Comedy comebacks

Jury Duty was an unexpected delight in 2023, a comedy about one of the nicest people alive dealing with one of the weirdest groups of people centered on a small claims trial. What’s amazing about Jury Duty is that it holds up, even knowing the trick—the whole trial is fake and only one person is NOT in on the bit—there are still so many good jokes that the show is entirely re-watchable.

And now it’s back for a second season, awkwardly titled Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat. I get it, they have to capitalize on the Jury Duty name, but at the same time, yikes. This season introduces Anthony Norman, who is hired at Rockin Grandma’s hot sauce company, to help with a corporate retreat. Check it out:

Yes, I am laughing at this trailer. I don’t fully believe Anthony Norman isn’t in on it this time, but I am at least willing to go along with the premise to see what laughs we can get out of it. I just don’t quite buy they can sell this elaborate setup a second time—the making of Jury Duty made it clear they BARELY got away with it the first time. On the other hand, though, it has taken three years to get a second season out, which could, in part, be down to the logistics of tricking a mark a second time. And the trailer does include a moment where Anthony says, “I feel like I’m on a TV show,” so they are acknowledging our skepticism over getting away with this again.

Still. Will watch! Especially because of bits like that remote worker joke. As a remote worker, I felt that. I never know what the f-ck is going on with my co-workers. I tried to email someone literally yesterday who quit six months ago and I did not notice. I’m good at my job, I promise.

Another comedy coming back after a hiatus is Lisa Kudrow’s The Comeback. The first season was all the way back in 2005 (the numbers are too big again!), with a second season in 2014. Now, a third and final season is coming in March. Kudrow is back as sitcom star Valerie Cherish, and she’s starring in a new, AI-scripted sitcom.

The way Kudrow’s face slowly falls as she pretends to be excited for an AI sitcom is perfection. I know Lisa Kudrow made a fortune from Friends and won an Emmy and everything, but I still feel like we do not give her enough flowers. She is a BRILLIANT comedian and comedic actress. The delivery, the physical comedy, the timing, she nails all of it. She is the Michele to my heart’s Romy, I will always love her, and I am SO glad she’s getting one last go round as Valerie Cherish. We should know Valerie’s name as well as we know Phoebe’s! Maybe now, finally, Lisa Kudrow will be recognized for her work outside of Friends.