Official Trailer
Rating: 7.4/10 | Genre: Comedy, Drama | Seasons: 5 | Episodes: 47 | Status: Ended
Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter
I just finished “Hacks” and honestly? It’s so much better than I expected. I went in thinking it would be a fun comedy about a washed-up Vegas comedian and a bratty young writer. Turns out it’s actually a show about ambition, aging, legacy, and what it costs to be good at something. It’s funny, yeah, but it’s also genuinely moving. Jean Smart carries this whole thing, but Hannah Einbinder matches her every step of the way. This is the kind of show that sneaks up on you.
Season 1
The first season sets up this weird dynamic between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comic who’s been stuck in casinos for decades, and Ava, a 25-year-old comedy writer who just got fired from her job and is basically unemployable at this point. Deborah hires her because she needs new material and Ava needs… well, she needs help. The whole season is them butting heads while trying to figure each other out. Ava thinks Deborah’s old and out of touch. Deborah thinks Ava’s a spoiled millennial who doesn’t understand anything about real work. And they’re both kind of right.
What works here is that neither of them is a villain. Deborah’s hard on Ava, but you understand why. She’s been grinding for years. Ava’s entitled, but she’s also genuinely trying. By the end of season one, you can see them actually starting to care about each other, which makes it mean something. The comedy is sharp too. Not every joke lands, but the ones that do hit hard.
Season 2
They hit the road in season two. Deborah’s testing out new material and Ava’s tagging along, and it’s basically a road trip show mixed with a comedy workshop. This is where their relationship really deepens. They’re traveling together, living in close quarters, and you start seeing the real vulnerability underneath all the bickering. Deborah opens up about her past. Ava realizes that her cynicism isn’t actually making her smarter or tougher, it’s just making her lonely.
Season two is probably the most fun of the bunch. The stakes feel lower than they will later, so you can just enjoy watching these two characters figure each other out. There are some genuinely hilarious moments here, and the emotional beats land because you believe in their dynamic. It’s not perfect, but it’s the most balanced the show ever feels.
Season 3
They split up in season three. Deborah puts out a stand-up special and it kills. Ava’s back in LA trying to figure out her life without Deborah. And at first it seems like the show is losing what made it work, which is the weird tension between them. But then they keep finding themselves in each other’s orbit anyway, which is actually more interesting than if they’d just stayed together.
This season is where the show gets more ambitious. Deborah’s chasing bigger things, a Late Night Show opportunity opens up, and suddenly we’re watching two people who actually need each other try to figure out if they can work together in a real way. It’s less funny than season two, but it’s more interesting. Some of the supporting characters get better development too. Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus really shines here.
Season 4
Season four is where things get messy. Deborah and Ava are trying to build a late night show together, but there’s real tension and resentment building up. This is the season where the show shifts away from the fun mentorship dynamic and into something darker. They’re partners now, but they don’t trust each other. Deborah tries to push Ava out. Ava digs in her heels. It gets ugly.
Here’s the thing though: it works, but it also feels like the show is stretching. Ten episodes is too many to watch these two fight over and over. There are good episodes, and the stuff with their actual late night show attempts is fun, but you can feel the pacing drag in places. This is probably my least favorite season because it forgot that what made this show special was the weird affection underneath all the conflict.
Season 5
The final season brings them back to Vegas and it feels right. Deborah’s trying to cement her legacy, and Ava’s right there with her. They’ve both matured, but they haven’t softened too much. The show remembers what it was about, which is two people who drive each other crazy but actually make each other better.
It’s shorter in a good way. Ten episodes, but they all feel necessary. The ending doesn’t tie everything up in a bow, which I appreciate. Deborah’s still hungry. Ava’s still figuring herself out. They’re still bickering. But there’s real love there now, even if neither of them would use that word. It’s a solid ending to the series, even if it’s not perfect.
So here’s the real question: is “Hacks” worth five seasons? Yeah, I think it is. Not every season is equally good, but the character work is consistent from start to finish. Jean Smart gives one of the best performances I’ve seen on TV. Hannah Einbinder doesn’t get enough credit for matching her beat for beat. And the show actually has something to say about getting older, staying relevant, and what happens when your career is your whole identity.
