Everything you need to know about comedy-drama series, Hacks
Stand-up comedian Deborah Vance is a legend. Now in the twilight era of her career, she is content with her Las Vegas residency at the Palmetto Casino two nights a week, her QVC appearances and one-off jobs.
However, after celebrating her 2,500th show at the Palmetto, she’s told she’s being moved in favour of newer acts that attract younger audiences. Desperate to freshen up her act, she looks into hiring new writers to keep her show alive.
Enter: Ava Daniels, an entitled television writer whose career has taken a nosedive after an ill-received tweet about a congressman’s gay son. Fired from her job, she is sent to meet with Deborah by her manager to see if she can pick up work there.
Thus begins a turbulent friendship and work partnership as the two women revive Deborah’s career and even bring it to new heights – while trading insults and jabs the entire time as the Old Guard and New Guard clash with their styles and sensibilities.
As their unlikely friendship grows, so does their success – with Ava soon getting a second wind in her career just as she felt like the industry was about to leave her behind.
But in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, just what sacrifices are the pair willing to make in order to “make it”?
First launching in May 2021, Hacks has become a comedy fan-favourite, amassing dozens of awards including 12 Primetime Emmys and five Golden Globes.
It has maintained a near-perfect 99% score on RottenTomatoes across the four seasons that have aired to date.
The series will end with its fifth season, which will air exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK from April 2026.
What is the age rating of Hacks?
Hacks is certified 15 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).
This means it has been deemed unsuitable for children and younger audiences.
Reasons for this rating include:
Frequent use of profanity
Scenes depicting alcohol and drug use
Adult discussions on themes including sexual harassment
Brief scenes of nudity
Depictions and implications of sex and sex acts
Jokes aimed at an adult audience
Who stars in Hacks?
The cast of Hacks is currently:
Jean Smart (Mayor of Easttown, Legion) as Deborah Vance
Hannah Einbinder (How to be Broke, Strange Planet) as Ava Daniels
Carl Clemons-Hopkins (The Beanie Bubble, Candyman) as Marcus
Megan Stalter (The Megan Stalter Show, ILY Bye) as Kayla Schaefer
Paul W. Downs (Broad City, Rough Night) as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
Rose Abdoo (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood) as Josefina
Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty, With Love) as Damien
Kaitlin Olson (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as Deborah "DJ" Vance Jr.
How many episodes of Hacks are there?
To date, Hacks has aired for four seasons – totalling 37 episodes.
Season one ran for 10 episodes, season two for 8, season three for 9 and season four for 10.
The fifth and final season will premiere in April, and will also have 10 episodes.
How many awards has Hacks won?
Hacks and its cast has been widely celebrated on the awards circuit during its run to date, earning a staggering 243 nominations with 101 wins.
Wins include:
12x Primetime Emmys
6x Critics Choice Awards
5x Golden Globes
5x Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards
3x Actor Awards (formerly known as SAG Awards)
3x Television Critics Awards (TCAs)
When will Hacks season 5 be released in the UK?
Hacks season 5 will be coming exclusively to Sky and streaming service NOW on Friday 17 April.
How to watch Hacks
Hacks seasons 1-4 are available to watch on Sky and NOW in full, and the fifth and final season will premiere exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Friday 17 April.
Can I still watch Hacks on Sky now HBO Max has launched??
While the series cound be found on HBO Max in the US, Hacks is still exclusive to Sky in the UK.
