actually being all they could be in these roles and building a platform upon which Lisa Kudrow stood. And then marvelously, way up there above and beyond, she delivered something so worthy of all the effort it took to hold her up there, that I began to realize (with a breathless kind of start and shock and awe and in reverence), that she did them, the cast holding her up there, justice. And she did us, the audience, justice. And she did her own self justice. And she did the character justice.
And she brought honor even upon her own family, for this is something they can be proud of from her in a way that is universal.
Which, if you think about it, is a really weird yet weirdly wonderful thing for a casual reviewer to say. Yet here I am, typing it out for the whole world to read.
For, in fact, she brought humanity to this woman, the real humanity of exactly how this woman would live in our world as it is today.
Ms. Kudrow (she's so good, I can't just call her casually by her first name anymore) portrayed, in this character, life as it really is.
No matter who you are or what you do, most people, when it comes down to it, deep inside, have the same fears and hopes and dreams and ways of getting along in the world. But, like we all do, we all still remain wanting what ever it is we want.
By the time I'd come to the end (or really to the beginning, the end of episode one) I was enormously sad that this was all there would ever be of this series and that I would never again be able to have the joy of seeing it all for the first time.
And I'm so glad I watched it in the way I did, for it was the best way to see it.
Though there will be no more episodes, its okay. For this series, these 13 episodes, compose a masterpiece. It's the Citizen Kane of the work of our generation of storytelling. I predict that over time "The Comeback" will rise in esteem just as "Its a Wonderful Life" did. "The Comeback" is just that good and worthy.
I hope you "get it". I sure did.
(I revised this review in 2019 and know there eventually was a second series, but I left my original thoughts about how I thought then I'd never get to see more episodes and what it meant to me at that time. If you haven't seen "The Comeback" you really should. It's a masterpiece.)
Well it took time !!
maxime-chesneau13 September 2014
This show is perfection !! I'm actually kind of...furious cause it seems like people are only realizing it now that they're finally releasing a second season ( 9 years later !!! ).
When it first aired, there was neither Kardashian Family showing off their uselessness or Tori Spelling divorcing on cam and YET Lisa Kudrown and Michael Patrick King saw that coming !!
It's like a trip in the mind of some desperate actress we see on magazine covers week after week only to talk about her diet or boyfriend of dog.
November couldn't come faster !! Can't wait any longer.
When it first aired, there was neither Kardashian Family showing off their uselessness or Tori Spelling divorcing on cam and YET Lisa Kudrown and Michael Patrick King saw that coming !!
It's like a trip in the mind of some desperate actress we see on magazine covers week after week only to talk about her diet or boyfriend of dog.
November couldn't come faster !! Can't wait any longer.
Shallow character portrayed with great depth
henmcc26 August 2006
In the tradition of "Waiting For Guffman," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," and then on TV, "The Office" (both British and now American) and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," this is truly one of the great "mockumentaries"--I can watch the episodes again and again and still laugh (or cringe!). Lisa Kudrow is so believable and therefore so heartbreaking as Valerie Cherish that she must truly be a genius, a rare talent. Though the viewer is invited to laugh at Valerie's shallowness and shameless narcissism, Lisa Kudrow is able to portray Valerie in such a way that her vulnerabilities and humanity lead the viewer ultimately to cheer for her success. The supporting cast, too, are so believable that when I look at cast pictures I have a hard time thinking of them as actresses and actors.
the Comeback that didn't come back
gilleliath30 April 2019
It shouldn't be a mystery that this flopped. It must have seemed like a good idea, playing on Kudrow's past with the dreadful Friends; and yes, it's well written and performed; but it's *awkward*! - painful to watch. It's difficult for the viewer seeing the main character constantly snubbed and disdained. It doesn't strike that balance where you like her but still laugh at her failures. She needed to be more pompous, and have more power, like Britain's own Alan Partridge (at least in his earlier series). As it is the show wants too much sympathy for her.
Kudrow's performance maybe doesn't help - it is convincing but too brittle and too obviously pained. She's a good actress, but is she funny?
Btw the show they are making, the 'show within a show' is basically Man About The House - and that makes Lisa Kudrow Mildred Roper!
Kudrow's performance maybe doesn't help - it is convincing but too brittle and too obviously pained. She's a good actress, but is she funny?
