The acclaimed comedy Hacks, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, has officially been renewed for its fifth season by Max, even before the fourth season concluded in April 2025. The series, which follows the dynamic between legendary comedian Deborah Vance and young writer Ava Daniels, remains a standout in contemporary television, earning 48 Emmy nominations and notable wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Announced through reliable sources, the renewal underscores the show’s cultural impact, blending sharp humor with poignant drama and achieving a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The upcoming season is set to delve deeper into the protagonists’ professional and personal challenges, maintaining the high standard that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Hacks has consistently reinvented itself while staying true to its core, exploring the world of stand-up comedy through themes of generational divides, cancellation, and ambition. Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, the show has become a critical darling since its 2021 debut. Its renewal reflects its ability to resonate with viewers, offering both entertainment and insight into the entertainment industry’s complexities.
- Awards won: Three Emmys for Jean Smart as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy and Outstanding Comedy Series for season three.
- Talented cast: Alongside the leads, actors like Mark Indelicato and Carl Clemons-Hopkins enrich the storytelling.
- Critical acclaim: Season four earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for the chemistry between Smart and Einbinder.
Max’s decision to greenlight the fifth season before the fourth season’s finale signals strong confidence in the show’s enduring appeal. Despite challenges like production delays due to strikes and health concerns for its lead star, Hacks continues to thrive, proving its resilience in a competitive industry.
Deborah and Ava’s evolving dynamic
The fourth season, aired starting April 2025, shifted the focus to the complex relationship between Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels. Following the third season’s dramatic cliffhanger, where Ava blackmailed her way into becoming head writer for Deborah’s late-night show, the narrative explored their tensions and reconciliations. The season tackled the challenges of running a female-led talk show in a male-dominated industry, delivering biting humor and raw emotion.
Critics, such as Kylie Northover from The Age, lauded the electric chemistry between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, which remains the show’s heartbeat. The season concluded with Deborah facing a pivotal choice: abandon her late-night show to protect Ava or forge ahead alone. This decision, revealed in the finale, sets the stage for new conflicts in the fifth season.
While plot details for the upcoming season remain under wraps, the creators have hinted at continuing to center the narrative on the protagonists’ relationship. Fans can expect exploration of Deborah’s next steps after her talk show exit and Ava’s rise as a comedic force, navigating her newfound influence.
New faces join the cast
Season four featured high-profile guest stars like Carol Burnett, Kristen Bell, Seth Rogen, and Katie Couric, adding depth to the story with their cameos or fictional roles. For the fifth season, Max announced fresh additions, including Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, and Eric Balfour, who will appear in guest roles.
- Julianne Nicholson: Known for Mare of Easttown, expected to bring dramatic weight.
- Michaela Watkins: A versatile performer, likely to enhance the comedic elements.
- Bresha Webb: Recognized from Run the World, set to inject vibrant humor.
- Robby Hoffman and Eric Balfour: Their roles remain undisclosed, adding intrigue.
These newcomers join a returning core cast, including Mark Indelicato as Damien and Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, ensuring the show’s signature blend of established and emerging talent. This approach keeps the narrative dynamic and engaging.
A journey of triumphs and challenges
Since its debut in May 2021, Hacks has navigated significant hurdles, including Covid-19 restrictions that forced virtual script readings and limited filming conditions. Yet, the first season achieved a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising its fresh take on comedy. The second season in 2022 solidified its success, while the third, released in 2024, faced delays due to Jean Smart’s heart surgery recovery and the Hollywood writers’ strike.
Filmed between October 2024 and January 2025, the fourth season introduced a narrative leap, with Deborah helming a late-night show. The show’s ability to adapt to setbacks, such as production pauses, highlights the team’s dedication to quality.
The fifth season renewal, announced in May 2025, aligns with the creators’ original vision of a five-season arc. Lucia Aniello, in a Variety interview, noted that the team mapped out the story since 2015, ensuring a cohesive journey for Deborah and Ava.
Critical reception of season four
Season four garnered widespread praise, though some critics, like Taylor Gates from Collider, suggested it didn’t match the peak impact of earlier seasons. Still, its 97% Rotten Tomatoes score affirms its place among top comedies. Ben Sherlock of Screen Rant called it “hilarious and thrilling,” applauding the balance of humor and drama. Matthew Creith from TheWrap praised the sharp wit and biting humor that define the show’s tone.
The season’s focus on the competitive late-night show landscape brought fresh challenges for Deborah, while Ava grappled with proving her writing prowess. The series also earned recognition for its diverse representation, with characters like Marcus, played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins, addressing identity and sexuality authentically, enhancing the show’s broad appeal.
Anticipation for season five
While specific plot points for the fifth season are yet to be revealed, the show is expected to continue exploring the comedy world, focusing on Deborah’s life after leaving her talk show. The evolving dynamic between her and Ava, now a blend of mentorship and rivalry, promises intense and heartfelt moments.
The creators have suggested that the fifth season may serve as the series’ finale, fulfilling their five-season plan. This indicates a narrative crafted to deliver a satisfying conclusion for the characters, while preserving the show’s hallmark humor. The addition of new guest stars is likely to introduce unexpected twists, challenging the protagonists in novel ways.
Impressive milestones
Hacks has amassed remarkable achievements, cementing its status as a leading comedy series.
- 48 Emmy nominations: Spanning Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actress, and Writing.
- Six Emmy wins: Including three for Jean Smart and one for Outstanding Comedy.
- Four seasons aired: Each with a Rotten Tomatoes score above 97%.
- Ten episodes per season: Season four included an extra episode compared to season three.
These accomplishments highlight Hacks’ growing fanbase and consistent critical praise.
The late-night show landscape
Season four’s focus on the late-night show setting illuminated the challenges women face in leadership roles within entertainment. Deborah confronted gender biases and the pressure to appeal to younger audiences, while Ava’s millennial perspective helped modernize the show, despite her own insecurities.
The series cleverly referenced real-world entertainment figures through celebrity cameos, grounding the story in a relatable context. By satirizing the television industry, Hacks exposed the tension between creative freedom and commercial demands, enriching its commentary on the business.
A cornerstone of modern comedy
Hacks stands out for its ability to weave sharp comedy with moments of vulnerability, creating layered characters that resonate deeply. The show tackles aging, cultural relevance, and workplace power dynamics, all while maintaining an accessible, light tone. The fifth season renewal underscores Max’s faith in a series that continues to evolve in a crowded market.
Deborah and Ava’s journey, filled with triumphs and setbacks, mirrors the struggles of many women in entertainment, making Hacks more than just a comedy. With new episodes on the horizon, fans can look forward to more unforgettable moments, driven by the brilliance of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.
