The moment "Hacks" fans have been dreading has arrived. After a perfect five-season run full of nonstop laughs, critical acclaim, and heartfelt moments, the beloved HBO Max comedy has ended. Earlier this year, the streamer confirmed that Season 5 would be the final season, following Deborah (Jean Smart) after her untimely exit from late-night and false reports of her death. The Emmy-winning series' fifth installment sees the comedy legend, with help from her right-hand Ava (Hannah Einbinder), launch an epic comeback to cement her legacy.
In a volatile TV climate, it's impressive that "Hacks" ends on its own terms, exactly as creators Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello envisioned when they pitched it seven years ago. "We can't thank HBO Max & Universal enough for letting us tell this story just as we hoped to tell it," they wrote in a statement. "We know that's a rare thing, and we are beyond grateful. And it wouldn't have been possible without our incredible cast, crew, and writers." They concluded, "Though it's hard to say goodbye, in true Deborah Vance style, we didn't wanna run the light. This season is for you."
"Hacks" may be over, but the final episode doesn't leave fans hanging. Deborah takes Ava on an unforgettable trip and makes a decision that changes the course of their friendship and careers forever.
Why We Love 'Hacks'
There's so much to love about "Hacks." It has been one of the most consistent comedies in recent TV history, finding new ways to make us laugh every season. The show premiered about a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and returned every spring on time. It explored the generational divide between Deborah and Ava through their humor. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder made us fall in love with their characters and the world they created in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The show knew exactly what it wanted to do from the beginning, thanks to creators Downs, Aniello, and Statsky.
I was late to the "Hacks" bandwagon, and that may be one of my few regrets. Few comedies have been consistently witty, hilarious, and heartfelt from the start. The dynamic between Smart and Einbinder has been a rollercoaster since Season 1, but their journey from enemies to friends kept viewers coming back. The premise is unlike anything else on television—a mentorship story between a comedy legend and an up-and-coming writer blossoming into a beautiful friendship. In an industry where women are often tested on whether they can "hack it," these two blaze a trail together.
Jean Smart's Comedic Genius
Year after year, I never understood why Jean Smart cleaned up at the Emmys for "Hacks" until I tuned in. Her portrayal of Deborah Vance is brilliant and hysterical, commanding even when she's not onstage delivering punchlines. Often, it doesn't feel like I'm watching Smart play this larger-than-life character; she disappears into the role. I can't imagine anyone else playing Deborah as well. Some say comedy is a young person's game, but 74-year-old Smart has laid that theory to rest with every scene she nails.
Smart has swept the Emmys' lead actress in a comedic role every season "Hacks" was eligible. Rightfully so, she'll likely win again. She's a comedic genius and a TV veteran. It's been lovely to see Einbinder come into her own as Smart's scene partner. Smart embodies her characters fully and authentically.
The Characters We Fell In Love With
"Hacks" doesn't just lean on its leads; it boasts an ensemble cast full of hilarious characters. At the top is Megan Stalter's Kayla, Jimmy's inappropriate assistant, who says insane things at inopportune times. The always-stressed Jimmy (Downs) is a favorite, especially in Season 5 when he wears a pink Hannah Montana-esque outfit after burning his clothes due to a bedbug incident. But aside from Deborah and Ava, my absolute favorite is Randi the assistant, played by Robby Hoffman. No matter what scene she's in, I die laughing. She earned an Emmy nomination last year.
I also loved the Mayor Jo character, portrayed by Lauren Weedman. She was hilarious in every second of her screen time. I appreciated Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Deborah's right-hand man, who often grounded the series. There were times the show needed more of him, especially in Season 4, so it was good to see his character have more presence this season. Mark Indelicato as Damien also provided funny moments that broke the tension.
Deborah and Ava's Friendship Is the Heart of the Show
"Hacks" knew exactly what it was doing by building the show around Deborah and Ava's friendship. It took a while to establish the bond, as the two hated each other from the start. I went back and watched the first few episodes to see how far they came, making the end bittersweet. They had ups and downs that seemed too hard to come back from. Season 4's feud, once they got to late-night, was hard to watch. But when Deborah stood up for Ava and refused to fire her as head writer, torching her own dream in the process, we saw how much they meant to each other. Seeing them fight for Deborah's legacy in the final season proves the show is centered on their relationship. Professional, platonic, and even romantic, we've seen all sides of their connection, making "Hacks" more than a comedy—a second-chance love story.
All the Great Comedic Guest Stars
I loved seeing the guest stars over five seasons: Carol Burnett, Rosie O'Donnell, Cherry Jones, Seth Rogen, Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel, and more. Comedian Luenell had a recurring role and was consistently funny with her one-liners. Angela E. Gibbs, who plays Marcus' mom, is the daughter of Marla Gibbs. Julianne Nicholson as "Dance Mom" won an Emmy for that role. Funny folks like George Wallace, Mario Cantone, and Christopher Briney as Deborah's young fling also appeared. "Hacks" had a knack for getting good guest stars.
Yes! Nicholson's "Dance Mom" showed a whole other side of the actor. When she gets "boofed" by Jimmy in one episode, I crack up every time.
The Final Episode
I watched the finale twice. The first time, I was devastated. The second time, I found it funny and touching, and I was happy the writers closed the series deliberately. "I may not have 30 years. But I think I have another hour." Seeing Ava and Deborah plot to tell the funniest jokes one last time was perfect.
I couldn't stop the tears when I watched the finale. I knew it would be emotional, but I wasn't prepared for Deborah and Ava's potential parting of ways, especially after everything they've been through to get Deborah performing again. I love that the writers indulged us with a final episode about Deborah and Ava, following them to Paris as they prepare to say goodbye. They almost had me until the final scene at the train station. "The worst part about dying is I can't even enjoy being bone-thin. That's the better joke!" Deborah tells Ava. That was a clever callback to the first episode, when Deborah almost ran Ava off the road to suggest a better punchline.
Ending "Hacks" with the thing that brought Deborah and Ava together was the cherry on top. In the least cheesy way, the series gave everyone the happily ever after they deserve. Jimmy and Kayla run the management company that tried to put them out of business, and Deborah and Ava are still workshopping jokes for their next special. We can only imagine how life goes on, but this is a fitting place to stop this heartwarming story. In a season about legacy, what a great way to remember this irreplaceable comedy.
"Hacks" is streaming on HBO Max.
