It's hard for any scripted series to shoot without writing showrunners on set. This is especially true for Hacks, as the writing takes center stage in the series, which revolves around aging comedian Deborah Vance (Smart) and emerging writer Ava Daniels (Einbinder) writing together.
Hacks was created by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, who act as showrunners. Under WGA rules, members are not allowed to provide writing services during a strike, including script revisions during filming.
According to sources, production will therefore be on pause for the duration of the work stoppage.
Production on season three of Hacks, which began shortly after Thanksgiving and resumed after the January holiday, was interrupted in February when Smart underwent successful heart surgery. Production resumed in mid-March.
Hacks is a commercial hit and award winner, with 32 Emmy nominations and six wins in its first two seasons, including two statues for Smart.
The series also stars Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Jane Adams, Christopher McDonald, Kaitlin Olson, Paul W. Downs, Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Meg Stalter, Angela E. Gibbs, Luenell, Johnny Sibilly, Joe Mande, Ally Maki and Lorenza Izzo along.
Hacks is produced by Universal Television. It is executive produced by Downs and Aniello through their Paulilu banner, Statsky through First Thought Productions, Michael Schur through Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment and Morgan Sackett.
Watch the trailer for the first season of Hacks below.