It’s not perfect. Some seasons drag. The show doesn’t always know what it wants to be. But when it works, it really works. Have you watched it yet, or is this on your list?
Episode Guide
Season 1 (10 Episodes)
Episode 1: There Is No Line (6.8/10)
An entitled young writer and a waning comedy legend must put aside their differences to save their careers.
Episode 2: Primm (6.9/10)
Deborah tests Ava's limits.
Episode 3: A Gig's a Gig (6.7/10)
Ava gains insight into Deborah's past.
Episode 4: D'Jewelry (6.7/10)
At DJ's jewelry expo, Ava comes to better understand Deborah and DJ's complicated mother-daughter relationship. Deborah receives an unexpected piece of ammunition against Marty.
Episode 5: Falling (6.9/10)
Deborah blackmails Marty. Ava has a wild night to remember in Vegas that puts everything in perspective.
Episode 6: New Eyes (7.1/10)
While Deborah recovers from surgery, she and Ava have a unique bonding experience when Deborah dispels a major misperception about her past.
Episode 7: Tunnel of Love (6.7/10)
DJ's birthday party becomes a surprise dual function. Meanwhile, Deborah and Marty reconnect.
Episode 8: 1.69 Million (6.9/10)
With a little encouragement from Ava, Deborah’s unpolished set sparks a career-defining moment.
Episode 9: Interview (6.6/10)
Ava tries to keep a secret from Deborah, but someone in Deborah’s inner-circle leverages the truth. Meanwhile, Deborah stares down the barrel of her first radically honest show.
Episode 10: I Think She Will (7.1/10)
For her final performance at the Palmetto, Deborah must decide between playing it safe and putting her entire career on the line. Meanwhile, Ava deals with a family crisis.
Season 2 (8 Episodes)
Episode 1: There Will Be Blood (6.1/10)
Deborah eagerly anticipates trying out her new material on the road, while Ava dreads the fallout of an explosive email.
Episode 2: Quid Pro Quo (5.8/10)
Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking.
Episode 3: Trust the Process (5.8/10)
Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava adapts to a new lifestyle. Marcus is overwhelmed by life without Wilson.
Episode 4: The Captain's Wife (6.1/10)
While Deb struggles to connect with her audience on a cruise, Ava finds herself an unexpected hit.
Episode 5: Retired (5.8/10)
An impromptu detour finds Deborah reckoning with long-held guilt while reconnecting with a former comedian friend.
Episode 6: The Click (6/10)
A girls’ night out finds Ava attempting to connect with her mother – and Deborah embracing some unexpected company.
Episode 7: On the Market (5.8/10)
Deborah and her team head to LA to pitch her new set as a comedy special.
Episode 8: The One, the Only (6.1/10)
Deborah prepares to take the stage for her taping as Ava deals with a new opportunity.
Season 3 (9 Episodes)
Episode 1: Just for Laughs (5.5/10)
As Deborah prepares to accept an award in Montreal, Ava does her best to avoid her former employer.
Episode 2: Better Late (5.2/10)
Deborah and Ava struggle to stay out of one another's orbits – especially when Deborah lands an unexpected opportunity.
Episode 3: The Roast of Deborah Vance (5.6/10)
After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah makes sure everything – and everyone – is operating at its finest for her roast.
Episode 4: Join the Club (5.7/10)
Deborah is invited to hang with some of her favorite comedians, Jimmy finally lands a general meeting with Winnie, and Marcus recruits Ava for trivia.
Episode 5: One Day (5.9/10)
As Deborah contends with writer’s block and Ava with a broken heart, the pair decide to clear their heads in the woods.
Episode 6: Par for the Course (5.5/10)
Deborah participates in a golf tournament to get face time with the cable affiliates who could decide her future.
Episode 7: The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular (6/10)
Deborah braces for Kathy's attendance at her Christmas party, while Jimmy and Kayla refuse to call it quits on the comedian's Late Night dreams.
Episode 8: Yes, And (6/10)
A calendar mix-up finds Deborah double booked … just as an unfortunate supercut of her most problematic early jokes starts circulating.
