Hacks poster

Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.

4 Seasons
37 Episodes
Returning Series
Comedy Drama
Cast & Characters
A Slippery Slope
9.6/10 (1218 votes)

#1 A Slippery Slope

S4:E9

Deborah and Ava struggle as Late Night lands in unwanted controversy. While Jimmy navigates the worst day, Kayla thrives.

Bulletproof
9.2/10 (1434 votes)

#2 Bulletproof

S3:E9
May 30, 2024

As Deborah works to perfect her second run at Late Night, Ava receives a dream offer, and Jimmy and Kayla seek to grow their company.

The One, The Only
9.0/10 (1497 votes)

#3 The One, The Only

S2:E8
Jun 2, 2022

Deborah prepares to take the stage for her taping as Ava deals with a new opportunity.

I Think She Will
8.9/10 (1597 votes)

#4 I Think She Will

S1:E10
Jun 10, 2021

For her final performance at the Palmetto, Deborah must decide between playing it safe and putting her entire career on the line. Meanwhile, Ava deals with a family crisis.

Mrs. Table
8.8/10 (783 votes)

#5 Mrs. Table

S4:E6

Deborah receives the "Courage in Comedy" award, while Ava reaches a breaking point.

New Eyes
8.7/10 (1634 votes)

#6 New Eyes

S1:E6
May 27, 2021

While Deborah recovers from surgery, she and Ava have a unique bonding experience when Deborah dispels a major misperception about her past.

I Love LA
8.7/10 (785 votes)

#7 I Love LA

S4:E4

As the taping of her first Late Night episode approaches, Deborah experiences a shocking "first," while Ava makes a new romantic connection.

Quid Pro Quo
8.6/10 (1258 votes)

#8 Quid Pro Quo

S2:E2
May 12, 2022

Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking.

1.69 Million
8.5/10 (1482 votes)

#9 1.69 Million

S1:E8
Jun 3, 2021

With a little encouragement from Ava, Deborah’s unpolished set sparks a career-defining moment.

The Click
8.5/10 (1136 votes)

#10 The Click

S2:E6
May 26, 2022

A girls’ night out finds Ava attempting to connect with her mother – and Deborah embracing some unexpected company.

Better Late
8.5/10 (1021 votes)

#11 Better Late

S3:E2
May 2, 2024

Deborah and Ava struggle to stay out of one another's orbits – especially when Deborah lands an unexpected opportunity.

Par for the Course
8.5/10 (996 votes)

#12 Par for the Course

S3:E6
May 16, 2024

Deborah participates in a golf tournament to get face time with the cable affiliates who could decide her future.

Falling
8.4/10 (1592 votes)

#13 Falling

S1:E5
May 27, 2021

Deborah blackmails Marty. Ava has a wild night to remember in Vegas that puts everything in perspective.

Retired
8.4/10 (1140 votes)

#14 Retired

S2:E5
May 26, 2022

An impromptu detour finds Deborah reckoning with long-held guilt while reconnecting with a former comedian friend.

The Roast of Deborah Vance
8.4/10 (948 votes)

#15 The Roast of Deborah Vance

S3:E3
May 9, 2024

After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah makes sure everything – and everyone – is operating at its finest for her roast.

Yes, And
8.4/10 (1022 votes)

#16 Yes, And

S3:E8
May 23, 2024

A calendar mix-up finds Deborah double booked ... just as an unfortunate supercut of her most problematic early jokes starts circulating.

Big, Brave Girl
8.4/10 (860 votes)

#17 Big, Brave Girl

S4:E1

With Deborah determined to boot her from Late Night, Ava attempts to beat her boss at her own game.

Witch of the Week
8.4/10 (583 votes)

#18 Witch of the Week

S4:E8

Deborah pitches a new approach for the show. Nina arrives with a plan for Ava's future. Jimmy struggles to keep up, while Kayla fields an offer.

Just for Laughs
8.2/10 (1072 votes)

#19 Just for Laughs

S3:E1
May 2, 2024

As Deborah prepares to accept an award in Montreal, Ava does her best to avoid her former employer.

One Day
8.2/10 (982 votes)

#20 One Day

S3:E5
May 16, 2024

As Deborah contends with writer’s block and Ava with a broken heart, the pair decide to clear their heads in the woods.

There Will Be Blood
8.1/10 (1274 votes)

#21 There Will Be Blood

S2:E1
May 12, 2022

Deborah eagerly anticipates trying out her new material on the road, while Ava dreads the fallout of an explosive email.

Trust the Process
8.1/10 (1132 votes)

#22 Trust the Process

S2:E3
May 19, 2022

Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava adapts to a new lifestyle. Marcus is overwhelmed by life without Wilson.

On the Market
8.1/10 (1035 votes)

#23 On the Market

S2:E7
Jun 2, 2022

Deborah and her team head to LA to pitch her new set as a comedy special.

Join the Club
8.1/10 (911 votes)

#24 Join the Club

S3:E4
May 9, 2024

Deborah is invited to hang with some of her favorite comedians, Jimmy finally lands a general meeting with Winnie, and Marcus recruits Ava for trivia.

The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular
8.1/10 (894 votes)

#25 The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular

S3:E7
May 23, 2024

Deborah braces for Kathy's attendance at her Christmas party, while Jimmy and Kayla refuse to call it quits on the comedian's Late Night dreams.