Btw the show they are making, the 'show within a show' is basically Man About The House - and that makes Lisa Kudrow Mildred Roper!
The best comedy!
superman-764-83202328 July 2019
Copies Alan Partridge but still good
MJP8826 August 2021
It didn't do it for me
catalinaaperez9 December 2014
I loved Lisa Kudrow on "friends" as Phoebe Buffay(I hate to be a cliché), in fact that is where I discovered her whole existence. I even tolerate her on "Web Therapy" where she plays the role of a web therapist called Fiona Wallice. (note the word Tolerate). But watching the first two episodes of the first season and the first episode of the second, was just a complete waste of my time. Lisa Kudrow playing this so called "Valerie Cherish" has proved to have certainly aged well, but the entire TV show lacks true comedy. Not to mention the lack of a story to find interesting and worth while watching. I comment because there seems to be a lack of negative reviews to guide people such as myself to better judgment.
Kudrow at her best - "Comeback" Delivers
thurstonkp15786 June 2005
Lisa Kudrow truly shines in her new HBO vehicle, "The Comeback." Playing Valerie Cherish, a former B-list sitcom star, Kudrow injects her outstanding comedic timing and delivery into every joke, whether it be an embarrassing situation or a humiliating video confessional. The former Friends star has surrounded herself with very little big names, leaving Kudrow herself to carry the show. While the world of failed actors and actresses in Los Angeles will probably not take too kindly to this, one who truly understands the inner- workings of pilot season and the Hollywood community will find the jokes hit their target dead-on. HBO has found their next hit in this dramedy, and pairing it with Entourage makes perfect sense. Be sure to check this out.
Brilliant and hilarious! Lisa Kudrow deserved an Emmy!
mezaco28 September 2009
I never watched "The Comeback" while it was on. But having just watched the series, I cannot believe how short-lived this show was. This is one of the funniest, sharpest show-within-a-show comedies to have come on TV in recent years. It's a funny but scathing look at Hollywood's decent down the Reality Show / Anything for Ratings drain.
Lisa Kudrow is stellar as Valerie Cherish. She blends vanity and selfishness with an underside of cluelessness and pity that makes you never able to hate her. In fact, as the show goes on you begin liking her more and more despite her shortcomings. The support cast are wonderful, especially Mickey as her flamboyant and loyal hairdresser/assistant.
Shame on HBO for giving up on this series so soon.
Highly recommended: I watched the entire series on DVD in two days!
Lisa Kudrow is stellar as Valerie Cherish. She blends vanity and selfishness with an underside of cluelessness and pity that makes you never able to hate her. In fact, as the show goes on you begin liking her more and more despite her shortcomings. The support cast are wonderful, especially Mickey as her flamboyant and loyal hairdresser/assistant.
Shame on HBO for giving up on this series so soon.
Highly recommended: I watched the entire series on DVD in two days!
speechless
buffalls11 September 2006
This show could be one of the most significantly honest views you will ever see. In 5 or 10 years this series will come into view as a masterpiece of depicting reality in its time. There is an grim honesty portrayed in the episodes, so contrary to the crap on television now, and this show blatantly and repeatedly slaps them in the face. For those of you who have passed off The Comeback as 'funny' or 'just OK' your missing something. If you are open to the complexity of this show then watch it. I know it sounds overly dramatic or fanatical but the context of this show is intense. Watch it. Really WATCH it. Art that comes from truth is rare, and its ever more rare for it to translate, and boy does The Comeback ever.
Valerie journey continues Excellent Show
Lazaro41127 February 2019
Excellent excellent excellent when I saw this back in the day I loved the show I thought Lisa kudrow was fantastic. Uncomfortable funny. This time around I wasn't sure what to expect; it was uncomfortable funny once again, but we get to see Valerie grow & when I get choked up at the end and I'm telling my self not to cry WoW I never thought a show especially this show could do that. Like I said excellent and it is a must see. Hopefully they will continue Valerie journey.
One of the best shows I've seen
mirwais-orbit21 August 2006
I'm sure that The Comeback is one of the best shows of the last 5 years or more. For a long and long time I haven't seen a so refined comedy series as this one. Lisa Kudrow is perfect as Valerie Cherish giving a so real caricature for the role making you fell ashamed for her attitudes. I think it's the first and unique show that could mix the reality show universe with real life situations without being REAL. Her expressions, her situations, her messes... everything is perfect! It's a shame that the series has been canceled because it was one of the most intelligent and different things that happened in years on television.
