AceShowbiz - Benito Skinner shares his experience playing a fiery costume designer on the third season of The Comeback. Known for its cult status, the show’s revival brings back familiar faces like Dan Bucatinsky alongside fresh talent.

The actor confesses that despite his natural comedic flair, he felt immense pressure joining a show he deeply admires. “I was so nervous because I love the show so much,” Skinner explains. Fortunately, his day on set proved to be a dream come true.

The Comeback holds a sacred place for many comedians, and Skinner was no exception. He only started watching it after being urged by Scott King, the showrunner of his own series Overcompensating, who is close friends with Lisa Kudrow. Skinner has since watched the first two seasons multiple times, considering them a comedic bible. When the news broke about a third season, he was eager to be part of it.

Skinner’s character, Carter, is a high-strung costume designer who challenges Valerie Cherish, Kudrow’s iconic character, with a relentless critique of her wardrobe choices. Interestingly, the character was originally written as a 45-year-old, but Skinner, still playing much younger roles, brought his own energy to the part.

The episode explores themes of gender and queer dynamics in the workplace. Skinner found it fun to navigate these nuances, balancing how far Carter could push Valerie before she softened her stance.

The tension between Carter and Valerie also highlights issues of ageism, with Carter holding stereotypical and unrealistic views about what a “mature” woman should be like on screen. Skinner points out how every gay man has a reservoir of biting remarks ready in their mind, a defense mechanism learned early on, which his character unleashes in the scene.

Acting opposite Lisa Kudrow was an invaluable experience for Skinner. He praises her as an “insane talent” and describes how her brilliance and warmth quickly dispelled any nerves he had.

While The Comeback is filled with insider Hollywood jokes, Skinner believes its appeal goes far beyond the industry. He notes that queer audiences especially connect with Valerie’s story—a woman aware of the entertainment world’s politics yet vulnerable in her desire to be loved and accepted.

Skinner also admires how the show captures the constant cycle of hope and disappointment inherent in comedy. The narrative arc of the second season beautifully portrays someone realizing that the dreams they chased may not be as fulfilling as once thought. This blend of humor and poignancy gives The Comeback its emotional depth.