HBO has officially announced that Emmy-nominated actor Andrew Scott will join Lisa Kudrow in the highly anticipated third season of The Comeback, marking the acclaimed comedy’s return after more than a decade off the air. The news was revealed during HBO’s 2026 Content Showcase presentation in London on Wednesday evening (December 3, 2025), where CEO Casey Bloys confirmed the series will premiere in March 2026.
Andrew Scott is joining the third season of the revived HBO series, which last aired its second season in December 2014. Scott will portray a studio head in the final installment of the cult-favorite showbiz satire, a role that co-creator Michael Patrick King described as crucial to the season’s narrative. King noted the character would be important but not villainous, emphasizing the significance of casting Scott in the position.
Kudrow, who returns as the perpetually optimistic actress Valerie Cherish, expressed her excitement about working with the Fleabag star during the London presentation. When the crowd reacted to Scott’s casting, Kudrow exclaimed her emotional response, demonstrating the enthusiasm surrounding the collaboration between these two acclaimed performers.
The Comeback Season 3 centers on a timely and provocative concept: Valerie Cherish has been cast in television’s first sitcom written entirely by artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge premise reflects the series’ tradition of satirizing contemporary entertainment industry trends while exploring the evolving landscape of Hollywood in the modern era.
King and Kudrow, who co-created the series together, explained their urgency to bring the concept to viewers quickly given the rapidly changing nature of AI technology. The creators believe they may still be ahead of the curve when the season debuts, despite the fast-moving developments in artificial intelligence and content creation.
The series originally premiered in 2005 for a 13-episode run before being canceled, then returned nine years later for an eight-episode second season that earned critical acclaim. Shot in found-footage documentary style, The Comeback follows Valerie Cherish’s attempts to revive her career as a B-list sitcom actress, with cameras documenting her professional struggles and personal determination.
In a joint statement, Kudrow and King expressed no surprise that their character returned to the television landscape, acknowledging Valerie’s resilience and enduring appeal. The character’s journey has resonated with audiences who appreciate the show’s sharp commentary on Hollywood’s treatment of aging actresses and reality television culture.
Scott, best known for his performance as the hot priest in Fleabag and his recent starring role in Netflix’s Ripley, brings significant dramatic credibility to The Comeback Season 3. His casting represents a major addition to the ensemble, which already includes returning cast members Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young. The season also welcomes new faces including Tim Bagley, Matt Cook, Jack O’Brien, Ella Stiller, John Early, Barry Shabaka Henley, Abbi Jacobson, Tony Macht, Brittany O’Grady, Zane Phillips, and Julian Stern.
During the London showcase, Kudrow revealed an emotional connection to the production process. The team filmed portions of Season 3 on Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios, famously known as the Friends stage where Kudrow spent a decade playing Phoebe Buffay. She shared that she had to guard herself emotionally each day on that stage to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the memories and significance of returning to such a meaningful location in her career.
Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO and Max comedy programming, emphasized the character’s endurance in a statement. Gravitt praised the character as a survivor who perseveres against industry challenges, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Valerie Cherish’s debut with this final season.
The revival comes at a moment when nostalgic interest in the series has grown substantially since its second season concluded. While the first season received tepid reviews and ratings in 2005, retrospective appreciation for the show’s ahead-of-its-time satire has driven renewed enthusiasm. The second season earned stronger critical response and multiple Emmy nominations, cementing The Comeback’s status as a cult classic worthy of completion.
Executive producers for Season 3 include Michael Patrick King, Lisa Kudrow, John Melfi, and Dan Bucatinsky. The series will debut with a linear premiere on HBO before streaming on HBO Max, allowing both traditional viewers and streaming audiences to experience Valerie Cherish’s final comeback simultaneously.
Andrew Scott’s involvement adds international star power to the production. The Irish actor has earned widespread acclaim for his work across television and film, including Emmy nominations for Black Mirror and Ripley, along with current Oscar buzz for his portrayal of composer Richard Rodgers in Richard Linklater‘s Blue Moon. His HBO debut with The Comeback represents a perfect marriage of prestigious talent and beloved comedy.
Twenty years after Valerie Cherish first appeared on screens attempting her comeback, and more than a decade since audiences last saw her navigate the reality television world, The Comeback Season 3 promises to deliver a fitting conclusion to one of HBO’s most distinctive and insightful comedies. The addition of Andrew Scott to the ensemble ensures that Valerie’s final journey will feature the caliber of talent befitting this long-awaited farewell.
