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TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 5
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

Arriving on HBO Max on April 6 with the first episode (of 10) is the fifth and final season of ‘Hacks’, which returns us to the world of caustic, charismatic comedian Deborah Vance, as brought to award-winning life by Jean Smart.
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The cast for the series also includes Hannah Einbinder (‘North Hollywood’), Paul W. Downs (‘Broad City’), Megan Stalter (‘Problemista’), Carl Clemons-Hopkins (‘Candyman’), Mark Indelicato (‘Ugly Betty’), Kaitlin Olson (‘High Potential’), Jane Adams (‘Happiness’) and Christopher McDonald (‘Happy Gilmore’).

Related Article: TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 4

Initial Thoughts

(L to R) Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

Like coming up with the perfect punchline for a stand-up routine, ending a TV series is no easy task. For ‘Hacks’, which charts the unlikely mentorship between Deborah Vance, a long-established, wealthy comedian, and Ava Daniels, a struggling younger comedy writer.

As the show has gone on, we’ve seen every shade of the professional relationship and personal friendship between the pair, from being in sync to very much not. But as the story comes to a close, there are certainly plenty of last laughs to be had.

Script and Direction

(L to R) Megan Stalter as Kayla, Hannah Einbinder as Ava, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Jean Smart as Deborah and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

Show creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky (with the trio also directing the majority of this season’s episodes) bring a particularly entertaining dynamic to the screen with the show –– Deborah and Ava’s partnership is always a weird one, and the stories work well.

The team has also delivered on the wider world of ‘Hacks’, including Deborah’s employees and the various characters they interact with. As to whether the show wraps up in satisfying fashion, I’d have to say a qualified yes. One big plot point towards the end feels a little rushed, but on the whole, the season works.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Kaitlin Olson as DJ and Jean Smart as Deborah in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

Smart and Einbinder have been well awarded for their work, and the Deborah/Ava side of things has certainly entered a friendlier aspect as the story winds down. Which isn’t to say anything is complacent –– there is certainly rich comedy to be found here.

Downs as Ava and Deborah’s endlessly stressed manager Jimmy goes on his own journey here, with Megan Stalter once again stealing scenes as sidekick Kayla. And among the recurring guest cast, special mention goes to Kaitlin Olson (as Deborah’s daughter DJ, who has her own hilarious episode with her mother) and Lauren Weedman, who is always memorable as the wacky Mayor of Vegas.

Final Thoughts

Lauren Weedman as Mayor Jo in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

The idea of Deborah on a mission and how Ava helps/hinders her might feel a little familiar, but the creative team has found a welcome, warm way to wind down the series, featuring grace notes for recurring characters and keeping you invested in the main story.

‘Hacks’ Season 5 receives 78 out of 100.

(L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Rose Abdoo as Josefina and Mark Indelicato as Damien in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

What’s the plot of ‘Hacks’ Season 5?

In the aftermath of mistaken and unflattering news reports that she passed away, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) return to Las Vegas more determined than ever to secure Deborah’s legacy as a comedian.

Who stars in ‘Hacks’ Season 5?
- Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
- Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
- Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan
- Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
- Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
- Mark Indelicato as Damien Asada Agosto
- Kaitlin Olson as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr.
- Christopher McDonald as Marty Ghilain
(L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Poppy Liu as Kiki and Hannah Einbinder as Ava in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

Other TV Shows Similar to ‘Hacks’:
- ‘Designing Women‘ (1986 – 1993)
- ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm‘ (2000 – 2024)
- ‘Fargo‘ (2014 – 2024)
- ‘Grace and Frankie‘ (2015 – 2022)
- ‘Fleabag‘ (2016 – 2019)
- ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel‘ (2017 – 2023)
- ‘Get Shorty‘ (2017 – 2019)
- ‘I’m Dying Up Here‘ (2017 – 2018)
- ‘The Kominsky Method‘ (2018 – 2021)
- ‘Succession‘ (2018 – 2023)
- ‘Daisy Jones & the Six‘ (2023)
- ‘The Franchise‘ (2024)
- ‘The Studio‘ (2025)
Buy Jean Smart Movies On Amazon
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April 8, 2026
TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 3
(L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Beth Dubber/Max.

