I watched Hacks like it was the only thing I needed in my life right now. I devoured all three seasons currently available with great enthusiasm. I laughed, cried, and felt melancholic. It was such a balm for my soul… like a breath of fresh spring air.
Hacks begins with Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, trying to reinvent her show because the world is changing, and she needs to stay relevant in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The comedy gods intervene through a twist of fate, sending Gen Z comedy writer Ava Daniels to help Deborah punch up her jokes.
Both women, coming from different generations, are challenging individuals in their own right. Arrogance is their biggest shared trait.
I absolutely loved the friendship between Deborah and Ava. Despite their age gap, career stages, and life experiences, a genuine bond blossoms between them. Deborah is eccentric and extraordinary—difficult, yes, but also brilliant, magnetic, and uniquely charismatic.
Another aspect that struck me was how both women, despite being at completely different points in their careers, must work relentlessly and keep fighting. Deborah, even as a famous comedian, still has something to prove.
Ava, on the other hand, is just starting out and must battle the harsh realities of the industry to make her mark. Yet, both women love their work deeply, driven by determination and ambition, even if it doesn’t spare them from suffering.
As the episodes progress, their definitions of success and friendship evolve. While these two comedians discover new truths about themselves, you also find yourself reflecting on values like friendship, success, respect, shame, family, and courage. In the end, you don’t want them to leave your life! At least, that’s how I felt. I could binge-watch countless episodes if there were more.
I wholeheartedly applaud the show’s writers and producers for creating such a compelling comedy that swept the Emmys, fueled by the electric dynamic of its two lead women—one older, one younger. I also adored the show’s supporting characters.