HBO's critically acclaimed series Hacks returns for its fourth season on April 10, 2025, with a two-episode premiere that promises to delve deeper into the complex relationship between its lead characters, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels. This season marks a significant shift as Deborah, played by Jean Smart, embarks on her journey as a late-night talk show host, leaving her stand-up career behind. Meanwhile, Ava, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder, navigates her own challenges as she grapples with the evolving dynamics of their partnership.
According to co-creator Jen Statsky, this season is a "love letter" to late-night television, reflecting not only its importance as a cultural institution but also the grueling nature of the industry. "We really, as we were writing this season, wanted to do a love letter to Late Night, both in the fact that it is an important American institution but also it is such a grind," Statsky shared.
The premiere episodes, titled "Big, Brave Girl" and "Cover Girls," will air back-to-back at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available for streaming on Max. Following the premiere, new episodes will be released weekly, with a total of ten episodes in the season. Episode 3 is set to drop on April 17, followed by subsequent episodes every Thursday leading up to the finale on May 29.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect increased tensions between Deborah and Ava, especially as the power dynamics shift now that Ava is running Deborah's talk show. "Tensions rise as Deborah and Ava endeavor to get their late-night show off the ground and make history doing it," the official logline states.
Returning cast members include Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, and Rose Abdoo, alongside new guest stars such as Eric Balfour, Julianne Nicholson, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, and Jake Shane. The season is set to feature several surprise cameos, further heightening anticipation among fans.
Recent seasons have left viewers on the edge of their seats, particularly after the dramatic cliffhanger at the end of Season 3, where Ava and Deborah found themselves at odds over a head writer position. Ava's revelation about Deborah's manipulative tactics created a rift between the two, leading to an ultimatum that could change the course of their relationship.
"You don’t even know. You’re not ready!" Einbinder teased about the season finale, hinting at unexpected twists and emotional moments that lie ahead.
With a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Hacks continues to resonate with audiences, blending humor and drama in a way that feels both relatable and relevant. The chemistry between Smart and Einbinder has been a driving force of the series, with their characters' clashes often revealing deeper truths about ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of success in a competitive industry.
For those looking to catch up, all episodes of Hacks are available for streaming on Max, as well as on platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV with an add-on. As anticipation builds for the fourth season, fans are urged to mark their calendars and prepare for another round of laughter, conflict, and heartfelt moments.
In summary, the fourth season of Hacks promises to explore the evolving relationship between Deborah and Ava against the backdrop of the late-night television landscape, delivering a mix of humor and poignant storytelling that has made the series a standout in contemporary television.
