The hit comedy “Hacks” is back. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder return as Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels to continue their tumultuous relationship.

Over the years, Deborah and Ava have been at odds with each other, but there is a deep sense of admiration and even love for each other; however, they won’t admit it. As the season opens, Deborah is preparing for her new late night show with Ava as the head writer, to Deborah’s chagrin. After all, Ava blackmailed Deborah into getting the top job and that doesn’t sit will with the star.

Ava is the youngest head writer in TV late night history and she is intent on creating the best show ever. That said, she goes to work collecting some of the best writers to join her in this new adventure.

Meanwhile Deborah, who has always wanted to be a late night TV host, does everything in her power to take away any confidence Ava has for herself and even goes to extremes to embarrass her. But at what cost?

Smart told the media that Deborah definitely has panic attacks about being the first woman in that position. “It’s the pressure that gets to her, definitely,” she said.

Besides being a female role model on TV, Deborah is also a senior role model. After all, there are not too many shows featuring senior citizens in the main role.

“It’s nice to be able to play a character where you show that people have the same kinds of hopes and dreams and desires and everything they do when they’re 30,” Smart said.

As Ava tries to befriend the group of writers, she might be going too far in separating friendship from being their boss. This causes conflict in the writers room.

Deborah, a legendary comedian, is now in the spotlight as the first woman late night host. Is she up to the job?

When asked about how women get along when they are acting together in a show, Smart replied to the media, “I’ve always found it a little bit insulting that people have this idea that women can’t get along. I remember a million years ago when I was doing ‘Designing Women’ people used to ask us that constantly. I said, ‘Do you guys ask the ‘Barney Miller’ cast that question?'”

There are plenty of ups and downs in this season, not unlike the previous three seasons. Viewers will be rooting for Ava or Deborah as the episodes roll out.

Paul Downs returns as Jimmy, the publicist to both Ava and Deborah, and Megan Stalter is Kayla, his new partner in their new public relations firm. Helen Hunt also returns as network big wig Winnie Landell.

Smart took home the Critics Choice Award for best actress in a comedy series in 2002, 2023 and 2025. She also won the Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series in 2021, 2022 and 2024 for her portrayal of Deborah. Adding to these are the 2022 and 2025 Golden Globe and several others including the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Television Critics Asocial Award.

Einbinder took home the 2025 Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress in a comedy series and has been nominated to many others for her portrayal of Ava. Needless to say, the acting in this series is top notch.

One note: It is a bit raunchy in parts with some nudity, and the show does skew to the political left.

Creator and co-showrunner Lucia Aniello told Variety the five-season arc is still the plan for the show. That said, fans will be in for another season next year if everything goes according to plan.

One final note: The house that Deborah lived in in the show was destroyed by the recent fires. Smart acknowledged, “It’s been sitting there. Hadn’t been touched by fire in 100 years almost. And it was really sad. We just finished shooting there I think the week before. And to envision those beautiful rooms and that beautiful fountain and the backyard. … The couple that live there and their dog, they’re safe, thank God, but that was shocking.”

Smart also admitted to the media that she used to say, “I just sort of think of myself as a housewife with a really weird job.” She added that it can be exciting, but it’s her kids that keep her grounded.

Season Four of “Hacks” can be seen on Max and the other seasons can be streamed on Prime, Hulu, Max and Apple TV+.

“Hacks” premiered April 10 and the 10th episode of the season drops May 29.