Hacks

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO Max
  • Series Premiere Date: May 13, 2021
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 38
  3. Negative: 4 out of 38

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. brockcheese
    May 27, 2022
    8
    This show is good because it hinges on the relationship between two phenomenal actors. Their relationship is the key to unlocking this show with a nice blend of comedy and drama.
  2. truerock
    May 12, 2022
    8
    The 2021 TV series Hacks on HBO is a drama about a comedian and a comedy writer. So, the series is not so much a comedy as it is a drama about comedy.
    The series is generally considered good and recieves a lot of positive reviews. I'm going to skip making comments regarding the high quality aspects of the series and make an observation about some of the actors in the less important    The 2021 TV series Hacks on HBO is a drama about a comedian and a comedy writer. So, the series is not so much a comedy as it is a drama about comedy.
    The series is generally considered good and recieves a lot of positive reviews. I'm going to skip making comments regarding the high quality aspects of the series and make an observation about some of the actors in the less important roles.
    I do this because I've always felt when casting, writing, etc does very good work on the minor roles - it invariably results in very good entertainment.

    Kaitlin Olson who plays Deborah "DJ" Vance Jr. and Christopher McDonald who plays Marty Ghilain, CEO of the Palmetto Casino have non-major, straight roles in the series.
    Their acting, the writing, directing, etc for their parts is excellent. And to me, the attention to details like that is what makes a series like Hacks good.    … Expand
  3. Redbullfan
    Jun 11, 2021
    8
    Well written and good characters. IMO too much time is spent on Ava and not near enough on Kaitlin Olson's character DJ. Kaitlin is a comic gold mine, especially with Jean Smart, and the series would be so much funnier if she was featured every episode.
  4. MarcDoyle
    May 15, 2021
    8
    The first two episodes show potential. Jean Smart is incredible, of course. And though I've never seen her counterpart, it seems like she'll be a good foil. I'll definitely keep watching.
  5. xepav95557
    May 26, 2021
    0
    Underwritten and over-acted, Hacks makes a strong case that the greatest hacks of all are the people who think that a drama about stand-up comedy makes for compelling television.
  6. Iamcritical86
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    This is a great show. I’ve always loved Jean Smart and I think this is a great part for her. I will definitely be staying tuned for future seasons!
  7. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 19, 2022
    7
    Magic in a bottle! This show takes a while to make it's claim but once you pass the 2nd episode there's no denying the sheer brilliance potentially present. It's funny ,intimate and dark. It moves without wasting time and effectively creates strong complex relationships between people hurt by love in differing ways. It's an unexpected gem,definitely a must watch.
  8. geewah
    Oct 20, 2022
    9
    One of the best comedies of 2021.
    A well written and acted show that is at it's strongest when Smart & Einbinder have the screen to them themselves.
  9. Sandyphilly23
    Jan 7, 2023
    8
    Brilliant chemistry between a refreshingly unique television pairing. Smart and Einbinder are just brilliant together and elevate some of the more familiar material at the beginning and then really shine once the show catches up to them. A hoot!

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best TV Season of 2021
58
#58 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Apr 1, 2022
    80
    There are plenty of laughs along the way, but it’s the unforced emotional truths that make Hacks a right and proper vehicle for Smart.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Benji Wilson
    Apr 1, 2022
    100
    The pacing is exquisite, with every episode revealing just enough of Deb and Ava’s backstory to cast them repeatedly in a new light. So there it is: Hacks is every bit as great as you’ve been told.
    Read full review
  3. Empire
    Reviewed by: James White
    Mar 23, 2022
    80
    Smart has rightly been winning awards left, right and centre for her performance, but Einbinder brings a nervy energy to Ava that perfectly complements her. Deeper than the ironic name suggests, Hacks digs into vulnerability, self-image, and gender politics in refreshing ways.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »