"Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old."

OUR REVIEW:

It’s been two years since the season two finale of Hacks saw legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) fire her young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder). For two years the fans of the hit Max series have been left wondering how the dynamic duo would navigate this new and rocky terrain. The wait is over as season three arrives in a blaze of comedic glory. 

The first episode jumps ahead to one year after the firing. We greet Deborah first, as she’s riding high off the success of her special. She has a variety of brand deals, commercials, and appearances and seems to be relishing in her return to the top. Meanwhile Ava has found work as a writer on a television series. 

But the pitfalls of success begin to rear its ugly head for Deborah. She can’t test new material because friendly audiences cackle at everything she says—even transitional phrases meant to set up a potential joke. Her hired help become merely “yes men” who won’t tell her the truth, even when she selects a dress that is later referred to (correctly) as fugly. Ava is similarly struggling with the new direction of her own life—confused by Deborah’s lack of communication and yet compelled to keep tabs on her. When Deborah and Ava bump into each other at an event in Montreal, it sets the stage for what makes this show so enjoyable: their relationship. 

The first two episodes of season three don’t miss a beat. Smart and Einbinder pick up right where they left off and flex both their chemistry and their comedic chops. The writers pack every moment of the half-hour episodes with witty and hilarious lines that still manage to feel fresh despite it being the third season with the same characters. There are still seven more episodes to unfurl the drama that will surely ensue, but Hacks season three is off to a hysterical and entertaining start.