Hacks Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2 Review
WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Hacks season 4, episodes 1 & 2The two-episode premiere of Hacks season 4 already proves that last year's Emmy winner for Outstanding Comedy Series is a clear frontrunner in 2025. After Ava Daniels's mic-dropping moment in the Hacks season 3 finale, Hacks season 4, episode 1, "Big, Brave Girl", picks up moments after Ava blackmails her way to being Deborah Vance's head writer on her newly acquired (and long-awaited) late-night show. While Ava's power move may have secretly earned Deborah's respect, it nearly makes Deborah spiral out of control as she confronts a wild coyote towards the end of episode 2, "Cover Girls."
Hacks continues to be exceptional from the top down, with increasingly sharp and hilarious writing, consistently funny and well-crafted supporting characters, and more high-risk stakes than ever before. Series creators Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs (who plays Jimmy) are in top form with their two-episode premiere, which takes place at iconic industry spots around Los Angeles – various studio backlots, The Comedy Store, and even The Grove shopping mall in Fairfax. These settings gave Hacks more of a Hollywood insider feel while inadvertently honoring LA in the wake of January's wildfires, which destroyed "Deborah's" mansion in Altadena.
Hacks Season 4's Deborah Vs. Ava Feud Brilliantly Packs Punches & Punchlines
Season 4 Carries The Momentum Of Season 3's Fantastic & Cutthroat Finale
What makes Ava and Deborah's feud in the first two episodes of Hacks season 4 so brilliant and crucial is that both are, in their own ways, completely valid. The been-around-the-block Deborah tries to teach capable yet inexperienced Ava a lesson about climbing ladders in "the biz" without considering how it's evolved, shrunken, and outgrown many of Deborah's boomer-isms. The core of Ava and Deborah's disagreement also speaks to larger, age-old issues within Hollywood regarding power dynamics and equal opportunities.
The core of Ava and Deborah's disagreement also speaks to larger, age-old issues within Hollywood regarding power dynamics and equal opportunities.
Deborah's ascension to her late-night throne is so fascinating because she has spent the majority of her career trying to get it. Forced to wait decades for another shot at hosting after a scarring missed opportunity, Deborah sticks to her old-fashioned instincts while Ava pushes her to be more progressive and take bigger creative risks. That is, when they're not trying to ruin each other's careers. To the credit of the Hacks season 4 writers, I completely understand where both Deborah and Ava are coming from, which makes their feud not only entertaining but also profound and highly relevant.
I Knew Deborah Vance Reminded Me Of Someone — Hacks' True Story Inspiration Explained
Deborah Vance is expertly played by Jean Smart, and the Hacks protagonist was inspired by some legendary comedians who came before her.
The beginning of Hacks season 4 certainly carries a heavier tone than any previous episode, which lingers underneath even its most lighthearted moments like a lump in your throat. It's more apparent than ever that Ava is the unstoppable force to match Deborah's unmovable object. Deborah may have conceded to Ava's "brave girl" blackmailing play for now, but I'm worried that it's only a matter of time before Deborah locks and loads a fateful killshot on Ava later this season.
Hacks Season 4 Expands Its Already Phenomenal Supporting Cast
Jimmy, Megan & More Make Sure There's Never A Dull Moment
Jimmy and Megan Stalter's Kayla have the comedic chemistry to carry their own comedy show, and it continues to get better in Hacks season 4. Marcus, played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins, gives a masterclass in patience as he tries to exit his 22-year working relationship with Deborah with grace and a massive payday for his former employer. Newcomer Randi, played by comedian Robby Hoffman, may take some getting used to but has the potential to be right on par comedically with her new bosses at Schaefer & LuSaque (or LuSaque & Schaefer).
Jimmy and Megan Stalter's Kayla have the comedic chemistry to carry their own comedy show, and it continues to get better in Hacks season 4.
Deborah's psychic Diana returns from her single appearance in season 2 and provides some of the funniest quotes in season 4, episode 2. She could end up being season 4's version of season 3's Weed, which won Laurie Metcalf her fourth Emmy. Mark Indelicato's Damien, who reluctantly fills in the blanks left by Marcus's impending departure, takes on a bigger role on the comedy front. Tony Goldwyn excellently returns as Bob Lipka, the smug yet charming socialite and CEO of the media conglomerate that owns Deborah's late-night show.
Fan-favorite guest stars Christopher McDonald's Marty and Kaitlin Olson's DJ have yet to show up but that's sure to change with episode 3 heading back to Deborah's old stomping grounds in Vegas. Helen Hunt's intimidating network head, Winnie Landell, is mostly terrifying but has random, quirky one-liners that catch you off guard. With more surprise cameos expected in future episodes, Hacks season 4 has raised its own lofty bar and that of prestige TV comedy series at large.
Hacks, released in 2021, is a dark comedy series that explores the evolving relationship between Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas, and an ambitious, outcast young writer. The show delves into the complexities of mentorship and creativity in the entertainment industry.
- Network
- HBO Max, Max
- Cast
- Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, Christopher McDonald, Kaitlin Olson, Julianne Nicholson, Kristen O'Meara, Atul Singh, Melvin Robert, Josh Lopez, Richard Wharton, Tanisha Harper, Doris Jung Usui, Emanuel Loarca, Hayes Beyersdorfer, Sam Asghari, Ulysses Morazan, Timothy Callaway, Jonathan McGill, Brandon Hudson, Brooklyn McDaris
- Showrunner
- Lucia Aniello
- Creator(s)
- Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs
- Ava & Deborah's feud is hilarious & tense
- Hacks' supporting cast gets bigger and better
- The comedic writing is as good as its ever been
- LA settings add authenticity & excitement
