Hacks is the best show on TV. Are you really not watching it?

Hacks just won Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2024 Emmy Awards. And it makes sense. Two incredible leading ladies? Complex female characters? Laughs a mile a minute? What's not to love.

"When we pitched this show about two women, one of whom was over 60, we really didn't know if we could sell it," creator and star Paul W. Downs said in his Emmys acceptance speech. "About 20% of our population is 60+ but they're only about 3% of the characters on television and I would like to see more of them because while I'm a great young supporting actor, I really want to be a good old lead."

Hacks on Stan is a critically acclaimed comedy with a top-tier cast, and it will soon be back for season four.

"We have to go because we start filming in like five days," co-creator Lucia Aniello said as she wrapped up their speech.

It's hardly surprising to hear that the brilliant comedy series has been renewed but it is exciting nonetheless. Least of all because it's always a time to celebrate when shows about complex female characters continue to get made and find big audiences.

On the announcement of the show's renewal for a fourth season, Sarah Aubrey, head of Max original programming said in an official statement: "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."

And we couldn't be happier to receive it, as Hacks is truly the best show on television right now.

So, looking ahead to season four of Hacks it must be said there's a lot to unpack after that ending in season three.

Let's dig in and uncover everything we know about this groundbreaking show and where it might head for its next instalment.

What is Hacks about?

We presume you're here because you live and breathe Deborah Vance's every waking move. However, if you're a Hacks newbie, and you have yet to watch the first three seasons of the show streaming on Stan, you're welcome here and we're going to get you up to speed.

The name Hacks is a little misleading as it refers to 'hack comedy' which is a term in comedy circles given to jokes that are less refined and ahem, unoriginal.

The irony is, Hacks is anything but hack comedy with this show presenting some of the best, most original comedy writing we've ever seen.

Who is in the Hacks cast?

The brilliance of Hacks doesn't come down to any one factor for it is truly a culmination of incredible talent stemming from the words written in the script, the way they are brought to life by the actors, and how the Hacks world is stylised and shot for the screen.

The show was created by the mind-bogglingly acerbic brains of Paul Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky who also serve as writers for Hacks. Their knack for writing sharp comedy, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and tense character interactions creates the perfect material for actors Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder to bring to life.

Megan Stalter and Paul Downs in Hacks. Image: Stan.

Elsewhere in the cast is showrunner Downs playing the well-meaning but a little aloof agent Jimmy LuSaque and his offsider Kayla played so wonderfully by the comedian-du-jour Megan Stalter.

Kaitlin Olson is fantastic as Deborah's semi-estranged daughter and no your eyes didn't play tricks on you — you definitely spotted Aussie actor Luke Cook playing Jack Dandy in season three.

In short, the Hacks cast, crew and production are forces to be reckoned with.

What happened in Hacks season three?

Hacks season three was all about redemption and unpacking privilege. Yes, both very heavy themes but ones that were handled with thoughtfulness and of course humour a'plenty.

Throughout the season Deborah is on a mission to right the wrongs of her past and finally land her dream role of hosting a late-night show. Hot on the heels of a Vance-naissance, she's got Ava by her side as a constant support and ultimate co-creator.

Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Hacks season three. Image: Stan.

Ava is dutifully on the journey to help Deborah score the late night gig but at the same time she's questioning her place in society, the industry and grappling with her privilege. Despite those big feelings she's unwavering in making sure she stops at nothing to get Deborah her dream role.

However, once in her clutches and the late night gig is secured, Deborah unleashes a scathing zing when she drops Ava from the head writer position to better her chances at a successful run. It's a spicy stab in the back and proves why we love watching complex, female characters on screen — let's hear it louder for the back seats!

What can we expect from Hacks season four?

Well, after that season finale, Hacks season four is going to be a humdinger. We're left with Ava low-key blackmailing Deborah by threatening to release intel that her boss had slept with the head of her new network. It was a move straight out of the Deborah Vance playbook but if ya can't beat 'em, may as well join 'em, eh?

Jean Smart, Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs in Hacks season three. Image: Stan.

Throughout season three of Hacks Ava and Deborah were the most copacetic we've ever seen them but after the turmoil of landing late night we expect to see that completely switch up in season four. And you know, we're kinda here for it.

Other big questions up for discussion in Hacks season four will be whether Marcus decides to finally leave the safety of Deborah's cushy empire or if he'll stay put. We're also very interested to see the dynamic between Jimmy and Kayla develop as she steps into a more senior role within their boutique agency -- what could possibly go wrong?!

Whatever transpires we know we're in for more fantastic comedy writing and some zinging social commentary delivered by these brilliant creators.

Has Hacks won any awards?

The better question is — what awards hasn't Hacks won? The industry darling has taken everyone by storm since it premiered back in 2021 and it doesn't look to be slowing down.

Notable awards that have graced the Hacks mantel are the Critics Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart in 2022 and 2023; the Golden Globes Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Hacks and Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Jean Smart in 2022; the Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart in 2021 and 2024 and the Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart in 2022.

I mean we seriously could go on and on but the main point is, this show continues to get the flowers it deserves all while building an incredibly loyal fan base. Hacks hive, rise up!

When will Hacks season four air?

If it felt like the nine episodes of Hacks season three aired in a flash, you're not alone in already missing the cast. It was a long break (two years to be precise) between seasons two and three given a hefty delay in filming due to the writer's strike, however hopefully we don't have to wait that long for season four.

Given a new season has just been green-lit in May, it seems like everyone is keen to jump on the success of this show and get rolling with more content for the fans. While there's no hard release date yet expect to see this one roll out in early 2025.

We'll keep you posted, Hackers.

Every episode of Hacks is now streaming, only on Stan.

Feature Image: Stan.

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