User reviews

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.

There's a reason Hacks has been nominated for so many awards since it debuted a few years ago, because it's laugh out loud funny. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder deserve every bit the love they've been getting since this came out. Smart especially has had a lot of good roles over her career but this is easily the best performance of her career. Smart and Einbinder take two very unlikable characters and not only make you laugh but will make you root for them. This show works best when these two are together on screen. Every episode is perfectly paced and shows how these characters continue to evolve. As soon as you finish an episode you immediately want to watch the next and that's the best thing you can hope for out of a good tv 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.

This show highlights generational differences in such a fun and sharp way. I adore this comedy on every level. It's smart, tender, edgy, and hilarious.

Jean Smart really shows her versatility and Hannah Einbinder is a delight. The themes are relevant without being corny. Most episodes are that rare blend of both comedy and true heart and soul.

The aesthetic is also truly enjoyable. So many great outfits, rooms, and areas to keep the eyes just as engaged as the mind.

This show also takes current events and issues and shows how both younger and mature generations can learn from one another and it need not be mean or ugly. It can be fun and make us all better people.

This is such a wonderfully written show! Combined with the acting, directing and editing this is the 'it' show for me. I didn't think it possible to write a show that could bridge the cross cultural, generational gulf of comedy-tragedy currently dividing society - BUT Hacks DOES THIS BEAUTIFULLY!!! Jean Smart really shines and gives us a promethian performance as woman in full, strong and flawed but also vulnerable and human. Hannah Einbinder is wonderful as Ava, 'Sancho Panza' to Smart's Don Quixote tilting at the constant barrage of chaos swirling about Debra's personal and professional life.

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'm not entirely sure what people are talking about. This show is glamorous, it's fun, it's dramedy, it's accurate to the entertainment industry and what people, especially women go through. It deals with the aftermath of cancel culture, it has religious undertones, it's layered. It's brilliant and I think you should give it a chance!

This is why is important to have multiple seasons, the characters evolution is important, maybe these two are not the most interesting character in season 1 but after two seasons in this year season you can see that the ladies are actually pretty deep girls with goals and insecurities and that's why i dont like cancellations, maybe the second season it's going to be better than the first fail season, in television you need time, and when you have time you have successfully histories like Hacks, its funny, awkward, interesting, and so much more and that's because it was renewed for two more seasons, so dont judge a book by its cover ok.

Hacks, starring Jean Smart, is a rare, smart and actually funny comedy to stream on TV these days. The setup is that established, and successful comedy legend Deborah Vance (brilliantly played by Jean Smart) is in danger of losing her Vegas residency because the owner of the casino wants to bring in more 'relevant' acts to appeal to a younger crowd. To punch up her act, she is (against her will) paired with a young, talented but also arrogant and entitled Gen Z comedy writer Ava (Played by newcomer Hannah Einbinder, original SNL cast member Laraine Newman's daughter) so she can be more current. The smart writing that features the dynamic of a grizzled, baby boomer comedy veteran with a strong work ethic clashing with a talented but spoiled Gen Z'r is sauce that makes this show. It's hard to believe that this is Einbinder's first gig because she more than holds her own against the always dazzling Jean Smart. Unlike so many current comedy series that telegraph their jokes before they hit you in the face, Hacks understands that most of the comedy is what happens between the characters and, the really funny dialogue, like in all great comedies, is never hammered at you but thrown away. Finally, a comedy series to look forward to every week.

This show has provided me a similar experience and Marvelous Miss Maisel. Both were genres and subject matter I had little interest in, but after watching a few episodes the writing and acting were so good I got hooked. There really is nothing about this premise that appeals to me but it just pulled me in and the two leads are really great.

Hannah Einbinder has really accomplished something remarkable in my opinion. I think I had initially made an assumption that her character would be cringeworthy but she has such a well developed three dimensional character I've really enjoyed her. She's awkward, yet somehow gorgeous, smart and confident yet vulnerable and flawed, precocious yet humble. By the end of this current season, I find myself so invested in her.