Debuting on HBO and Max with the first two episodes of its third season on May 2nd, ‘Hacks’ returns to our screens with more outrageousness from Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance and more conflicted, panicky support from Hannah Einbinder’s Ava.

While Smart continues to be the focus, Einbinder still proves she’s right there with her on the acting side of things, while the wider ensemble also brings fun elements to the story.

Related Article: Oscar-winner Helen Hunt Talks Starz’s ‘Blindspotting’ Season 2

Is ‘Hacks’ still a standup act?

Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle/Max.

If you were worried that ‘Hacks’ might be going off the boil in this third season, the new run of episodes (we’ve seen the whole season) proves that the creative team and cast still has what it takes to deliver consistent comedy.

Though one or two storylines might be getting a little more tired at this point, the vast majority of the narrative is still great, with Smart in particular able to deliver the killer lines she’s handed with all the attitude she has brought previously. Deborah Vance remains a fascinating creation –– ferociously funny, but also overbearing and, at times, monstrous. This season, the story explores more of her human side and vulnerability.

Hannah Einbinder’s Ava, meanwhile, continues to walk the line between sympathetic and annoying, her rekindled relationship with her ex-girlfriend a combination of grounded and frustrating.

‘Hacks’ Season 3: Script and Direction

(L to R) Jean Smart, Megan Stalter, and Paul W. Downs in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Jake Giles Netter/Max.

Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs (who also appears on screen as Deborah’s embattled manager trying to start his own company) and Jen Statsky, ‘Hacks’ third season maintains the quality level we’ve come to expect from this series, carefully basing its comedy on human reactions while also continuing a solid line in prodding at celebrity excess.

This year’s major throughline includes a brand new potential opportunity for Deborah (one that we won’t spoil here), which allows her to show that even at her level, there are some things even she must truly fight for, especially as a female performer.

There are also some fun moments featuring yet more chaos from her daughter, DJ (Kaitlin Olson), who has her own revelation to drop on her mother, another fertile source for both comedy and drama. As with other storylines, this is powered not just by finding what will make you laugh, but also what will make you feel for these people.

The direction from the likes of Aniello, Downs and Michelle Ouellet continues to be perfectly fine –– unshowy and naturalistic, letting the script and the performances do the heavy lifting.

‘Hacks’ Season 3: Performances

(L to R) Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Jean Smart, Mark Indelicato and Carl Clemons-Hopkins in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Eddy Chen/Max.

You can almost always rely on Jean Smart when she’s given the right sort of material, and Deborah really is a gift to the actress, who deploys nuclear level sarcasm when the moment calls for it, is completely believable as a comedian with a long career behind her (and the chops to power it) and, despite outrageous privilege thanks to her wealth, a hard working person with her own neuroses and issues to deal with. She might have houses in Vegas, LA and elsewhere, and fly where she needs to go via private jet, but she’s also filled with concern about how she hasn’t done right by members of her family.

And as Ava, Einbinder continues to be a human bag of nervy energy, worried about how her life is shaping up and, in the early going, seemingly happy to be out of Deborah’s circle. Their legal issues last season would seem to mean that she’s able to move on, but ‘Hacks’ wouldn’t really be ‘Hacks’ without their dynamic at its heart, so of course she’s back working for her before too long. And thank goodness, as the Ava storyline outside of Deborah, while it has some fun moments, is nowhere near as satisfying.

Hannah Einbinder in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Eddy Chen/Max.

Around the main pair orbits their various friends, family, colleagues and hangers-on. Prime among them is Downs’ Jimmy, aided (sometimes) by show breakout Megan Stalter as Kayla, the world’s worst assistant –– now his partner in his new company. While a little of Kayla goes a long way, the writers’ know when to deploy her. And Downs continues to bring Jimmy to life as a constantly frustrated nebbish.

We would also be remiss if we didn’t shout out ‘Succession’ veteran J. Smith Cameron, who here plays Deborah’s long-estranged sister, a character a world away from Gerri Kellman. She’s superb in the role, twitchy and odd, but with clear regret towards what she did to Deborah.

