The third season of “Hacks,” the Emmy-nominated comedy series on Max, presents an intriguing paradox. While the veteran comic Deborah Vance’s quest for a late-night TV show feels somewhat anachronistic—given the declining prestige of such shows—the series imparts a timeless lesson about Hollywood’s cutthroat nature and the lengths to which people will go to succeed.
The finale makes this lesson crystal clear. Deborah (Jean Smart) deceives her writer and confidant Ava (Hannah Einbinder) by claiming that the network barred her from appointing Ava as the head writer. However, a chance encounter with the network executive (Helen Hunt) reveals the truth: the decision was Deborah’s alone. Confronted, Deborah admits she prioritized her shot at late-night stardom over loyalty to Ava. “You have to be selfish,” she tells Ava. “This show has to be bulletproof, and it has to work. I’ve lost way too much for it not to.”
Ava initially wants to quit in protest of Deborah’s betrayal. However, the tables turn in the final scene when Ava blackmails Deborah into granting her the head writer position. When Deborah questions if Ava would really use such tactics, Ava retorts, “I would. Wouldn’t you?”
This development leaves the future of their uneasy alliance uncertain, though their turbulent relationship suggests they are bound to each other, for better or worse.
“Hacks” captures the blend of narcissism and self-absorption often seen as prerequisites for showbiz success. This season parallels the themes of another late-night TV series, “The Larry Sanders Show.” The titular character, played by Garry Shandling, wielded significant power while grappling with profound neuroses—a description that also fits those around him.
The irony is palpable: “The Larry Sanders Show,” which premiered on HBO in 1992 (while “Hacks” streams on Max), emerged during a different era in late night, one still dominated by the legacy of Johnny Carson. The show debuted shortly after Carson’s final episode, amid the infamous “late-night wars.”
Today’s late-night landscape, featuring hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel, has seen its audience fragment dramatically. Other shows, such as those hosted by James Corden and Samantha Bee, have been canceled due to less favorable economics. Unlike the fierce rivalry between David Letterman and Jay Leno, current hosts exhibit a collegiality, even banding together during the writers’ strike.
Despite Deborah’s nostalgic pursuit, “Hacks” remains contemporary. The penultimate episode deals with Deborah addressing backlash over outdated jokes, echoing the controversy that led Kevin Hart to step down as Oscar host.
Following the show’s Christmas episode, it seems fitting that “Hacks” finds a way to navigate the past, present, and future. As long as the dynamics of Hollywood persist, the series continues to reflect the industry’s enduring—and often ruthless—quest for success.
