Ep 1. Pilot

Valerie Cherish, a thirty-something actress from Orlando, Florida, is determined to reignite her fading career. The first episode follows Valerie as she prepares for a network pitch meeting and auditions for the role of an age-appropriate mother. However, her desperation to land the part leads her to offer up personal information about her failed marriage in an inappropriate and uncomfortable manner. She is ultimately turned down for the role and replaces the network's first choice—the much younger Juna Millken—when the network brass realizes her q-rating is low.

Meanwhile, documentary filmmaker Jane Benson starts filming Valerie's every move for a reality series. Although Valerie initially resists the concept, she agrees to do it after her agent, Nancy, informs her that they have no other offers on the table. As filming begins, Valerie tries to micromanage the project by insisting on her own camera crew and bedroom suite, but she quickly realizes Jane has other ideas. With cameras following her every move, Valerie's insecurities, delusions, and paranoia are exacerbated as she tries to reinvent herself. She's also forced to deal with her husband, Mark, who has become distant after retiring from his career in the entertainment industry and trying to distance himself from his wife's work.

The episode ultimately sets the stage for the rest of the series, with Valerie seemingly oblivious to her own troubles and unprepared for the challenges she faces. Despite her best intentions, she fails to land the part she wants and is forced to settle for something she'd rather not do. Her interactions with the network executive, Paulie G., showcase her inability to navigate the Hollywood power structure, but it's clear she's not going to give up without a fight.

The Comeback is a smart, funny series that skewers Hollywood's obsession with youth and beauty. The show's satire is evident in Valerie's interactions with industry professionals, including her agent, publicist, and makeup artist. She's constantly under the microscope, forced to navigate the constantly shifting Hollywood landscape. Although the show was canceled after just one season, it remains a cult favorite and a sharp commentary on showbiz.