Series synopsis
Hacks is an American comedy drama television series that premiered on HBO Max on May 13, 2021. It ended on May 28, 2026. It was created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky. It stars Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Paul W. Downs.
Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Premise
Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Premise: Saving the best for last.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
- Hannah Einbinder as Ava
- Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus
- Paul W. Downs as Jimmy
- Megan Stalter as Kayla
- Mark Indelicato as Damien
- Kaitlin Olson as DJ Vance
- Christopher McDonald as Marty
Supporting cast
- Rose Abdoo as Josefina
Guest cast
- Melvin Robert as TV Newscaster
- Josh Lopez as Trent
- Richard Wharton as Bill
- Tanisha Harper as Tatiana
- Doris Jung Usui as Taylor's Mom
- Emanuel Loarca as Benjamin
- Hayes Beyersdorfer as BMW Brad
- Sam Asghari as Sexy Santa
- Ulysses Morazan as Waiter
- Jonathan McGill as A Capella Group
- Brandon Hudson as A Capella Group
- Brooklyn McDaris as A Capella Group
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 47 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | May 13, 2021 | June 10, 2021 |
| Season 2 | 8 | May 12, 2022 | June 2, 2022 |
| Season 3 | 9 | May 2, 2024 | May 30, 2024 |
| Season 4 | 10 | April 10, 2025 | May 29, 2025 |
| Season 5 | 10 | April 9, 2026 | May 28, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
There Is No Line An entitled young writer and a waning comedy legend must put aside their differences to save their careers. |
May 13, 2021 |
| 2 |
Primm Deborah tests Ava's limits. |
May 13, 2021 |
| 3 |
A Gig's a Gig Ava gains insight into Deborah's past. |
May 20, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
There Will Be Blood Deborah eagerly anticipates trying out her new material on the road, while Ava dreads the fallout of an explosive email. |
May 12, 2022 |
| 2 |
Quid Pro Quo Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking. |
May 12, 2022 |
| 3 |
Trust the Process Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava adapts to a new lifestyle. Marcus is overwhelmed by life without Wilson. |
May 19, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Just for Laughs As Deborah prepares to accept an award in Montreal, Ava does her best to avoid her former employer. |
May 2, 2024 |
| 2 |
Better Late Deborah and Ava struggle to stay out of one another's orbits – especially when Deborah lands an unexpected opportunity. |
May 2, 2024 |
| 3 |
The Roast of Deborah Vance After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah makes sure everything – and everyone – is operating at its finest for her roast. |
May 9, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Big, Brave Girl With Deborah determined to boot her from Late Night, Ava attempts to beat her boss at her own game. |
April 10, 2025 |
| 2 |
Cover Girls As Deborah and Ava's feud threatens the future of their show, Jimmy and Kayla have their own struggles. |
April 10, 2025 |
| 3 |
What Happens in Vegas As pressure mounts to craft a perfect first episode, Deborah and Ava continue to clash over creative control on their writers' "retreat" in Vegas. |
April 17, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
EGOT After returning from Singapore to a career further smeared by Bob Lipka, Deborah decides to shift the narrative and focus on achieving EGOT status. |
April 9, 2026 |
| 2 |
Number One Fan 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. |
April 16, 2026 |
| 3 |
No New Tricks 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. |
April 23, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | HBO Max |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 13, 2021 |
| Last aired | May 28, 2026 |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Thursday |