The comeback trail is set ablaze once again for Deborah Vance! The highly anticipated news has just hit the airwaves – Max has greenlit a fourth season of the hilarious comedy series, "Hacks". Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, the show's stars, are gearing up for yet another hilarious ride.The announcement comes on the heels of a thrilling finale – aptly titled “Bulletproof” – that dropped on Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platform mere hours ago.Season three, brought to life by the creative trio of Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, premiered on May 2, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor and heart.
Smart's Vance starts the season riding the wave of success from her stand-up special, while Einbinder's Ava embarks on a new journey in Los Angeles. But, as fate would have it, the dynamic duo reunite, and [SPOILER ALERT], Vance might just have landed a massive late-night triumph.The show's second season debuted in May 2022, but its production for season three was beleaguered by a series of unexpected events. Smart's health took a turn, prompting her to undergo a successful heart procedure in February 2023. Production resumed in May, nine weeks after halting for Smart's recovery, but it was short-lived as the Writers Guild of America announced its intention to strike, starting May 2.
Then, the actors' strike added to the mix, finally concluding in November 2023.Speaking to Deadline about season three, Aniello revealed that they've "given Deborah her white whale"."It's granting her the long-sought-after dream, but at what cost?" added Statsky. "What we're setting up is that Deborah is now standing on the grandest stage of her illustrious career."The trio of creators have always envisioned a five-season arc for "Hacks," and if things go according to plan, we can expect another renewal announcement this time next year. They even have the ending mapped out, according to Deadline's exclusive cover story.The ensemble cast is rounded out by Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Vance's COO Marcus, Downs as agent Jimmy LuSaque Jr., Megan Stalter as agent assistant Kayla Schaefer, Rose Abdoo as Vance's estate manager Josefina, and Mark Indelicato as her personal assistant Damien. Kaitlin Olson, Jane Adams, and Christopher McDonald also make recurring appearances.While the first two seasons of "Hacks" garnered nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys, they ultimately fell short to "Ted Lasso". However, Smart emerged victorious both years, winning for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Additionally, Aniello, Downs, and Statsky took home the trophy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2021, with Aniello also being recognized for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series that same year.
