"Hacks" Concludes Acclaimed Run With Fifth and Final Season

The HBO Max series "Hacks" has officially concluded filming its fifth and final season. Production for the beloved show wrapped in Las Vegas, with the highly anticipated series finale notably shot in Paris, including iconic scenes at the Louvre. The final season premiered on April 9 and is scheduled to air its finale on May 28. Throughout its acclaimed run, "Hacks" has consistently received critical acclaim and multiple prestigious awards. Cast members, including stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, have openly acknowledged the deep bonds formed during production, a journey that navigated various challenges from initial development rejections to significant health issues and industry disruptions.

"Hacks" has concluded filming its fifth and final season, with production wrapping in Las Vegas and the series finale shot in Paris, including scenes at the Louvre.

Series Overview and Critical Impact

"Hacks" was created by Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs. The series centers on the evolving professional and deeply personal relationship between veteran comedian Deborah Vance, played by the incomparable Jean Smart, and young, struggling writer Ava Daniels, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder.

The show has been widely recognized for its significant contributions to television comedy and its insightful exploration of various themes. These themes include complex female relationships, the nuances of aging, and important representation, notably featuring a lead character in her 70s and prominently including LGBTQ+ characters. Throughout its five-season run, "Hacks" garnered multiple Emmy Awards, with Jean Smart winning four and Hannah Einbinder one. In 2024, the series itself was named an Outstanding Comedy. Industry figures widely anticipate its lasting impact on the landscape of television comedy.

Final Season Storylines Unveiled

The fifth season of "Hacks" depicts Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels working collaboratively to re-establish Deborah's legacy following her departure from a late-night talk show. Key storylines featured in the final season include:

• An episode set in Montecito where Deborah and Ava portray a couple during a weekend event.
• A crossover episode with "The Amazing Race," featuring Deborah and her daughter, DJ, played by Kaitlin Olson.
• A storyline involving Deborah in a relationship with a younger character, played by Christopher Briney.

The creators initially planned for an approximate five-season timeline, meticulously adjusting specific plot points as the series progressed. The decision was ultimately made to conclude the series after five seasons to maintain its intended narrative arc, despite considerations for an additional season.

Navigating Production Challenges

The production of "Hacks" encountered multiple significant challenges throughout its development and filming process.

• Initial Development Hurdles: The concept was initially rejected by several entities in 2019 before finally being greenlit by HBO Max.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: Filming for Season 1 began under strict COVID-19 protocols. These precautions were particularly stringent due to Jean Smart's pre-existing diabetic condition.
• Jean Smart's Personal Loss: Smart's husband, Richard Gilliland, tragically died in March 2021 shortly before Season 1 concluded. Despite this profound personal loss, Smart demonstrated remarkable resilience, completing filming for the season.
• Jean Smart's Health Issues:
  • Smart began filming Season 1 while recovering from an injury sustained on another production.
  • In February 2023, she underwent triple bypass surgery after experiencing symptoms during filming a Season 3 episode. Smart completed a scene before seeking medical attention and bravely continued to work through her recovery.
  • In summer 2023, Smart sustained a broken kneecap during a Broadway performance.
• Lucia Aniello's Labor: Co-creator Lucia Aniello went into labor while actively directing a Season 2 episode. Remarkably, she continued to work remotely between contractions, showcasing incredible dedication.
• Other Incidents: The production also skillfully navigated other unforeseen events, including births on set, localized wildfires, and industry strikes in Los Angeles.

Despite these numerous and varied obstacles, the series successfully reached its planned conclusion, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of its cast and crew.

Cast Reflects on a Transformative Journey

Cast members shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences with the series and its impact. Jean Smart stated that the final shot in Paris involved spontaneous ad-libbing in a room, adding a personal touch to the finale. Hannah Einbinder, who was just 24 when cast and is now 30, noted the show's profound role in her professional development, marking a significant transition from her background in stand-up comedy to acting. Other esteemed cast members, including Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and Megan Stalter, also commented on the show's immense significance to their careers.