The supporting cast is also growing on me but especially Kayla who I adored right away and it's really satisfying allowing her to evolve and not feel compelled to keep her as the cartoonish persona she had early on. I get the biggest kick out of her and the actress is such a force of nature. I smile every time she comes on screen.

As for Jean Smart. I just believe her. I believe this person exists and that they behave the way she does. She's evolving too but without losing the core of her persona in an unrealistic way.

I certainly don't consider this show hilarious, but it is amusing and fairly interesting. Jean Smart does her best with rather clumsy writing- she's always a delight. I do wonder why the writers made the Ava character so very hard to like. Ava is constantly a drag on scenes. My problem is the writing, not the actress.

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The most prolific actress to come out of "Designing Women," Jean Smart is wickedly funny while also capable of serious dramatic roles in shows like "Fargo." In her golden years, she is everywhere, mostly playing supporting roles like Kate Winslet's mom in "Mare of Eastown." Finally, though, she gets to be the lead in her own series, showcasing her talents and wit for all of us to enjoy. "Hacks" is essentially a buddy comedy but with your non-typical duo: an aging rich lady with an entitled Gen-Z female sidekick instead of your typical two white men. This combo takes you to unprecedented fresh jokes, and thanks to the undeniable chemistry of the two actresses, "Hacks" is one of the funniest new comedy series to come around.

Jean Smart killllllls in this well written, thoughtful show. However, her counterpart Ava is perhaps one of the most annoying characters I've ever seen on TV. And what's sad, is it's likely not even the character of Ava but rather the actress's take on the character. Her performance is like nails on a chalkboard. Her expressions, the delivery, it's made me want to quit watching the show almost every episode but then Jean and the decent writing saves it. Is it too late to recast?! Ugh.

Jean Smart is magical in this. She is hilarious and just an overall gem. The chick who plays Ava however...is straight cringe. The Gen Z versus Boomer story line gets pretty tired, and anything that comes out of Ava's mouth makes me want to curl into myself and die. She is nauseatingly annoying and completely unlikeable. If you watch this, it's for Jean.

As a male, I was not that interested in watching the show Hacks even though I knew it had won various Emmy & Golden Globe awards! In the middle of June of 2024 I decided to give Hacks a try and I've been loving it ever since! I've watched two seasons of Hacks and I've been very impressed with its fantastic cast, excellent writing and great locales! I highly recommend you give Hacks a watch if you are a man or a woman of any age!

Jean Smart is fantastic as the lead actress in the show and Hanna Einbinder is also great in her role as the up and coming comic writer/assistant! All the support actors & actresses are interesting & very likable characters! The casting company that cast the show did a fantastic job. I am confident you will love the show Hacks!

Update: I have just finished watching Season 3 of Hacks. This show has become Must See TV for me and I have recommended it to all my friends and family! The show has expanded on its locations and has garnered some fantastic guest stars as well as some great star cameo appearances. I highly encourage you to watch all three seasons of Hacks. It is a fantastic show that is of interest to men & women viewers from ages 18-80!

Enjoy!

-Brad P in Cleveland.

While watching the first two episodes I thought maybe this is ever so loosely based on Joan Rivers.

Wow! This show is an extreme delight. It takes a while to warm up to some characters, but ultimately you end up loving them all, as their humanity is played out.

Jean Smart is a national treasure, and newcomer Hannah Einbinder is a emerging superstar. AND, when I found out one of the creators is actually in the show, it makes it even better.

We just saw season 3, which we thought might be the last, but the ending strongly suggests there will be a least another.

But this show is well worth binging at this stage. The writing is incredibly sharp and the lines are delivered by real pros. Well worth a watch.

After having binged watched all 3 seasons of Hacks, I can with my own personal opinion state that this is one of the best comedy shows made to date. Jean Smart is a powerhouse of a true performer. Starring as the titular character 'Deborah Vance' she manages to be a funny yet immensely flawed character who isn't afraid of becoming better thanks to her cowriter Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) who brings out the humanity in her. Throughout the 3 seasons one cannot stop and root for Deborah's successes and snark at her mistakes. The show is well aware of the times we're in and makes no mistake of letting us know it. The greatest moments in this show happen when we see the vulnerable side's to the titular characters and see how they become and evolve into better people at the end of the day. If one hasn't seen this show, I would advise that they do so immediately!!!

