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- HBO Max
- May 13, 2021
- HBO Max
- May 13, 2021
Summary Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a Las Vegas comedian, mentors Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a 25-year-old writer in this dark comedy from Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky.
Created By: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky
- HBO Max
- May 13, 2021
- HBO Max
- May 13, 2021
Summary Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a Las Vegas comedian, mentors Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a 25-year-old writer in this dark comedy from Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky.
Created By: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 24 Critic Reviews
82
92% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
8% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 24 Critic Reviews
82
92% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
8% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The pacing is exquisite, with every episode revealing just enough of Deb and Ava’s backstory to cast them repeatedly in a new light. So there it is: Hacks is every bit as great as you’ve been told.
The show excels in these small moments of discovery. And Smart, the reigning Meryl Streep of tough broad types, excels at absolutely everything. ... Einbinder, an LA-based stand-up comic tackling her first leading role, is immensely appealing as Ava.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 39 User Ratings
7.4
85% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
5% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 39 User Ratings
7.4
85% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
5% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
This is a great show. I’ve always loved Jean Smart and I think this is a great part for her. I will definitely be staying tuned for future seasons!
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SEASON 1
“Hacks” is her [Jean Smart's] master class – a series that showcases just how much she can add to anyone’s work. ... “Hacks” nicely fills the void left by “VEEP.” It, too, is acerbic and on point. ... While “Hacks” may be a harsh title for something this deliciously good, it captures the price some are willing to pay for celebrity.
Even when we take a subplot detour into the lives of the backup players, “Hacks” never loses its edge — but it’s when Smart and Einbinder have the floor to themselves that this show sparkles brighter than Deborah’s outfits under the Vegas spotlight.
There are plenty of laughs along the way, but it’s the unforced emotional truths that make Hacks a right and proper vehicle for Smart.
On the evidence of the first three-fifths of the series, it’s difficult to tell where things might be headed over the remaining two or just when the engine that will drive the story to some conclusion or cliffhanger will kick in.
There’s a schematic quality to the series’ foundation that Hacks mostly fails to outgrow in the first six of its 10 episodes. Deborah and Ava’s boomer-versus-millennial, heartland-versus-the-coasts, experience-versus-innovation tensions are constantly telegraphed without becoming organic to the characters. Occasionally, their differences can lead to interesting discussions.
Brilliant chemistry between a refreshingly unique television pairing. Smart and Einbinder are just brilliant together and elevate some of the more familiar material at the beginning and then really shine once the show catches up to them. A hoot!
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SEASON 1
This show is good because it hinges on the relationship between two phenomenal actors. Their relationship is the key to unlocking this show with a nice blend of comedy and drama.
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SEASON 1
The 2021 TV series Hacks on HBO is a drama about a comedian and a comedy writer. So, the series is not so much a comedy as it is a drama about comedy.
The series is generally considered good and recieves a lot of positive reviews. I'm going to skip making comments regarding the high quality aspects of the series and make an observation about some of the actors in the less important roles.
I do this because I've always felt when casting, writing, etc does very good work on the minor roles - it invariably results in very good entertainment.
Kaitlin Olson who plays Deborah "DJ" Vance Jr. and Christopher McDonald who plays Marty Ghilain, CEO of the Palmetto Casino have non-major, straight roles in the series.
Their acting, the writing, directing, etc for their parts is excellent. And to me, the attention to details like that is what makes a series like Hacks good.
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SEASON 1
Well written and good characters. IMO too much time is spent on Ava and not near enough on Kaitlin Olson's character DJ. Kaitlin is a comic gold mine, especially with Jean Smart, and the series would be so much funnier if she was featured every episode.
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SEASON 1
Underwritten and over-acted, Hacks makes a strong case that the greatest hacks of all are the people who think that a drama about stand-up comedy makes for compelling television.
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SEASON 1