‘Hacks’ Season 3: Final Thoughts

(L to R) Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Beth DubberMax.

‘Hacks’ is back, and that can only be a good thing. Though not everything continues to work as it once did, there is still much to recommend it, even without the Smart factor. It might not push the boundaries in terms of tone and character, but it’s not trying to be something along the lines of ‘Baby Reindeer’.

Taken on its own terms, and thanks to its primary performances, ‘Hacks’ is still one of the best traditional comedies on TV.

‘Hacks Season 3’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘Hacks’ Season 3?

A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.

But as Deborah pursues a new opportunity and Ava returns to her orbit, how will their strained relationship affect their lives?

Who else is in ‘Hacks’ Season 3?

‘Hacks’ main cast also includes Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo and Lorenza Izzo.

This year’s guest stars include J. Smith-Cameron, Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace and Tony Goldwyn.

(L to R) Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ Season 3. Photograph: Beth DubberMax.

Other TV Shows Similar to ‘Hacks’:
- ‘Designing Women‘ (1986 – 1993)
- ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm‘ (2000 – 2024)
- ‘Fargo‘ (2014 – 2024)
- ‘Grace and Frankie‘ (2015 – 2022)
- ‘Fleabag‘ (2016 – 2019)
- ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel‘ (2017 – 2023)
- ‘Get Shorty‘ (2017 – 2019)
- ‘I’m Dying Up Here‘ (2017 – 2018)
- ‘The Kominsky Method‘ (2018 – 2021)
- ‘Succession‘ (2018 – 2023)
- ‘Daisy Jones & the Six‘ (2023)
Buy Jean Smart Movies On Amazon
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April 30, 2024
Movie Review: ‘Champions’
(L to R) Casey Metcalfe as Marlon, James Day Keith as Benny, Woody Harrelson as Marcus, Ashton Gunning as Cody, and Tom Sinclair as Blair in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

Since their last directorial collaboration with comedy sequel ‘Dumb & Dumber To’ in 2014, sibling filmmakers Peter and Bobby Farrelly have charted distinctly different paths. Peter has looked for a different level of recognition, making the Oscar-winning ‘Green Book’ and the less well-received ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’.

Bobby Farrelly, on the other hand, has mostly spent the time producing other people’s work and shooting shorts. But he’s back with a new movie that you could picture studio executives considering award-worthy given its blend of heartwarming comedy and underdog athletes –– and Woody Harrelson, who starred for him in ‘Kingpin’.

‘Champions’ still sticks closer to the previous Farrelly brothers brand of comedy, though it largely tones down the levels of slapstick and gross-out humor in favor of spotlighting the abilities of the players and letting Harrelson play a grump on screen whose heart might just be melted by his new charges.
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What’s the story of ‘Champions’?

Though it sounds like the sort of inspirational true story that Hollywood loves to bring to screens, ‘Champions’ is actually based on the acclaimed Spanish film ‘Campeones’ –– which became Spain’s biggest box office hit of the year when it was released in 2018, ultimately winning Best Film at the Spanish Film Academy’s Goya Awards.

Harrelson plays Marcus, a minor-league basketball coach who disagrees with his boss (Ernie Hudson) and ends up getting pushy (literally). Kicked off the team, Marcus drowns his sorrows and, driving home from a bar, rear-ends a stopped police car.

Which means he goes from the basketball court to the law courts, handed a public service sentence that involves managing the Friends, a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Marcus is introduced to the likes of Johnny (Kevin Iannucci), Darius (Joshua Felder), Cody (Ashton Gunning), Craig (Matthew Von Der Ahe), Blair (Tom Sinclair) and Benny (James Day Keith). And soon after, they’re joined by Cosentino (Madison Tevlin), a superstar player (and real motivator) who is fresh off the injury list and ready to prove herself.

Around the same time, Marcus meets Alex (Kaitlin Olson) on Tinder and while their spark is somewhat less than love at first site, he soon discovers he’ll be spending more time with her than he thought, as she’s Johnny’s sister and main caretaker.

