Watch Hacks

Hacks is a comedy-drama television series that premiered on HBO Max in May 2021. The show follows the story of Deborah Vance, a legendary stand-up comedian who has been entertaining audiences in Las Vegas for decades. Jean Smart plays the role of Deborah Vance, who is not as famous as she used to be but still has a devoted fan base.

Hannah Einbinder plays the character of Ava, a struggling comedy writer who is forced to work with Deborah as part of her probation after making an offensive tweet. Ava is a young, queer, and progressive writer who clashes with Deborah's old-school ways. The two women have a rocky start but eventually find common ground and form an unlikely friendship.

The show also features Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who plays the role of Marcus, Deborah's loyal and long-suffering assistant. Marcus is a gay man who has a great sense of humor but often finds himself caught in the middle of Deborah and Ava's conflicts.

Hacks is a show that explores the complexities of the entertainment industry and the relationship between two women from different generations. Deborah is a veteran comedian who has seen it all and has a tough exterior, while Ava is a rising talent trying to find her voice.

At its core, Hacks is a character-driven show that delves deep into the lives of its three main characters. Jean Smart's performance as Deborah Vance is a tour de force. She brings depth, nuance, and vulnerability to a character who could have easily been a caricature. Smart's comedic timing is impeccable, and she delivers some of the show's funniest and most poignant moments.

Hannah Einbinder is equally impressive in her role as Ava. She captures the anxiety and uncertainty of a young writer trying to find her place in the industry, while also bringing a sharp wit and a rebellious spirit to the character. Einbinder's chemistry with Smart is one of the show's highlights, as the two women go from sparring partners to confidantes over the course of the season.

Carl Clemons-Hopkins provides excellent as Marcus, who serves as a mediator between Deborah and Ava. He brings a great deal of heart to the show and is often the voice of reason in the midst of their disagreements. Clemons-Hopkins also has a few standout moments of his own, particularly when his character's personal life comes into focus.

The show's writing is sharp and witty, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments alongside more touching and emotional scenes. Hacks is a show that doesn't shy away from difficult topics, including ageism, sexism, and homophobia. However, it does so in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The show's setting in Las Vegas provides a glamorous backdrop to the action, as we see Deborah performing her stand-up routine in front of a glittering casino audience. The show also uses flashbacks to explore Deborah's past and the events that shaped her career, which adds an extra layer of depth to her character.

Overall, Hacks is a show that delivers on its promise of providing a smart and funny exploration of the lives of two women from different worlds. With great performances from its three leads and excellent writing, the show is a must-watch for fans of comedies that have a touch of drama.

Hacks is a series that ran for 4 seasons (49 episodes) between May 13, 2021 and on HBO Max