The Buzz Surrounding Hacks Season 4 at PaleyFest LA
During a recent gathering at PaleyFest LA, Jean Smart, the star of Hacks, expressed her sentiments on the show’s surprising triumph as the Best Comedy Series at last year’s Emmys, stating, “I wasn’t surprised. We deserved it.” Alongside her were fellow cast members Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, Megan Stalter, and Rose Abdoo, as well as co-creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, who gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to discuss the upcoming fourth season and reflect on their Emmy win for season three.
The Story Continues: Season 4 Begins Where Season 3 Left Off
The anticipated fourth season picks up almost immediately after the cliffhanger from season three. Deborah Vance (played by Smart) has finally landed her dream late-night show, while comedy writer Ava (Einbinder) navigates the aftermath of blackmailing her for the head writer position—an opportunity Deborah previously dangled but later snatched away.
Thematic Elements and Character Development
Jen Statsky commented on this narrative choice, saying, “You leave season three on such a tense moment that skipping ahead would leave so much juice left unsqueezed.” Paul Downs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their desire to maintain the emotional intensity that resonated with audiences. This dynamic introduces a significant shift in the relationship between Deborah and Ava, with Smart noting that themes of betrayal run deep in her character’s life. She remarked, “The more she thinks about it, the more upset she becomes—feeling incredibly betrayed. Deborah has worked for 30 years, and now her future is uncertain because of Ava.”
Channeling Mob Bosses: Ava’s Transformation
As the season unfolds, Einbinder shared her excitement in tackling a more assertive side of Ava, stating, “I was trying to go Ava Corleone on her.” While navigating tense interactions, she noted the playful nature of their conflict: “We have fun with that stuff because we love each other, so even when we’re arguing, we’re just playing.” She also remarked that despite Ava’s outward persona shifting, her core character remains unchanged.
A Tribute to Late-Night Television
The fourth season also delves into the intricacies behind the scenes of late-night TV. Smart revealed the challenges host faces, remarking, “It’s so much harder than it looks.” Statsky, who previously worked for two years on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, highlighted their goal to craft a homage to late-night television, recognizing its significance as an American cultural institution while acknowledging the demanding nature of the work involved.
Location and Community Impact
This season will also pay homage to Los Angeles, with much of the filming taking place in Altadena, an area that faced substantial challenges due to the wildfires earlier this year. Aniello noted, “It felt like such a cool, funky, unique part of L.A. that we always gravitated toward for locations.” There’s even a dedicated episode to L.A., showcasing the crew’s affection for the city in which they create their art.
Future of Hacks: Rumors and Plans
With a previously discussed five-season plan for the series, Downs mentioned, “We pitched the last scene of the show when we pitched the show, so we know where we’re headed.” While the duration of individual story arcs may evolve, Aniello expressed confidence in the richness of the ongoing relationship between Deborah and Ava, stating, “We still feel like we have a lot to explore.”
Anticipation for the Season Finale
As for the show’s conclusion, both Smart and Einbinder admitted uncertainty surrounding the finale. Einbinder hinted, “Whenever I get the finale script, my jaw is on the floor; I never, ever have predicted.” She teased viewers, stating, “Episode 10, you don’t even know. You’re not ready.”
Mark Your Calendars
Hacks season four is set to start streaming on April 10 on Max, promising viewers a thrilling continuation of this beloved comedy series.