Initially doubtful that he should even bother with team, he soon realizes that they can go further than they or he imagined –– which includes all the way to the Special Olympics. And that could also help boost his professional chances.

(L to R) Alex Hintz as Arthur, Casey Metcalfe as Marlon, Matthew von der Ahe as Craig, Ashton Gunning as Cody, Tom Sinclair as Blair, Joshua Felder as Darius, James Day Keith as Benny, Madison Tevlin as Cosentino, Kevin Iannucci as Johnathan, and Bradley Edens as Showtime in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

Related Article: Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson Talk Basketball Comedy ‘Champions’

What works about ‘Champions’?

‘Champions’ is a stealthily entertaining and –– yes, at times uplifting –– comedy that goes some way to subverting expectations about this type of movie. Yes, Harrelson’s character is exactly the sort of grumpy ass who appears to lack people skills. But he at least is allowed a few shades of gray. His own issues are clearly outlined and his relationship with Olson’s Alex isn’t exactly cookie cutter. It won’t truly surprise you, but at least it goes on something of a storytelling journey.

There are also largely organic reasons for Alex not wanting Johnny to leave the home they share with their mother, and her own life is stunted for different reasons other than simple loyalty to her sibling. And Marcus’ drink driving comes into play for one of the Friends, who initially refuses to have anything to do with him for reasons that are both darker than you expect and more interesting.

The Friends, meanwhile, are characters in their own right, and writer Mark Rizzo goes some way to factoring them into the storyline so that everyone has some agency. Plus given that several of those playing the Friends haven’t acted before in their lives, they’re all charismatic and entertaining in their own right.

Harrelson, Olsen and the likes of Cheech Marin (who plays Julio, who runs the non-profit recreation center where the Friends train) know exactly what they’re doing in their roles and keep the laughs coming when needed, switching tracks to heartwarming when called upon.

(L to R) Ernie Hudson as Coach Phil Peretti and Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ released by Focus Features. Photo Credit: Shauna Townley/Focus Features.

What doesn’t work about ‘Champions’?

Even if you’ve not seen the trailer for the movie, you’ll pretty much be able to guess every beat coming down the line here: Marcus, initially resistant to his new charges, soon learns to appreciate them for more than just the challenges they face in life and on the court.

And for all the good work the script and cast do in making the characters come alive as more than simply a means to an end, only one or two of the Friends really stands out –– Johnny, for example, is shown to have a full life and it’s mostly thanks to Tevlin that Cosentino overcomes her own definition –– the rest largely sticking to one or two stereotypical behaviors.

The movie also won’t challenge anyone looking for stylish, inventive filmmaking – this is strictly down the line shooting, nothing more than competent. Though if you’re coming to a Farrelly comedy expecting glorious visions, you were looking in the wrong place.

And even with a full team of characters to explore (which it doesn’t fully regardless), this feels like it outstays its welcome, stretching the story a shade over two hours. The saccharine levels also ramp up as the team starts to bond with Marcus and he finds himself won over by their efforts.

Overall, ‘Champions’ won’t challenge any expectations, but it does at least offer enough entertainment to keep it from feeling like a waste of time at the cinema.

‘Champions’ receives 6 out of 10 stars.

(L to R) Kevin Iannucci as Johnathan, Kaitlin Olson as Alex, James Day Keith as Benny, and Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Shauna Townley/Focus Features.

Other Movies Similar to ‘Champions:’
- ‘Hoosiers‘ (1986)
- ‘White Men Can’t Jump‘ (1992)
- ‘Dumb and Dumber‘ (1994)
- ‘Kingpin‘ (1996)
- ‘There’s Something About Mary‘ (1998)
- ‘Semi-Pro‘ (2008)
- ‘The Way Back‘ (2020)
Buy Tickets: ‘Champions’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Woody Harrelson Movies On Amazon

‘Champions’ is produced by Gold Circle Films and Focus Features, and scheduled for release on March 10th.
March 10, 2023
‘Champions’ Interview: Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson
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Opening in theaters on March 10th is the new basketball comedy ‘Champions,’ which was directed by Bobby Farrelly (‘Dumb and Dumber,’ ‘There’s Something About Mary’).

What is the plot of ‘Champions?’