Novel and hilarious series that ended too soon.
Translucid2k49 May 2007
In "The Comeback" Lisa Kudrow plays Valerie Cherish, a Z-List ex-Sitcom star who is desperate to resuscitate her flagging career. She lands a role on a tacky new sitcom (although her 'lead' role quickly descends into a recurring cameo), but only under the proviso she also star in a low-rent Reality series documenting her return to the spotlight. "The Comeback" is comprised of scenes presented as 'raw' footage from the fictional reality show that the programme is based around. Much of the show's humour comes from the idea that we are watching un-edited, raw footage of an over-the-hill actress and her constant attempts to regain dignity, which always fail.
First to be applauded for this marvellous series is Kudrow who puts in the flawless performance only ever hinted at on the sterile apartment sets of "Friends". The comparisons between Kudrow and the character she plays in this series are obvious, and add greatly to the overall appeal of the programme. Kudrow's decision to knowingly mock herself is both self-assured and inspired. In "The Comeback", Kudrow is at her best; subtle, with impeccable timing and always completely hilarious. The way in which she constructs her characters gradual unravelling as she's faced with a variety of embarrassing situations is fascinating and presents a masterclass in how comedy acting should be done. Valerie Cherish will make you cringe, laugh and, here's what makes Kudrow's performance really superb, you'll also feel desperately sorry for her.
Along with Kudrow, the camera style of "The Comeback" is what makes it so funny and entertaining. There's something continually funny about seeing the reality show's Producer dip in and out of frame and ask Valerie pressing questions off camera; as she's stitching poor Valerie up like a kipper whilst making her a laughing stock. The constant parodies of current American Reality shows are great, especially because they expose the entire premise of Reality TV to be complete garbage. The world of network sitcom is also taunted throughout the series. Even the fake sitcom's name - 'Room and Bored' - is so awful that you can imagine seeing it pop up in next week's TV Guide.
If you're a Film or Television producer, you'll find endless humour at the sight of camera crew's bashing through doors and falling down stairs to keep up with the 'star'. There is definitely a perverse pleasure to be had, for those in the business, to see a crew struggle with those irritating logistical problems that you've faced before and will no doubt face again on the next shoot. Laura Silverman, by the way, is excellent as the mild-mannered, but totally ruthless, Reality Show Producer who you'll want to work on your next production! She's completely believable.
"The Comeback" is an outstanding comedy series that ended well before it's time. For those in Film and Television, especially, it offers an entire new level of humour that has rarely been shown before. The writing is great, the performances stellar, and the idea actually very novel; although it might not seem so at first glance. Without a doubt, this is a must-see series that I can't recommend highly enough.
First to be applauded for this marvellous series is Kudrow who puts in the flawless performance only ever hinted at on the sterile apartment sets of "Friends". The comparisons between Kudrow and the character she plays in this series are obvious, and add greatly to the overall appeal of the programme. Kudrow's decision to knowingly mock herself is both self-assured and inspired. In "The Comeback", Kudrow is at her best; subtle, with impeccable timing and always completely hilarious. The way in which she constructs her characters gradual unravelling as she's faced with a variety of embarrassing situations is fascinating and presents a masterclass in how comedy acting should be done. Valerie Cherish will make you cringe, laugh and, here's what makes Kudrow's performance really superb, you'll also feel desperately sorry for her.
Along with Kudrow, the camera style of "The Comeback" is what makes it so funny and entertaining. There's something continually funny about seeing the reality show's Producer dip in and out of frame and ask Valerie pressing questions off camera; as she's stitching poor Valerie up like a kipper whilst making her a laughing stock. The constant parodies of current American Reality shows are great, especially because they expose the entire premise of Reality TV to be complete garbage. The world of network sitcom is also taunted throughout the series. Even the fake sitcom's name - 'Room and Bored' - is so awful that you can imagine seeing it pop up in next week's TV Guide.
