After hearing from Slashfilm that Hacks is the funniest show on TV right now, we had to give it a try. The 30-minute episodes on Max fit well into our lunchtime viewing schedule, and we’re now into the second of three seasons (a fourth is in the making).
Hacks follows an aging comedian (Deborah Vance) in Las Vegas who has reused the same jokes for years, so she hires a much younger writer (Ava) to help improve her act. Deborah and Ava are very different people–Deborah is very wealthy, successful, and self-centered, while Ava is struggling with self-destructive tendencies after getting fired from her previous job.
The show is exceptionally good at creating hilarious dynamics between any two people. Deborah and Ava take center stage, but they each interact with various members of Ava’s team, and Ava’s manager and his assistant are particularly funny together.
Beyond the humor and the showbiz glitz, the show includes a surprising number of heartfelt moments as characters reflect and evolve. We still have quite a few episodes to watch, but I’m impressed by the amount of character development so far.
Hacks is crass and crude at times, but we’re hooked by it, and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a laugh. I’m curious to hear your thoughts if you’ve seen it!
Thanks for the recommendation! My wife and I watched the first few episodes, and we love the show.