Fans distraught as future of hit HBO series is revealed
Paul W. Downs, who co-created Hacks and serves as showrunner, opened up about the future of the critically-acclaimed series in an interview with Deadline.
He confirmed that the plan from the beginning of Hacks was always to end it after its fifth season.
However, he tellingly avoided stating if they would go through with the plan or not.
'Knowing that we're coming to a close in the universe of Hacks, we do want to serve all the characters in the ensemble and give them a proper farewell,' he said.
'So I don't know how many episodes that takes, but we do know where we're headed. We've always known the last scene of the last episode and we're still headed there,' he added.
Fans are already distraught about the hit series ending and many weren't afraid to sound off about it on social media.
'Noooo this is my comfort show,' wailed one, while another begged, 'Please don't end Hacks! It's too good!'
'If this show ever ends, we are rioting in the streets,' raged another.
'I never want to think of Hacks ending,' cried a fourth, while a fifth fan added, 'Best show ever.'
Hacks wrapped up its fourth season in May and a fifth season was then confirmed.
Starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, Hacks follows the ups and downs of the relationship between a legendary comedian in her '70s and an up-and-coming writer who works for her.
Last year, Smart received a standing ovation after she took home the award for Best Lead Actress at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards.
After receiving the gong for her role in Hacks, the beloved star said that she was thrilled for the win and jokingly added, 'I just don't get enough attention.'
She was nominated in the same category that also included The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, Palm Royale's Kristen Wiig, Loot's Maya Rudolph, Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson and Only Murders in the Building's Selena Gomez.
After clinching the honor, she received a rapturous applause and gave an engaging speech.
'Thank you. Thank you so, so much,' she began. 'It's very humbling. It really is.'
Evoking laughter from the audience, she joked: 'And I appreciate this, because I just don't get enough attention. I'm serious!'
During her speech, she recalled how she felt when she first read the script for the Max series. 'When I read the script, I said, "This is everything I could possibly want for my next job.'
She also quipped about the streaming service's name change during her acceptance speech.
'Casey and everybody at HBO... Max... No, I'm sorry. Just what we needed, another network,' as the audience roared with laughter.
At the 2021 and 2022 Emmys, Smart also for her role as comedian Deborah Vance on Hacks.
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