Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Showrunners Share Insights on Season 5 and the Unpredictable Ending of Hacks
This is a significant moment for fans of *Hacks*—the show’s fifth and final season is set to premiere on April 9th on HBO Max. As the series approaches its conclusion, Deborah and Ava return from their tumultuous trip to Singapore depicted in Season 4, facing new challenges ahead.
Following the live television crisis that dashed Deborah’s hopes for a talk show, the duo embarks on their journey toward redemption. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, who portray Deborah and Ava, shared their reactions to the scripts, particularly the unexpected finale. “I was shocked and unsure about how I felt because it was not remotely anything I could have imagined,” Smart said. “But then I realized, no, it’ll work because they’re writing it and they’re amazing.”
Megan Stalter as Kayla and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Hacks Season 5.
Einbinder noted the deepening bond between Deborah and Ava, emphasizing Ava’s commitment to helping Deborah achieve her dreams, which include a stand-up special and a late-night show. “Through all their trials, they share this legacy. It’s a beautiful collaboration,” Einbinder added.
Series creator Lucia Aniello commented, “This one, it’s for the fans. If you’ve seen this show, we finish it for them.” Season 5 promises new dynamics, including a romantic storyline for Deborah with Christopher Briney, who plays a famous rock star. Reflecting on this development, Smart expressed her initial apprehension but noted that Briney made her feel comfortable during their scenes together.
Writer Sarah Statsky emphasized the commitment to portraying Deborah as a multidimensional character. “Women don’t stop having sex and being sexy at any age,” she remarked, explaining the excitement behind Deborah’s relationship with a younger rock star, highlighting the humor and authenticity woven into the storyline.
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance with Christopher Briney as a rock star visiting Vegas.
As the creators discuss the finale, Aniello expressed excitement about fan reactions. “Honestly, it’s the thing I’m most excited for,” she said, while Downs added that viewers can expect a blend of humor and deep emotion in the concluding episodes. “They get the most and the best of what *Hacks* does best,” he said, emphasizing the show’s unique tone.
Reflecting on the evolution of the series, Downs noted how storylines from earlier seasons find resolution in the last episode. “There’s so much from the first season that’s paid off in the final episode,” he said.
While certain ideas were left unfulfilled, including a storyline involving Deborah taking a humorous Uber ride, the team has already begun researching their next project. “It’s wild,” Downs remarked, although the specifics of their upcoming show remain under wraps for now.
*Hacks* Season 5 will debut on April 9 at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET on HBO Max.