Jean Smart first entered my consciousness when she co-starred on HBO's "Watchmen", although it turned out that I had seen her in movies for years. With her back-to-back roles on HBO's "Mare of Easttown" and "Hacks", Smart has truly secured her place in TV history. Her lead role in the latter is funny without being insulting, dramatic without being boring, and all-around lovable. Both a look at standup comedy and the differences between generations, this show does everything perfectly. I hope that Jean Smart finally earns the renown that she's long deserved.

Playing the writer is Hannah Einbinder (Laraine Newman's daughter).

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.

Are you watching the new season of this show? If not, you're missing one of the best comedies out there. Based on a friend's suggestion, we flew through the first two seasons last year and absolutely loved it. I wasn't sure they needed another go at it after the neat and tidy ending in S02, but as I should've expected, one can never get enough of the inestimable Jean Smart, who was always my favorite "Designing Women" alum, and who is at the top of her game here. We've watched the two episodes of S03 available so far, and it's better than ever. It's so funny and well-written, the dynamic between the two leads is great, the supporting cast is terrific, and I'm much less annoyed with the Ava character than in the first two seasons. I definitely recommend checking this out or adding it to your (probably) voluminous queue.

Honestly I don't hate this show, and I get where it can have it's fans. I am just simply not one of them. I like the premise and on a technicality level it's actually pretty great, very well shot and edited. That and Jean Smart (along with most of the cast) does a pretty great job. Smart delivers a very strong performance, both emotionally and comedically, and is easily the best thing about this show. However my problems begin with the other lead played by Hannah Einbinder. This is where it falls apart for me, her character and performance just don't click with me whatsoever. Einbinder is supposed to be the one that audience is supposed to relate with, and a lot of her dialogue is fully of "quirky dialogue" that is supposed to connect with the Millennial/Gen Z crowd, and it absolutely fails. None of what she says is even remotely funny. Too many of her jokes consist of her either getting high, her saying something sexual/shocking, or just saying something "quirky" cause that's supposed to relate to the younger crowds (which I am part of). It also feels like she never stops talking and needs to say something all the time. It's not quite "exposition machine" but it does become annoying. On top of her overly pretentious and self-righteous attitude that makes her incredibly unlikeable. And Einbinder's performance is more unnatural than endearing, occasionally she does some of the more emotional moments decently, but overall her performance just doesn't work for me. I know this is one issue, but it is an issue that plagues the whole show and makes most scenes and episodes focused on her completely rather irritating. Again, I see the appeal, but this one character completely hinders my experience. Again the rest of the show is actually solid and I see how it has its audience, but I just wish Einbinder's character was less frustrating. 6/10.

The cast is excellent. The writing is catchy and interesting. Both of the lead actresses deserve 10 stars and then some. That kind of chemistry between two disparate characters is grounds for a lot of fun - and it delivers.

We're not supposed to notice the direction and the camera, yet I almost can't watch due to the very stupid choices there. Knock knock, excuse me, but could we put the camera ON THE ACTORS? Whose "I'm so creative and edgy" idea was it to have an actor speaking while the only part of them in frame is the top of their head or their ear, or just the window next to them?????? It's exhausting and distracting and does not in any way provide anything useful to the storytelling.

This show could have been something special- But it tries to hard to be offensive / edgy / cool - not unlike the main character- and it detracts from the story they should be telling. So much drama is created by the characters self sabotage - which seems like a very lazy way to move the plot forward. This could have been another gem like Ted lasso - such a pity that it's not.

Jean Smart is a legend and this show has so much potential. But the actress playing Ava is beyond annoying. She overacts, makes really fake obvious facial expressions and there's just no chemistry with her and Jean. She is trying way too hard and it fails. Unfortunately she's on the screen more than Jean and I ultimately lost interest. I kept wishing they had just cast someone else because I wanted to keep watching but just couldn't.