Michael Patrick King discusses the return of The Comeback and reflections on And Just Like That

Michael Patrick King, renowned for his work on Sex and the City and its spin-off And Just Like That, has announced the return of The Comeback for a third and final season, co-created with Lisa Kudrow. Originally airing in 2005, The Comeback followed Valerie Cherish, played by Kudrow, as she attempted to reclaim stardom amidst the world of reality television. Despite critical acclaim, the show initially struggled to attract a large audience. Season two in 2014 explored Valerie’s personal and professional challenges with a metafictional twist, cementing a cult following. The latest season is set against the backdrop of the 2026 Hollywood strikes and explores the use of AI in scriptwriting, with Valerie starring in a new sitcom, How’s That?, written secretly by artificial intelligence. King emphasises that the depiction of AI is grounded in thorough research and plausible scenarios. The season satirises modern entertainment culture while remaining true to the character’s unique perspective. Reflecting on And Just Like That, King believes that audiences will come to appreciate its societal commentary over time, highlighting his interest in characters evolving with age. The Comeback’s new season promises to blend humour, critique of the industry, and commentary on AI’s growing influence, while maintaining the signature darkly comedic tone.