Cover Girls
8.1/10 (735 votes)

#26 Cover Girls

S4:E2

As Deborah and Ava's feud threatens the future of their show, Jimmy and Kayla have their own struggles.

Heaven
8.1/10 (466 votes)

#27 Heaven

S4:E10

Deborah deals with a difficult contract negotiation.

Interview
8.0/10 (1287 votes)

#28 Interview

S1:E9
Jun 10, 2021

Ava tries to keep a secret from Deborah, but someone in Deborah’s inner-circle leverages the truth. Meanwhile, Deborah stares down the barrel of her first radically honest show.

The Captain's Wife
8.0/10 (1273 votes)

#29 The Captain's Wife

S2:E4
May 19, 2022

While Deb struggles to connect with her audience on a cruise, Ava finds herself an unexpected hit.

Primm
7.9/10 (1709 votes)

#30 Primm

S1:E2
May 13, 2021

Deborah tests Ava's limits.

A Gig's A Gig
7.9/10 (1546 votes)

#31 A Gig's A Gig

S1:E3
May 20, 2021

Ava gains insight into Deborah's past.

D'Jewelry
7.9/10 (1483 votes)

#32 D'Jewelry

S1:E4
May 20, 2021

At DJ's jewelry expo, Ava comes to better understand Deborah and DJ's complicated mother-daughter relationship. Deborah receives an unexpected piece of ammunition against Marty.

Tunnel of Love
7.9/10 (1385 votes)

#33 Tunnel of Love

S1:E7
Jun 3, 2021

DJ's birthday party becomes a surprise dual function. Meanwhile, Deborah and Marty reconnect.

There Is No Line
7.8/10 (1896 votes)

#34 There Is No Line

S1:E1
May 13, 2021

An entitled young writer and a waning comedy legend must put aside their differences to save their careers.

What Happens in Vegas
7.8/10 (713 votes)

#35 What Happens in Vegas

S4:E3

As pressure mounts to craft a perfect first episode, Deborah and Ava continue to clash over creative control on their writers' "retreat" in Vegas.

D'Christening
7.8/10 (560 votes)

#36 D'Christening

S4:E7

Deborah and Ava return to Vegas for DJ's son's christening. Jimmy and Kayla have their hands full with Dance Mom.

Clickable Face
7.7/10 (677 votes)

#37 Clickable Face

S4:E5

Following a focus group, Deborah goes above and beyond to reach a coveted demo, while Ava desperately tries to maintain the show's integrity.

Cast & Chracters

Deborah Vance

Deborah Vance

Actor: Jean Smart

Deborah Vance is a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian, portrayed by Jean Smart. With a career spanning decades, she has become a fixture in the entertainment industry, known for her sharp wit and commanding stage presence. Despite her success, Deborah faces challenges in adapting her material to contemporary audiences and maintaining her relevance in a rapidly evolving comedy landscape. Her complex personality blends confidence with vulnerability, and her relationships, particularly with her daughter DJ and her new writer Ava Daniels, reveal deeper layers of her character. Deborah's journey in 'Hacks' explores themes of resilience, reinvention, and the personal costs of a life dedicated to comedy.

Ava

Ava

Actor: Hannah Einbinder
Marcus

Marcus

Actor: Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Marcus, portrayed by Carl Clemons-Hopkins, serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Deborah Vance's management company and is one of her closest advisors. A dedicated and meticulous professional, Marcus is instrumental in managing Deborah's career and business affairs. His workaholic tendencies often lead him to prioritize his job over personal relationships, a conflict explored throughout the series. Marcus's character provides insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a comedy empire and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. His storyline delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.

Jimmy

Jimmy

Actor: Paul W. Downs
Kayla

Kayla

Actor: Megan Stalter

The highest rated episode of Hacks is "A Slippery Slope" (S4E9) with a rating of 9.60.

This episode received 1,218 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Clickable Face" (S4E5) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 677 votes.

The highest rated episode is "I Think She Will" (S1E10) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 1,597 votes.

It aired on June 10, 2021.


The lowest rated episode is "There Is No Line" (S1E1) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 1,896 votes.

It aired on May 13, 2021.

The highest rated episode is "The One, The Only" (S2E8) with a rating of 9.00.

This episode received 1,497 votes.

It aired on June 2, 2022.


The lowest rated episode is "The Captain's Wife" (S2E4) with a rating of 8.00.

This episode received 1,273 votes.

It aired on May 19, 2022.

The highest rated episode is "Bulletproof" (S3E9) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 1,434 votes.

It aired on May 30, 2024.


The lowest rated episode is "Join the Club" (S3E4) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 911 votes.

It aired on May 9, 2024.

The highest rated episode is "A Slippery Slope" (S4E9) with a rating of 9.60.

This episode received 1,218 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Clickable Face" (S4E5) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 677 votes.

Name Department Job
Andrew Law Production Co-Executive Producer
David Miner Production Executive Producer
Jen Statsky Production Executive Producer
Jessica Chaffin Production Consulting Producer
Lucia Aniello Production Executive Producer
Michael Schur Production Executive Producer
Morgan Sackett Production Executive Producer
Paul W. Downs Production Executive Producer

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