Lisa Kudrow Reflects on ‘The Comeback’ Finale, Says Character Valerie Cherish ‘Is Not a Victim’
The Hollywood Reporter published an interview on May 11, 2026, with actress Lisa Kudrow as she discussed the culmination of HBO Max’s revived series *The Comeback* and the emotional farewell to her character Valerie Cherish.
*The Comeback*, originally a 2005+2007 HBO series that satirized reality‑TV culture, returned for an 8‑episode limited run in 2025, culminating this week. The series finale explores Valerie’s decision to step away from the limelight, a narrative arc that resonates with ongoing conversations about women’s agency in Hollywood.
Kudrow, who co‑created, co‑wrote, and executive‑produced the show, told the outlet: “Valerie is a survivor, not a victim. She’s finally saying goodbye on her own terms.” She also revealed that the final episode was filmed in secret in Los Angeles, and that a post‑credits scene will hint at a possible spin‑off focusing on a younger actress mentored by Valerie. The Hollywood Reporter notes that series co‑creator Michael Schur praised Kudrow’s performance, describing it as “a masterclass in meta‑comedy.”
Critics, such as TV analyst Dana Peterson of Decider, argue that the finale’s bittersweet tone reflects broader industry shifts towards nuanced portrayals of aging female talent, moving away from the “has‑been” trope that plagued earlier seasons.
The series will be available for streaming on HBO Max through the summer, with a companion podcast slated for release in July that will explore behind‑the‑scenes decisions. Fans are encouraged to watch the finale before the rumored spin‑off announcement expected in late 2026.