After losing his college basketball coaching position, and being arrested for drinking and driving, Marcus (Woody Harrelson) is sentenced to community service and must coach a basketball team called “The Friends,” which is made up of players with intellectual disabilities.

While the team is reluctant to embrace Marcus at first, eventually they find themselves working together and competing for a spot in the Special Olympics. Meanwhile, Marcus begins a complicated relationship with the sister of one of his players, Alex (Kaitlin Olson).
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Who is in the cast of ‘Champions?’

‘Champions’ stars Oscar-nominee Woody Harrelson (‘White Men Can’t Jump,’ ‘Kingpin’), Kaitlin Olson (‘Vacation’), Ernie Hudson (‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’), and Cheech Marin (‘Shotgun Wedding’).

Playing “The Friends” are Madison Tevlin, Joshua Felder, Kevin Iannucci, Ashton Gunning, Matthew Von Der Ahe, Tom Sinclair, James Day Keith, Alex Hintz, Casey Metcalfe, and Bradley Edens.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson about their work on ‘Champions,’ the characters, working with “The Friends,” and what audiences can expect from the new comedy.

(L to R) Kaitlin Olson as Alex and Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Harrelson, Olson, Cheech Marin, and Bobby Farrelly.

Moviefone: To begin with, what would you both say to viewers sitting down to watch this movie to prepare them for the experience they are about to have?

Woody Harrelson: Well, I’d say listen, it’s important, if you don’t like laughing, if you don’t like having a great time and being happy, you might want to leave right now. But if you do like having a good time and laughing, then you’re going to have a great time tonight.

Kaitlin Olson: We had so much fun making this movie. It is a true underdog story. It makes you feel good. We worked with some incredible actors who some of them are first time actors. We’re just so incredibly proud of this movie. It makes you feel good, and it makes you laugh. So please enjoy.

(L to R) Kevin Iannucci as Johnathan, Kaitlin Olson as Alex, James Day Keith as Benny, and Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Shauna Townley/Focus Features.

Related Article: Jennifer Coolidge and Cheech Marin Talk Prime Video’s ‘Shotgun Wedding’

MF: Woody, can you talk about the situation Marcus finds himself in coaching “The friends,’” and how that changes his life, and him as a person?

WH: Well, Marcus does get in a little trouble with the law and goes before the judge. She tells him, “Well, you got a choice. You can either go to jail or you can go and coach ‘The Friends,’ these people with disabilities.” Which he thinks for a minute, “Do I want to? Okay.” Then he ends up going to do the coaching. I think that he’s so tied up in his need to succeed and so ambitious in wanting to be in the NBA, and it takes these “Friends” to really start to cultivate the inner more vulnerable side to his nature. Of course, my relationship with Alex also helps to make Marcus a better man. So his learning to love is what shifts him completely.

Kaitlin Olson stars as Alex in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ released by Focus Features. Photo Credit: Shauna Townley/Focus Features.

MF: Finally, Kaitlin, Alex has a history with Marcus, what’s her reaction when she discovers that he is coaching her brother’s basketball team?

KO: Alex doesn’t have a great experience with him in the beginning of the movie. Then when she finds out that he’s coaching her brother’s basketball team, I think she’s very uncomfortable and sees in this character that he just wants to win. She really sees the value of looking at each individual person and expecting their own personal best, and seeing that as a win. So I think she’s very apprehensive about what he’s going to do and how he’s going to ultimately affect them. She wants to protect them from him. But of course, they get to know each other.

(L to R) Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson star in ‘Champions.’

Other Movies Similar to ‘Champions:’
- ‘Hoosiers‘ (1986)
- ‘White Men Can’t Jump‘ (1992)
- ‘Dumb and Dumber‘ (1994)
- ‘Kingpin‘ (1996)
- ‘There’s Something About Mary‘ (1998)
- ‘Semi-Pro‘ (2008)
- ‘The Way Back‘ (2020)
Buy Tickets: ‘Champions’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Woody Harrelson Movies On Amazon

‘Champions’ is produced by Gold Circle Films and Focus Features, and scheduled for release on March 10th.
March 6, 2023