Hacks Season 5 Review: A Fitting Final Curtain Call

The curtain is finally closing on one of the most sharp-tongued and emotionally resonant journeys in recent television history. For those who have followed the volatile, high-stakes partnership between a legendary comedy icon and a struggling young writer, the Hacks season 5 review boils down to a simple truth: the show manages to get the last laugh although delivering a poignant meditation on legacy.

Coming into its final stretch, Hacks does what it has always done best—it resets the status quo while pushing its characters toward inevitable growth. This season finds Deborah Vance, the indomitable queen of Las Vegas comedy, facing an unprecedented crisis: she is struggling to perform. In a twist that blends legal absurdity with professional agony, a non-compete clause has effectively gagged the seasoned comic, preventing her from making jokes in public. This narrative choice creates a fascinating tension, culminating in a “Free Deborah!” movement that sees fans rallying behind the woman who spent decades thinking she didn’t need anyone.

For Jean Smart, who has delivered a masterclass in timing and ego throughout the series, the role remains effortless. Having won four Emmys for her portrayal of Deborah in four consecutive seasons, Smart enters this final run with a level of confidence that mirrors her character’s own. Alongside her, Hannah Einbinder continues to be the perfect foil as Ava Daniels, the long-suffering writer whose relationship with Deborah serves as the show’s emotional heartbeat.

As an HBO Max hit, the series has maintained a rare level of consistency. In a tumultuous TV landscape where quality often dips as a show ages, Hacks has thrived across five years, blending high-brow wit with the raw pain of the comedy grind.

The Evolution of the ‘Avorah’ Dynamic

At the core of the final season is the evolution of the “volatile two-hander” between Deborah and Ava. Over the years, their relationship has cycled through friendship and enmity more times than Deborah has worn animal print. But, season five smartly pulls back on the repetitive cycle of conflict and reconciliation, replacing it with a lived-in warmth and mutual respect.

This growth is not just a combined effort; it is evident in their individual arcs. Ava has finally stepped out of Deborah’s shadow, prioritizing her own success and confidence. Even Deborah, despite her insistence that she remains unchanged, has been fundamentally altered by Ava’s presence in her life. This shift allows the writers to explore a softer approach to their bond, satisfying fans who have long “shipped” the pair while keeping their disagreements grounded in their starkly different personalities.

The writing continues to balance the “zingers” with genuine pathos. Whether it is a joke comparing a wedding to a colonoscopy—”It’s a pain in the ass every five years but I’m passed out for most of it”—or the recurring gags about Ava’s “inhuman strength,” the humor feels natural. Yet, the show understands that comedy is often a mask for pain, and the final season does not shy away from the sadness that accompanies an ending.

Fan Service and the Pursuit of the EGOT

The writers have gone to great lengths to reward long-term viewers, particularly the queer fanbase that has supported the series from the start. This is evident in Deborah’s ambitious decision to pursue an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), the return of Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan, and the bold, if unnecessary, extended nudity of Jimmy, played by Paul W. Downs.

One particular episode stands out for addressing “Avorah” shipping conversations head-on. By refusing to bow to pressure from any one side of the fandom, the show maintains its integrity while utilizing guest stars to elevate the narrative. The utilize of guest stars has always been a strength of Hacks, straddling the line between camp and spectacle with an absurdity that feels right at home in Deborah’s world.

However, the season is not without its flaws. There is one notable “dud” episode—a celeb-driven mother-daughter adventure that feels disjointed from the rest of the series. Interestingly, co-creator and writer Paul W. Downs revealed ideas that were left on the cutting room floor, including a concept where Deborah is forced to accept an Uber across the desert to Los Angeles due to inclement weather. While these cut ideas sound enticing, they highlight the show’s commitment to prioritizing the ongoing narrative over isolated comedic scenarios.

A Final Verdict on a Perfect Run

While some elements of the final season feel slightly rushed or shoehorned in—and the climax may feel unexpected for some—the emotional payoff is undeniable. The series concludes by proving that neither Deborah Vance nor Jean Smart has any real competition. As the character of Deborah takes her final bow, the performance only leaves the audience more eager to see what Smart will tackle next.

Hacks will be remembered as one of the all-time greats of the streaming era, ending what critics have described as a perfect run. It is a comic swan song that manages to be both a celebration of the art of comedy and a heartbreaking goodbye to two of TV’s most complex characters.

Key Takeaways for Viewers

• The Premise: Deborah Vance battles a non-compete clause that prevents her from performing, leading to a fan-led “Free Deborah!” movement.
• Character Growth: The relationship between Deborah and Ava evolves from a volatile power struggle into one of mutual respect and warmth.
• Highlights: Strong pursuit of the EGOT, the return of Marcus Vaughan, and Jean Smart’s continued award-caliber performance.
• Low Points: A few rushed plot points in the climax and one “dud” celebrity-driven episode.

Season 5 of Hacks is available in the US starting April 9 and in the UK starting April 17. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, this final curtain call is essential viewing.

What did you reckon of the series finale? Did the conclusion of the Deborah and Ava saga satisfy you, or were you hoping for a different ending? Let us know in the comments below and share this review with your fellow comedy lovers.