Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
- Won 9 Primetime Emmys
- 88 wins & 208 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Hacks' garners mixed reactions, with Jean Smart's performance receiving strong praise. Hannah Einbinder's character and portrayal face significant criticism. The show delves into generational differences, the entertainment industry, and female friendships. Critics often highlight the unlikeable nature of the main characters, issues with the writing of stand-up comedy segments, and the handling of social themes. Despite these criticisms, many appreciate the show's humor, writing, and the chemistry between the lead characters.
Featured reviews
While watching the first two episodes I thought maybe this is ever so loosely based on Joan Rivers.
I finally got around to watching Hacks recently and have to say I really enjoyed it. I never got excited about watching this even though I've heard nothing but great things about it since it came out. It just looked like a show that was aimed more for women and I'm not one. I was wrong...really wrong. It's hilarious and absolutely enjoyable for everyone. The last time I was this wrong about a show was The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I didn't think that was a show for me either and I ended up loving it. While I didn't think Hacks wasn't as good as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel it's still a really good show. Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder have such great chemistry that they literally will make you laugh out loud. Don't be like me and put this show off because you think it's aimed at a certain demographic because everyone will like it.
Wonderful show, great writing, great cast. What I am most annoyed by are the two seconds of Oldies music between scenes. They add nothing but a burst of music louder than the dialogue. Are they supposed to be there to scare awake geriatric watchers? We don't need constant musical references to understand and enjoy shows, Hollywood. If you make the writing strong and cast well, it's not necessary to add music or laugh tracks or any other outdated TV cheesiness.
The other thing is the recent edition of nude lesbian love scenes. Completely unnecessary. Rather than being a spicy addition, they only serve to make me sad for the actresses who still have to put up with this nonsense. Just stop it already, Hollywood. We're not interested in your male gaze BS anymore.
The writing, cast, and show idea are enough. It's really not necessary to throw in the garbage elements.
The other thing is the recent edition of nude lesbian love scenes. Completely unnecessary. Rather than being a spicy addition, they only serve to make me sad for the actresses who still have to put up with this nonsense. Just stop it already, Hollywood. We're not interested in your male gaze BS anymore.
The writing, cast, and show idea are enough. It's really not necessary to throw in the garbage elements.
"Hacks" (S04, 10 eps, 30-min, MAX) at the end of S03, Deborah gets her late show finally but will not let Ava be head writer to play it "network safe". Ava surprises at the end, by soft-blackmailing her into the job, but Deborah is seething... and as S04 opens we see she will make life hell for Ava... they pretty much go bk-n-fth all season, but when Deborah lightly embarrasses a high profile guest on her show AND Ava is caught be the source of a story about that guest, the network chief says that Ava has to pay for it or Deborah's show is done. On her next live show, she torches the network by supporting Ava and says goodbye to everyone because she's finished. She and Ava fly to Singpore where she does a residency of translated-shows (so she doesn't brk her non-compete) but Ava tires of all that, they have a falling out and she tells Ava to go home. Final scene is that Jimmy frantically calls Ava stating the TMZ has run a piece that Deborah is dead! Ava runs to her room, finds her alive, but as they read the premature obit Deborah is incensed that they say that she retired to Singapore after ruining the late night franchise. She and Ava are to return to the US immediately to confront that, and that'll be where S05 starts. This was another outstanding season, episode to episode, not a wasted scene anywhere. And head writer, Lucia, has won several Emmies for her writing and directing efforts. It's criminal that Hannah can't get past the nomination level when Jean has won two for the show!
"Hacks" (S03, 9-eps, 32+ mins, MAX) This series, starring Jean Smart, continues to shine among so much streaming dross out there. "Deborah Vance" and her on-again-off-again assistant and head-writer "Ava Daniels" have such an entertaining, co-dependent relationship that it's just always fun from situation to situation. The series writing is funny, intriguing, and plausible. It's just so good in all the important dimensions. And at the season's finale, "Ava" finally makes a really important step in her growth, and that would be a good launch into a season four, if we're fortunate enough to get that green-lit, let's really hope so.
"Hacks" (S03, 9-eps, 32+ mins, MAX) This series, starring Jean Smart, continues to shine among so much streaming dross out there. "Deborah Vance" and her on-again-off-again assistant and head-writer "Ava Daniels" have such an entertaining, co-dependent relationship that it's just always fun from situation to situation. The series writing is funny, intriguing, and plausible. It's just so good in all the important dimensions. And at the season's finale, "Ava" finally makes a really important step in her growth, and that would be a good launch into a season four, if we're fortunate enough to get that green-lit, let's really hope so.
Argh! I have been seriously missing out on some of the absolute BEST freaking comedy out there. IMDb algorithm suggested this for me and when I looked it up, S03E09 had just streamed.
I have never binge watched anything like I binge watched Hacks. I laughed SO hard I am amazed my bladder didn't burst. But also, I connected. Two such hugely polarising personalities, completely dysfunctional, possibly even co-dependent but darn - it just works.
This show has the power to connect and resonate with every generation from Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X and Boomers
It's snarky, sassy, razor-sharp but it's also deeply endearing and heart-warming. There absolutely has to be at least another 2 seasons and some major awards for Hacks come 24/25 Awards Season.
I have never binge watched anything like I binge watched Hacks. I laughed SO hard I am amazed my bladder didn't burst. But also, I connected. Two such hugely polarising personalities, completely dysfunctional, possibly even co-dependent but darn - it just works.
This show has the power to connect and resonate with every generation from Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X and Boomers
It's snarky, sassy, razor-sharp but it's also deeply endearing and heart-warming. There absolutely has to be at least another 2 seasons and some major awards for Hacks come 24/25 Awards Season.
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favorite show made the cut.
Did you know
- TriviaJean Smart's husband, Richard Gilliland, died unexpectedly during production of the first season. Smart was about a week away from wrapping her role and stayed on to finish the show.
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2021 (So Far) (2021)
- How many seasons does Hacks have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime
- 30m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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