If you're a Film or Television producer, you'll find endless humour at the sight of camera crew's bashing through doors and falling down stairs to keep up with the 'star'. There is definitely a perverse pleasure to be had, for those in the business, to see a crew struggle with those irritating logistical problems that you've faced before and will no doubt face again on the next shoot. Laura Silverman, by the way, is excellent as the mild-mannered, but totally ruthless, Reality Show Producer who you'll want to work on your next production! She's completely believable.
"The Comeback" is an outstanding comedy series that ended well before it's time. For those in Film and Television, especially, it offers an entire new level of humour that has rarely been shown before. The writing is great, the performances stellar, and the idea actually very novel; although it might not seem so at first glance. Without a doubt, this is a must-see series that I can't recommend highly enough.
Started on a whim, stayed till the end
garyvines-0129024 April 2023
Back in 2005 or 2006 I was looking for something to watch and being able to watch multi episodes at one time (binge watching) was kind of a new thing. I liked Lisa Kudrow, even though I didn't really watch Friends, I liked every other thing I saw her in, so I thought I'd give it a try.
This show was WAY ahead of its time. It's done as a raw footage cut of a reality show of an actress, Valerie Cherish, played by Lisa Kudrow whose time in the limelight is done, but she's looking for a way to break back into the Hollywood's A list. Her desperation leads her to the then Burgeoning trend of reality shows. Sure, there had been the Anna Nicole Show and the Osbournes, but she was kind of making fun of the b-list actresses that can't find a way back into the limelight, so they jump onto the reality TV train A la the real housewives of wherever, which incidentally her characters appeared on one of them briefly in the last season.
Only Lisa Kudrow could have given this character the depth to make her likable if not desperate to get back what she'd had in the late 80s early 90s. Apparently the name of the show that made her famous was called "It girl." Ironic
I loved her interaction with her husband, and her stylist who kept her late 70s hair, which was a-kin to Farrah Fawcett in the mid-70s. It only made her appear so much sweeter.
This show also introduces Malin Ackerman and Kellan Lutz who would go on to moderate fame after.
If you like watching reality TV, Lisa Kudrow in anything and comedy that has a depth to it, you'll like this show.
This show was WAY ahead of its time. It's done as a raw footage cut of a reality show of an actress, Valerie Cherish, played by Lisa Kudrow whose time in the limelight is done, but she's looking for a way to break back into the Hollywood's A list. Her desperation leads her to the then Burgeoning trend of reality shows. Sure, there had been the Anna Nicole Show and the Osbournes, but she was kind of making fun of the b-list actresses that can't find a way back into the limelight, so they jump onto the reality TV train A la the real housewives of wherever, which incidentally her characters appeared on one of them briefly in the last season.
Only Lisa Kudrow could have given this character the depth to make her likable if not desperate to get back what she'd had in the late 80s early 90s. Apparently the name of the show that made her famous was called "It girl." Ironic
I loved her interaction with her husband, and her stylist who kept her late 70s hair, which was a-kin to Farrah Fawcett in the mid-70s. It only made her appear so much sweeter.
This show also introduces Malin Ackerman and Kellan Lutz who would go on to moderate fame after.
If you like watching reality TV, Lisa Kudrow in anything and comedy that has a depth to it, you'll like this show.
Brilliant.
CriticsVoiceVideo18 March 2021
Had potential but still painful to watch.
gokul080130 May 2021
Lot of cringe in this show. Valerie Cherish gets humiliated over and over. It was funny the first couple of times. But the way she gets horribly treated by the writers, especially the offensive Paulie G character, is hard to watch. They could have made her character more strong, and less annoying and stupid.
The show was indeed ahead of its times, well over a decade before the #MeToo movement and the exposure of the misogyny prevailing in the male dominated entertainment industry (similar to other industries like tech and finance), which is clearly why the show didnt get good reviews and was cancelled after season 1.
I thought season 1 was better than season 2. Fastforward 10 years and the show made another 'comeback'. Season 2's premise was that the Valerie comes back as a 'meaner' version of her, so to speak, to star in a HBO sitcom about her character from the season 1 sitcom written and directed by her nemesis Paulie G. I didnt notice much of a difference in Lisa Kudrow's portrayal of this supposedly more nastier Valerie. She isnt half as mean as Paulie G was to her in season 1. Just the same grating voice and being idiotic, so it was hard to root for her or the show. And like the other writer says "why would you even work with him again?". Just a weak story line.
