As HBO's Hacks barrels toward its fifth and final season finale, the Emmy-winning comedy is going out with a bang—and a lot of laughs. Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) are juggling a chaotic MSG show, a surprise romance with pop star Nico Hayes (Christopher Briney), and a pile of conflicting notes on Ava's pilot script. But amid all the high-stakes drama, one character has quietly stolen every scene she's in: Randi, the delightfully offbeat assistant played by Robby Hoffman.
Hoffman, who joined the series in Season 4, has turned Randi into a fan favorite with her deadpan delivery and unpredictable energy. In a recent interview, the comedian opened up about how much of Randi is improvised, her unexpected path to Hollywood, and the physical comedy that defines Episode 4 of the current season.
From PBS to HBO: Hoffman's Unlikely 'Film School'
Before she was an Emmy-nominated actor on Hacks, Hoffman was an Emmy-winning writer—on a kids' show. Her first television job was as a writer's assistant on PBS's Odd Squad, a show she calls her "film school." Growing up poor and without a clear path to the entertainment industry, Hoffman studied accounting because it promised a steady job. But after landing that assistant gig, she learned everything about storytelling, set production, and the nuts and bolts of making TV.
"PBS is like HBO, but without money," Hoffman joked. "We did 80, 11-minute episodes a season. It taught me structure, A and B stories, and how to work with every department—from art to hair and makeup." That experience, she says, gave her the foundation to later break the rules in her own adult comedy, much like Donald Glover did on Atlanta.
How Much of Randi Is Improvised?
Hoffman revealed that a significant portion of Randi's quirks come from improvisation. The character's off-kilter observations and physical comedy—like a memorable moment in Episode 4 involving a clumsy mishap—are often born on set. "The writers give me a great skeleton, but they let me play in the sandbox," she said. "Randi is a lot like me, but turned up to 11. She's unfiltered, curious, and doesn't care about social norms."
That authenticity has made Randi one of the most beloved additions to the Hacks universe, even if she isn't central to the main plot. Hoffman's performance has earned her an Emmy nomination, and fans are already hoping for more Randi moments in the final episodes.
What's Next for Hoffman?
With Hacks wrapping up, Hoffman is riding a wave of momentum. Her stand-up special Wake Up on Netflix showcases a much raunchier side than her PBS roots might suggest. "People who know me from Odd Squad and then watch my special might have a rude awakening," she laughed. "It should come with a warning."
For now, she's savoring every moment of Hacks final season. "It's a dream to be part of a show that's this funny and bold," she said. "I'm just grateful I get to be the weirdo in the corner."
For more on the latest in TV and streaming, check out our coverage of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 and Netflix's live-action Scooby-Doo reboot.
