HBO Max has renewed the comedy series Hacks, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, for a fourth season.
The news comes just days after the third season finale - titled Bulletproof - hit Warner Bros.' streaming service. Discovery appeared.
Season three of the series from creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky started on May 2.
Smart's Vance starts the season with the success of her stand-up special while Einbinder's Ava pursues new opportunities in Los Angeles. However, it's clear they're getting back together and [SPOILER ALERT], Vance may or may not have just scored a huge late-night win.
Season two of the series may have started in May 2022, but a combination of circumstances delayed the production of season three. First, there were Smart's health problems. In February 2023, she underwent successful heart surgery. Production resumed in May, nine weeks after it stopped for Smart's procedure and recovery. Filming lasted a day before the Writers Guild of America announced they would go on strike starting May 2. Then there was the actors' strike, which ended in November 2023.
Aniello talked about season three that they gave Deborah "her white whale."
“It’s giving her what she wanted for so long, but at what cost?” added Statsky. “What we’re setting up is that Deborah is now on the biggest stage of her career.”
The trio of creators have long said that they have a five-season run planned for Hacks, so if all goes according to plan, there will be another renewal this time next year. The ending is also already known, according to sources.
The series also stars 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 star again.
The first two seasons of Hacks were both nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys but lost to Ted Lasso. However, Smart won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series both years and Aniello, Downs and Statsky won Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2021 and Aniello also won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series that year.
The couple Downs and Aniello produce through their Paulilu banner, Statsky through her First Thought Productions. Michael Schur produces for Fremulon, along with David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment and Morgan Sackett. It is produced by Universal Television.
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming, quote: “We congratulate Hacks’ brilliant cast and crew, and our partners at Universal Television. Hacks is a masterfully crafted comedy delivering laughs and sharp insights about the vulnerability and joy of sharing a dream. The creative team behind this singular show is not only brilliant but also a joy to work with. We couldn’t be happier to give viewers another season with Deborah, Ava, and the rest of the Hacks family.”
Erin Underhill, President, Universal Television quote: “Hats off to Jen, Lucia and Paul for crafting a world as compelling and poignant as it is clever and funny. We applaud our outstanding cast, who made it easy to fall in love with these flawed, hilarious and deeply human characters, and we thank everyone at Max for a terrific partnership over the first three seasons and counting. We can’t wait to deliver more Hacks to fans around the world.”