The acclaimed HBO Max series *Hacks*, which has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, is set to conclude with its fifth season. The finale is scheduled to air on May 28 at 9 p.m. ET, marking the end of a journey that began with a clear vision from its creators.
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The comedy, featuring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, has garnered significant success over its run, including an impressive 12 Emmy Awards, with the pinnacle achievement being the Outstanding Comedy Series award in 2024. However, the series creators — Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky — had always intended for *Hacks* to unfold over five seasons, allowing them to tell a complete story without extending its lifespan beyond their original plan.
Downs shared his thoughts about the conclusion, expressing a sense of relief following the filming of the final episodes. “It’s bittersweet,” he remarked, “we didn’t know if we would actually get to shoot everything we wanted to shoot, so that felt really good.” He also acknowledged the emotional weight of saying farewell to the characters that had become like family to the cast and crew.
While the series has enjoyed a successful run, the decision to end it after five seasons was firmly rooted in the creators’ initial conception. According to reports, during the early discussions with HBO back in 2019, Aniello, Downs, and Statsky articulated their vision, even outlining the last scene of the show. Aniello affirmed this commitment, stating, “We’ve always been building toward that idea. It is still the same, so for us, it’s something we’ve been building toward for a long time.”
Throughout its duration, while certain plotlines and character arcs may have evolved, the overarching narrative centred around Deborah Vance remained as originally intended. Downs reflected on how much their vision had remained intact amidst changes, particularly highlighting the development of characters like Jimmy and Kayla. “What happens with Deborah Vance, we pitched, oh my God, seven years ago,” he stated, indicating the pride they take in staying true to their vision.
As the series concludes, it is natural for cast members to feel emotional. Jean Smart, who portrays the central character Deborah, revealed her mixed emotions upon reading the final scripts. “I was shocked and unsure about how I felt because it was not remotely anything I could have imagined,” she admitted. Yet, she expressed confidence in the writers, saying, “I realised it will work because they’re writing it and they’re amazing.”
Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava, echoed similar sentiments during the filming of the finale. She described emotional moments behind the scenes, suggesting there were “buckets” of tears. Einbinder spoke about Ava’s dedication to helping Deborah achieve her dreams, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration between their characters while hinting at the profound legacy they share.
Despite the imminent conclusion of *Hacks*, the desire for continuation lingers among the cast. Meg Stalter, who portrays Kayla, expressed enthusiasm for a potential spinoff. “I definitely think we should do a spinoff,” she quipped in an interview, advocating for even more storytelling potential beyond the original five seasons.
As fans prepare for the series finale, there remains a bittersweet sentiment surrounding the end of *Hacks*. The creators and cast are proud of what they have accomplished and hope that viewers will find the culmination of this journey satisfying. With the spirit of *Hacks* etched in the hearts of its audience, the finale promises to showcase the talent and storyline that have made the series a celebrated entry in contemporary television history.