It’s never too late for a second chance at fame – and in Hacks, iconic comic Deborah Vance finds this out in dramatic fashion as she overhauls her career.

Teaming up with up-and-comer Ava Daniels, their fraught relationship creates sparks (in both a good and bad way, with the two hotheads frequently clashing in the name of honesty and friendship).

As season four kicks off, their ambitious natures has landed them the ultimate gig: with Deborah becoming the first major female Late Night TV host. But now they need to prove themselves worthy of keeping the position.

Thankfully, they have a team of lovable and hilarious friends and colleagues alongside them to at least try to keep them on track.

If you’re new to these characters, here’s everything you need to know about them.

Played by: Jean Smart (Mayor of Easttown, Legion)

A legendary stand-up comedian, we first meet Deborah Vance at home in Las Vegas, where she has a residency at the Palmetto Casino.

A diva through and through, she has a sharp-tongue and a quick wit that her fans have adored for years.

Deborah’s main objective in life is to see her name in lights, and will do anything to get it. Currently that’s Vegas, and a shopping line on QVC.

But when her material starts to age, she realises she needs to switch things up in order to maintain her relevance, and decides to revive her ailing career into something bigger and better.

Played by: Hannah Einbinder (How to be Broke, Strange Planet)

A headstrong bisexual, Ava finds herself getting cancelled on Twitter when she’s trying to break through into the world of comedy writing. Ava has a grand sense of self, mixed with an overwhelming desire to prove her worth: a duality that doesn’t always mix.

When given the chance to work with the legendary Deborah Vance. Although Ava considers the job beneath her initially, she finds it to be life-changing, as her tight bond with Deborah sees a blend of new and old comedy stylings turning their work into something unique.

Played by: Paul W. Downs (Broad City, Rough Night)

Following in the footsteps of his father, Jimmy is a talent agent – though maybe lacks the killer instinct a lot of those in the industry are known for. Incredibly sweet-natured, Jimmy knows how to network and has some skills, though his kindness is often used against him due to his fear of rocking the boat.

However, when he needs to, he can prove just how ferocious he can be, and he will do anything for his clients, particularly Deborah and Ava.

Played by: Megan Stalter (The Megan Stalter Show, ILY Bye)

Starting the series as Jimmy’s personal assistant, Kayla is a bold and brash woman who is used to getting what she wants. That’s in large part thanks to her talent manager daddy, who she wants to follow in the footsteps of while also carving her own path.

She might seem a bit much to some with her no filter approach to life (particularly sex), and may catch you off guard with some comments, but don’t let her fool you – for all her ambition, she also has her head screwed on and definitely has the smarts when it comes to the industry.

Played by: Rose Abdoo (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood)

Josefina works for Deborah and manages the sprawling house that the star owns in Las Vegas. Due to this, she’s also taken on a bit of a motherly figure over the years, particularly for DJ but also anyone who comes into Deborah’s orbit, even at times Deborah herself.

Played by: Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty, With Love)

As Deborah’s personal assistant, Damien is willing to go the extra mile in order to keep his boss happy – and boy, does Deborah test his resolve when it comes to her request.

He admires Deborah but also tries to embrace his new title as an LA Gay when the group relocates from Vegas.

Played by: Kaitlin Olson (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, High Potential)

Deborah’s daughter with late husband Frank, DJ has a strained-at-best relationship with her mother.

DJ feels like her mother has always chased the spotlight in every event, and in her quest to be the centre of attention, ignored DJ’s needs growing up.

Despite this, DJ has learned to march to the beat of her own drum and is creative and caring, which has led her down some unique paths.

Played by: Carl Clemons-Hopkins (The Beanie Bubble, Candyman)

Deborah’s longtime business partner and COO of her company, Marcus always has been looking out for her financially, but over time this has come at the expense of the career he’s truly wanted to have.

Played by: Christopher McDonald (Happy Gilmore, Flubber)

The CEO of the Palmetto Casino, Marty was the person keeping Deborah in business with her residency at the hotel.

However, even when things need to be changed, Marty is permanently in Deborah’s corner on a personal level, even if he has to make professional calls that will infuriate her.

Played by: Helen Hunt (Twister, What Women Want)

Network executive Winnie Landell hasn’t got to where she is by taking fools gladly – she knows what she wants and knows how to apply the right pressure to get it.

She’s a force to be reckoned with in the industry, complete with the reputation to prove it.

Played by: Tony Goldwyn (Scandal, Ghost)

The CEO of a media-conglomerate, Bob Lipka is a businessman through and through – though of course, this is Hollywood, and he can rarely resist a little dabbling in things that he probably shouldn’t be.

His run in with Deborah and Ava at a golf course in season three sets the stage for some big changes in all their lives going forward, with him becoming a more prominent presence in the ladies’ lives from season four.