The show was indeed ahead of its times, well over a decade before the #MeToo movement and the exposure of the misogyny prevailing in the male dominated entertainment industry (similar to other industries like tech and finance), which is clearly why the show didnt get good reviews and was cancelled after season 1.
I thought season 1 was better than season 2. Fastforward 10 years and the show made another 'comeback'. Season 2's premise was that the Valerie comes back as a 'meaner' version of her, so to speak, to star in a HBO sitcom about her character from the season 1 sitcom written and directed by her nemesis Paulie G. I didnt notice much of a difference in Lisa Kudrow's portrayal of this supposedly more nastier Valerie. She isnt half as mean as Paulie G was to her in season 1. Just the same grating voice and being idiotic, so it was hard to root for her or the show. And like the other writer says "why would you even work with him again?". Just a weak story line.
Truly magnificent performance by Lisa Kudrow
Red_Identity7 May 2012
I have finally finished The Comeback. I started it because of the raves I heard about Kudrow, and let me tell you, they are completely deserved. Kudrow is magnificent here, she not only handles the comedy perfectly with the unique touch that she also had in Friends, but she develops Valerie with many different layers. It's not until the series goes by that those layers are peeled away, and we really truly understand Valerie as a whole. In the pilot episode, one is ready to say that Valerie is a little too full of herself, or naive. Her flaws are recognizable, and yet as more episodes go on, you not only learn to recognize her flaws clearly, but also learn to accept her as a human being. It's very easy to empathize with her, and Kudrow is completely mesmerizing in her most vulnerable moments.
Take a scene in the 12th episode where she tells the audience and the crew about her experience when she was younger, as a girl with a back brace. Kudrow plays it amazingly, with her character's usual sugar tone and with her deep sadness and hurt rising to the surface. But most importantly, she plays it all with her eyes. Moments like these are crucial to her character, and Kudrow is dynamite when it comes to playing the most hilarious moments and also the darkest. The show is pretty great, but it's great because Valerie Cherish is an expertly- written character, and because Kudrow gives one of the best comedic performances I have ever seen, both on the small and big screen. Anyone who hasn't seen this, do! Such a shame it only ran for one season, especially because the ending promised even more interesting things to come.
Take a scene in the 12th episode where she tells the audience and the crew about her experience when she was younger, as a girl with a back brace. Kudrow plays it amazingly, with her character's usual sugar tone and with her deep sadness and hurt rising to the surface. But most importantly, she plays it all with her eyes. Moments like these are crucial to her character, and Kudrow is dynamite when it comes to playing the most hilarious moments and also the darkest. The show is pretty great, but it's great because Valerie Cherish is an expertly- written character, and because Kudrow gives one of the best comedic performances I have ever seen, both on the small and big screen. Anyone who hasn't seen this, do! Such a shame it only ran for one season, especially because the ending promised even more interesting things to come.
Shame on HBO !
spt-221 August 2006
This show is so special, so unique, it parodies reality shows 1,000,000% It is a great comedy. This show is very accessible. It should have done more seasons following Valerie from a TV comeback through movies, or a her own talk show, or her doing a voice over for a documentary. I have a lot of ideas that HBO should have done with this movie. I have seen Lance Barber (Paulie G) at Second City in Chicago, he kills !!!!!! Lance is a great talent, yet he is tasteful enough to underplay his role in the comeback and not be a cartoon. I am now a life long fan of him. I love this show, my wife and I have the video and we savor every carwreck moment like a fine wine.
I personally hate all reality shows, I think they are an absurd waste of time. But this is my favorite reality show. It shows truth.
This show is too good for TV, that's why HBO did it. And as for the cancelling, Shame on you HBO, your losing your edge. I'd rather see this than ROME anyday ! Please don't f*ck up Curb Your Enthusiasm, I beg you !!!!!!
spt@swbell.net
I personally hate all reality shows, I think they are an absurd waste of time. But this is my favorite reality show. It shows truth.
This show is too good for TV, that's why HBO did it. And as for the cancelling, Shame on you HBO, your losing your edge. I'd rather see this than ROME anyday ! Please don't f*ck up Curb Your Enthusiasm, I beg you !!!!!!
spt@swbell.net
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