On April 9, HBO Max's beloved comedy Hacks returns for its fifth and final season, and fans are bracing for an emotional goodbye. The series, starring Jean Smart as legendary comedian-turned-late-night host Deborah Vance and Hannah Einbinder as ambitious writer Ava Daniels, has been a critical darling since its debut, earning multiple Emmy wins and a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score for Season 4. As we gear up for the end, let's break down the most pivotal moments from Season 4 that set the stage for the finale.
Key Moments from Season 4
Season 4 picks up after Ava's explosive blackmail scheme at the end of Season 3, which secured her the head writer role on Deborah's late-night show but shattered their trust. The season is a rollercoaster of shifting power dynamics, personal growth, a late-night implosion, and a fake death that ultimately leads to a fresh start.
Shifting Power Dynamics
The power balance between Deborah and Ava flips dramatically. Deborah, now a late-night star, uses her influence to make Ava's life miserable, even humiliating her on air. Ava fights back by threatening to expose Deborah's affair with network chairman Bob Lipka (Tony Goldwyn). Their feud escalates until a medical scare for Deborah and a false alarm about Ava's death force them to call a truce.
Personal Transformations
Ava grows darker and more ruthless, learning to manipulate Deborah while navigating a throuple relationship. After a heated writers' room moment, she quits and disappears. Deborah panics, tracks her to the beach, and mistakes a swimmer for Ava attempting suicide. This scare, combined with Deborah's earlier panic attack, finally brings them together.
A Late-Night Implosion
When Ava vents to her former boss about a guest, he uses her secrets to write a hit piece on the network. Bob demands Ava be fired, but Deborah chooses loyalty, announcing the end of her show. Bob reminds her of an 18-month non-compete clause, leaving Deborah unfulfilled and dragging Ava on a vacation.
A Fake Death and a New Beginning
In Singapore, Deborah exploits a loophole in her non-compete by performing stand-up through a translator. Her residency leads to a party lifestyle, neglecting Ava. After a drunken insult, Ava leaves, but the next morning they wake to news of Deborah's death—a hoax that becomes the catalyst for them to reclaim their careers.
What to Expect from Season 5
Season 5 will explore deeper character relationships as Deborah reinvents herself and rewrites her legacy after being blamed for killing late-night TV. Expect new guest stars, including Christopher Briney as a rock star who romances Deborah, and a promised shocking ending. Showrunner Jen Statsky says the final season will finally tell stories they've been waiting to tell, now that Ava and Deborah's bond has deepened. Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Megan Stalter) are also back, with their business booming.
As one of the best sitcoms of the century, Hacks masterfully captures the highs and lows of Hollywood writing, thanks to the brilliant chemistry between Deborah and Ava. Season 5 is sure to be a memorable conclusion. For more on the show's legacy, check out our analysis of thrillers that never let go.
