The Emmy Award-winning comedy ‘Hacks‘ will be returning for more biting wit and behind-the-scenes drama, as US streaming service Max/HBO Max officially announces a fifth season of the critically acclaimed series. The news comes just ahead of the Season 4 finale, set to debut later this week.
Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Hacks follows the evolving relationship between legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance and her much younger, sometimes chaotic, comedy writer Ava Daniels. The series deftly explores generational divides, the challenges of creative reinvention, and the unexpected power of friendship — all wrapped in a sharply written, emotionally resonant package.
At the heart of the show is a powerhouse performance from Jean Smart (Watchmen, 24), who portrays Deborah with a perfect balance of old-school polish and raw vulnerability. Hannah Einbinder delivers equally strong work as Ava, the millennial writer trying to rebuild her career after a social media scandal, and somehow survive working with Deborah in the process.
“Yes! More!” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming. “We congratulate HACKS’ singularly talented cast and crew and our great partners at Universal Television.”
Over the course of four seasons, Hacks has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, racking up awards including three Primetime Emmys. Among them: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart, along with trophies for Outstanding Writing and Directing. The show has also been praised for its nuanced depiction of the entertainment industry and its exploration of topics like ageing, cancel culture, grief, and reinvention, all with razor-sharp humour.
The renewal was confirmed by Max and Universal Television, with Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television, adding:
“Like Deborah Vance herself, HACKS only gets bolder, sharper, and more iconic with time. We’re beyond thrilled to keep the laughter rolling with Jen, Paul, Lucia, our extraordinary cast and crew, and our partners at Max.”
Season 4 saw Deborah and Ava navigating the fallout of Deborah’s big career move, exploring new projects, unexpected rivalries, and a deeper connection than ever before. With a fifth season now officially on the way, fans can expect more brilliantly uncomfortable moments, showbiz satire, and heartfelt twists as this duo continues to challenge and support each other in equal measure.
‘Hacks‘ Season 4 is currently airing on Sky Max in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
