‘Hacks’ to End After Season 5, Star Confirms at Emmy Awards

HBO Max’s acclaimed comedy series “Hacks” will conclude with its fifth season, star Hannah Einbinder confirmed Sunday night at the 77th Emmy Awards, marking the end of one of television’s most celebrated comedies.

The announcement came as both Einbinder and co-star Jean Smart took home Emmy Awards for their performances in the series. Einbinder, who won her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, described the decision as “really bittersweet” during her red carpet interview with E!.

Emmy Night Brings Awards and Closure

Speaking to reporters, Einbinder revealed that filming for the final season begins next week. “We’re going to start [filming] next week, and knowing it’s the last season is really bittersweet. But I think it’s right, you know? It’s nice to do something as many times as it should be done. Not overstay your welcome. Rip it and do it and laugh and cry,” she told E! host Heather McMahan.

The 30-year-old actress emphasized that ending the show now feels appropriate rather than extending it unnecessarily. “I think it’s nice to do something as many times as it should be done,” she added.

Smart Wins Fourth Emmy for ‘Hacks’

Jean Smart, 74, also had a triumphant evening, winning her fourth Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of comedian Deborah Vance. In her acceptance speech, Smart praised her “incredible cast mates, led by the incomparable Hannah Einbinder”.

Smart acknowledged a summer injury during her speech, noting, “If I was walking [onstage] like John Wayne, it’s because I broke my knee this summer and it’s not quite repaired”.

Creators’ Long-Term Vision Realized

The decision to end “Hacks” with Season 5 aligns with the creators’ original vision for the series. Showrunners Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs had previously indicated they envisioned the show as a five-season project.

Paul W. Downs revealed earlier this year that the creative team has had the final scene planned since 2015. “The final scene of the final episode has been in our minds since 2015, and we’re excited to get there,” Downs told Variety.

Award-Winning Legacy

“Hacks,” which premiered on HBO Max in 2021, has become one of the platform’s most successful original series. The show follows the relationship between veteran comedian Deborah Vance and young comedy writer Ava Daniels as they navigate the contemporary comedy industry.

The series has received critical acclaim throughout its run, winning multiple Emmy Awards and earning four consecutive nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series. Season 5 is expected to debut in 2026, giving fans one final chapter in the acclaimed comedy’s story.

The announcement caps off a successful evening for the “Hacks” team, with both lead performers taking home Emmy hardware as they prepare to bring their characters’ journey to a planned conclusion.