Episode 9: Bulletproof (6/10)
As Deborah works to perfect her second run at Late Night, Ava receives a dream offer, and Jimmy and Kayla seek to grow their company.
Season 4 (10 Episodes)
Episode 1: Big, Brave Girl (5.8/10)
With Deborah determined to boot her from Late Night, Ava attempts to beat her boss at her own game.
Episode 2: Cover Girls (5.5/10)
As Deborah and Ava's feud threatens the future of their show, Jimmy and Kayla have their own struggles.
Episode 3: What Happens in Vegas (5.5/10)
As pressure mounts to craft a perfect first episode, Deborah and Ava continue to clash over creative control on their writers' "retreat" in Vegas.
Episode 4: I Love LA (6.1/10)
As the taping of her first Late Night episode approaches, Deborah experiences a shocking "first," while Ava makes a new romantic connection.
Episode 5: Clickable Face (5.4/10)
Following a focus group, Deborah goes above and beyond to reach a coveted demo, while Ava desperately tries to maintain the show's integrity.
Episode 6: Mrs. Table (5.4/10)
Deborah receives the "Courage in Comedy" award, while Ava reaches a breaking point.
Episode 7: D'Christening (5.4/10)
Deborah and Ava return to Vegas for DJ's son's christening. Jimmy and Kayla have their hands full with Dance Mom.
Episode 8: Witch of the Week (4.8/10)
Deborah pitches a new approach for the show. Nina arrives with a plan for Ava's future. Jimmy struggles to keep up, while Kayla fields an offer.
Episode 9: A Slippery Slope (5.9/10)
Deborah and Ava struggle as Late Night lands in unwanted controversy. While Jimmy navigates the worst day, Kayla thrives.
Episode 10: Heaven (5.2/10)
Deborah deals with a difficult contract negotiation.
Season 5 (10 Episodes)
Episode 1: EGOT (5.6/10)
After returning from Singapore to a career further smeared by Bob Lipka, Deborah decides to shift the narrative and focus on achieving EGOT status.
Episode 2: Number One Fan (6/10)
After she's turned down by Madison Square Garden, Deborah's attempt to reignite her fanbase doesn't go as planned. Meanwhile, Jimmy unexpectedly gets to pitch one of his idols, and Ava meets her first fan.
Episode 3: No New Tricks (6.1/10)
Deborah hits it off with the Palmetto's new artist in residence. Marcus sets out to save a historic casino, and Marty has uninvited wedding guests.
Episode 4: Who's Making Dinner? (5.9/10)
Ava finds inspiration at a 50th anniversary event for Who's Making Dinner?, while Deborah is reminded of painful memories.
Episode 5: D'Amazing Race (5.9/10)
When The Amazing Race announces a celebrity edition, DJ holds Deborah to her longstanding promise of partnering up. After Deborah gives her blessing, Ava attempts to secure the rights for her Who's Making Dinner? reboot.
Episode 6: QuikScribbl (5.1/10)
With construction on The Diva heading way over budget, Deborah meets with an AI investor, causing friction between her and Ava. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Kayla head out on a road trip after being tasked with landing the new casino's comic in residence.
Episode 7: Montecito (5.3/10)
After deciding on a very specific outfit for her MSG show, Deborah is forced to grovel for the esteemed suit…only to find herself on an unexpected couple's weekend in Montecito with Ava.
Episode 8: The Cube (5.8/10)
When she's asked to promote her on-sale ticket date, Deborah gets creative with a workaround…only to be stymied by another obstacle. Meanwhile, Kayla and Jimmy find themselves at odds after being served with a lawsuit.
Episode 9: The Garden (5.7/10)
While Ava pitches her reboot to the network, Deborah does final press ahead of her MSG show and fills a key staffing need at The Diva. Then, Deborah prepares to take the stage for the biggest show of her career – which looks much different than she imagined.
Episode 10: Hacks (Finale) (4.6/10)
As Ava embarks on her next project, Deborah, Marcus, and Marty officially open The Diva, and Jimmy's new role proves fortuitous. Then, on the heels of accomplishing everything she's ever wanted, Deborah reveals her final chapter.
Where to Watch
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