‘Hacks’ creators gear up for an explosive Season 4
A new chapter for ‘Hacks’
As the creators of the hit series “Hacks” campaign for their Season 3 Emmy nominations, they are already hard at work on what promises to be an electrifying Season 4. Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, the creative minds behind the show, have found so much material to explore that they will be expanding the upcoming season to a full ten episodes, up from nine in Season 3 and eight in Season 2.
“It feels like a season where we’re wanting to do even more episodes than we had planned on or agreed on,” Aniello shared in a recent podcast interview. “So we’re going to be doing ten episodes because we’re feeling like there’s just so much to say and do.”
The dramatic end of Season 3
Season 3 concluded on a high note with Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, landing her dream gig—a late-night talk show. However, the drama escalates when she refuses to give her protégé, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), the head writer position. Ava, not one to be outdone, makes a strategic move that forces Deborah to relent. This shift in their dynamic sets the stage for an intriguing Season 4, where the behind-the-scenes machinations of launching a new late-night show will be a focal point.
Reflecting on the journey
The creators recently discussed their journey and what lies ahead for “Hacks” in a podcast interview. The third season, which many critics hailed as the strongest yet, came after nearly a two-year hiatus due to Hollywood strikes and a health scare for Jean Smart. When the show finally returned, it did so with a bang, featuring Deborah Vance back on top but struggling with the challenges of her career resurgence.
“We took such a long break,” Downs noted. “You never know, because things move so fast, and there are so many great shows, you don’t want to get lost in the shuffle. It felt so good to come back and have people watch and respond well.”
Emmy recognition and beyond
“Hacks” earned an impressive 16 Emmy nominations this year, including nods for comedy series, writing, directing, and acting. The recognition is particularly gratifying for the creators, given the long hiatus.
“Our crew waited through two strikes for us, so, for many of them to get recognized is very gratifying,” Downs added.
The new dynamic
Looking ahead to Season 4, the creators are excited to explore the new dynamic between Deborah and Ava. The late-night show, which has been Deborah’s “white whale” for so long, will provide a rich backdrop for the upcoming season.
“There’s such a propulsive element to the Deborah and Ava relationship where it’s at now that it’s like, that new dynamic kind of informs everything,” Statsky explained. “You have that as the base for everything, and then the late-night show has been Deborah’s white whale for so long. There’s a lot of things we’ve been waiting to do that now we get to do.”
A comedy about comedy
Creating a comedy about comedy presents unique challenges, especially when it involves the ever-evolving landscape of late-night television. The creators have been revisiting old episodes of “The Larry Sanders Show” for inspiration, while also drawing on Statsky’s experience writing for “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”.
“I think the biggest challenge is, ‘Hacks’ is a comedy about comedy,” Downs said. “Now that we’re doing a season that deals with late night, there’s so much to wrap your arms around. There’s a lot we want to unpack about the changing landscape of comedy and the changing landscape of late night.”
Looking forward
Season 4 of “Hacks” is set to begin shooting in September, with a premiere date aimed for early May 2025. The creators are eager to dive into the new season, exploring the complexities of the Deborah and Ava relationship and the intricacies of launching a late-night show.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the brilliance of “Hacks”, now is the perfect time to catch up. You can watch the trailer for the series here.
Stay tuned
For more lively conversations about the best in film and television, be sure to subscribe to the Awards Circuit podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download your podcasts. Each episode features interviews with top talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more.
Keywords: Hacks, Season 4, Deborah Vance, Ava, Emmy nominations, late-night show, comedy, Hollywood strikes, Jean Smart, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, The Larry Sanders Show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Awards Circuit podcast.