The creators of Emmy-winning comedy series Hacks have left the door firmly ajar for a potential revival, despite the show’s fifth and concluding season launching this week. Showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky told Variety at a celebratory gathering on Wednesday night that whilst they feel “good about wrapping up without overstaying our welcome,” they would “never say never” about revisiting the world of Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels. Star Hannah Einbinder was equally enthusiastic, declaring she would seize any chance to reunite with the cast and crew. The comments indicate that whilst the HBO Max series is ending as intended, fans shouldn’t entirely rule out seeing the beloved characters grace screens again in the future.
Not Ruling Out a Return
The cast’s hesitation about permanently ending Hacks was apparent at Wednesday’s celebratory occasion. Jean Smart, who has embodied the acerbic Deborah Vance since the show began, arrived wearing what she described as “a silvery rendition of the golden suit” her character wore in Season 1—a sentimental gesture that highlighted the emotional weight of the event. Smart reflected on the unique relationship between Deborah and Ava, suggesting it differs from similar relationships in film and television. “I can’t think of a relationship like Ava’s and Deborah’s that has been in a movie or on television,” she remarked, praising the writers for consistently raising the bar with every new season.
For Einbinder, whose character Ava has transformed from a struggling comedy writer into a experienced professional, the experience has proven deeply transformative. At just 24 when the series launched, the actor has largely matured in the role, describing her experience as “a whole Saturn Return and a half.” She expressed particular enthusiasm about this final season’s examination of connection between the two leads, pointing out that whilst sparring has consistently been central to their dynamic, portraying Deborah and Ava as true allies has proven equally rewarding. The emotional burden of parting ways was evident, yet her eagerness to return under the proper circumstances stayed unmistakable.
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Cast Reflects on Five Seasons of Character Growth
The group of actors assembled on Wednesday evening to celebrate the conclusion of a show that fundamentally shaped their career paths. For many of the actors, Hacks was a career-making role, enabling them to inhabit complex, multidimensional characters across five seasons of television. The emotional resonance of the occasion was evident, with cast members openly discussing how the show had influenced their growth as artists. Megan Stalter, who portrays the comedic foil Marty, expressed particular gratitude for her collaboration with showrunner Paul W. Downs, recognising that their on-screen chemistry had been crucial for her development as an actor.
Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Robby Hoffman also shared thoughts about the cooperative atmosphere that showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky had cultivated throughout the series’ run. The writers’ commitment to deepening character arcs and extending the ensemble’s storytelling reach had permitted each actor to explore nuanced facets of their roles. As the cast got ready to say goodbye with their characters, the overarching mood was one of appreciation tinged with sadness—a testament to the profound connections forged in both professional and personal contexts during five years of rigorous creative teamwork.
A Connection Unlike Any Other
At the core of Hacks lies the dynamic between Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels, a partnership which has captivated audiences throughout the series’ run. Jean Smart’s reflections on this partnership underscore its singular nature within film and television. “I can’t think of a relationship like Ava’s and Deborah’s that has been in a movie or on television,” Smart observed, highlighting the distinctiveness of the mentor-mentee bond as crafted by the creative team. The development of their dynamic shifting from contentious to genuinely affectionate has offered the emotional scaffolding for the show’s narrative arc.
Hannah Einbinder’s keen interest in the emotional depth between her character and Smart’s Deborah in the final season reflects the maturation of their on-screen relationship. The writers have carefully balanced the pair’s signature sparring with genuine moments of connection, creating a relationship that feels genuine rather than forced. This final season promises to showcase Deborah and Ava operating as genuine allies, a shift that both performers have embraced with clear enthusiasm, suggesting the creative team has effectively navigated the complex shift from conflict to collaboration.
Emotional Goodbye and Future Outlook
The cast and creators of Hacks convened for a poignant celebration of the Emmy-winning series’ fifth and final season on Wednesday evening, an event that proved bittersweet for all those present. Despite the conclusiveness implied by the season premiere date of 9 April, the mood was distinctly reflective instead of conclusive. The showrunning trio of Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky remained characteristically non-committal about whether the story has truly reached its end, insisting in unison: “We would never say never.” Their reluctance to firmly shut the door on a potential revival says a great deal about their continued affection for the world they have carefully built.
Hannah Einbinder’s response to inquiries concerning a possible reboot was just as candid, declaring without hesitation: “Of course I would. Any excuse to be with my people.” The mood rippled across the event space, where ensemble looked genuinely hesitant to bid farewell to their roles and fellow cast members. Jean Smart, who arrived wearing a striking silver version of Deborah’s signature gold ensemble from Season 1, demonstrated equal thoughtfulness about the series’ impact. The creators confirmed they are creating a new series at HBO, though specifics remain undisclosed, suggesting the creative partnership forged through Hacks will proceed along new paths.
Professional Reestablishment and Individual Growth
For Einbinder, the emotional weight of finishing Hacks has been especially meaningful, given her age when production commenced. At just 24 years old when the series launched, the actress has experienced significant growth in her career and life throughout its five seasons. “I feel like I matured and evolved as an individual on this show,” Einbinder noted during the celebration. “It’s a whole Saturn Return and a half.” Her forthright observation demonstrates how deeply the project has shaped her career as a performer, turning her from a relative newcomer into an seasoned television actor.
Megan Stalter similarly expressed her appreciation of the collaborative environment established by the creative team. “Working with Paul and being that duo with him is what I’m definitely going to miss the most,” she said of her on-camera collaboration with Downs. The actress took the opportunity to announce career developments of her own, indicating that the completion of Hacks constitutes not a conclusion but rather a transition toward fresh prospects. The ensemble’s collective observations show how the series functioned as both a artistic workshop and a formative experience, allowing performers to refine their abilities whilst adding to television content of authentic substance and creative originality.
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The Future for the Ensemble
Whilst Hacks wraps up its five-season run, the cast members have indicated their willingness to embrace fresh creative challenges. Stalter’s revelation of upcoming projects suggests the ensemble will scatter across varied TV and film ventures, each seeking out opportunities that capitalise on the profile and critical recognition garnered through the HBO series. The conclusion of Hacks represents a logical progression rather than an abrupt termination, allowing gifted actors to broaden their repertoires and investigate varied character dimensions. Smart, Einbinder, and their colleagues have shown considerable range throughout the show’s tenure, positioning themselves advantageously for significant roles in upcoming projects that demand the level of craft they’ve regularly demonstrated.
The showrunners’ dedication to crafting new material at HBO indicates the creative partnership that birthed Hacks will keep thriving in unexplored territories. Downs, Aniello, and Statsky have proven themselves to be architects of sophisticated comedy-drama hybrids that prioritise character development and emotional authenticity. Their upcoming project, shrouded in secrecy, promises to maintain the standards of excellence they’ve cultivated. Whether the ensemble reunites for a potential Hacks revival or pursues independent endeavours, the foundation built over five seasons ensures these creators and performers remain influential figures within the entertainment landscape, capable of producing groundbreaking programmes that speaks to audiences seeking intelligent, character-driven storytelling.