For the creators of a beloved series, crafting a final season is a high-wire act. But Hacks co-creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs approached Season 5 with a clear mission: deliver for the fans. Over five seasons, the HBO comedy has charted the chaotic, toxic, and ultimately heartwarming bond between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). The final season doesn't just land the plane—it throws a party, complete with Easter eggs, poignant callbacks, and one absolutely bonkers episode.
Episode 7, titled "Montecito," is a standout. Coming on the heels of a major financial and creative rift between Deborah and Ava, the episode leans into pure silliness. It features a fake-lesbian-couple storyline that's both hilarious and surprisingly tender, with guest stars Leslie Bibb and Cherry Jones adding to the chaos. Statsky and Aniello sat down with Collider to discuss how they balanced the absurd with the emotional, and why this season is a love letter to the show's most dedicated viewers.
Easter Eggs and Fan Service
From Deborah getting closure with DJ and Marty to a return to the antique shop and Kiki playing Blackjack, Season 5 is packed with winks to longtime fans. "We've always taken it seriously to try to make a show that the fans will love," Statsky said. "The pressure is no greater than in the final season. We wanted to make sure nothing was left on the table." Aniello added, "The more you put into the show, the more you get out of it. This season is for the true fans."
Directing Ava's Surprise Party
Aniello directed Episode 2, which features a surprise party for Ava thrown by Deborah. The party itself is a masterclass in character detail: Deborah picks cupcakes from a queer bakery, serves kombucha, and even asks Ava's mom for input—though her references are hilariously dated. "She knows her in this really unique way," Aniello said. "It's not like she's her daughter. It's this twisted mentee, best friends, soulmates dynamic." The episode also subtly underscores how insular their world has become: Ava has very few friends outside of work. "That's kind of the point," Aniello noted. "They've become so close that there's not much room for anyone else."
Balancing Silliness and Heavy Themes
One of the season's strengths is how it tackles weighty topics like AI's impact on creativity without losing its comedic edge. "We wanted to keep the show funny and character-first," Statsky explained. Episode 7's Montecito storyline is a perfect example: it's over-the-top and ridiculous, but it also unpacks the messy, complicated bond between Deborah and Ava. For fans who've followed their journey from Season 1, it's a payoff that feels earned.
For more on how Hacks rewards repeat viewings, check out our piece on why the show is HBO's most rewatchable comedy. And if you want to dive deeper into Episode 7's power dynamics, read how the episode flips the script on Deborah and Ava.
Season 5 of Hacks is streaming now on HBO Max, and it's a fitting farewell to one of TV's most compelling duos.
