I'm not sure why this is starting off with a low rating. Maybe it's because the show is centered around strong, yet flawed, females. I've seen the first two episodes and I'm looking forward to more. Jean Smart is great in everything and Kaitlin Olson (from Always Sunny in Philadelphia) is always fun to watch. I'm not familiar with the the actress who plays Ava, the young writer in need of a job, but she's very good as well. I'm sure as more people get a chance to watch this, the rating will go way up. It deserves at least an 8.
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sydnee_man13 May 2021
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jaimemedina-3628813 May 2021While I'm not loving Jean Smart in Mere of Easttown, she is spot on in Hacks. There's great chemistry between the to along with great critiques of the absurdity of celebrity and fame. The whole thing feels fresh and innovative.
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julieshotmail3 July 2021The most prolific actress to come out of "Designing Women," Jean Smart is wickedly funny while also capable of serious dramatic roles in shows like "Fargo." In her golden years, she is everywhere, mostly playing supporting roles like Kate Winslet's mom in "Mare of Eastown." Finally, though, she gets to be the lead in her own series, showcasing her talents and wit for all of us to enjoy. "Hacks" is essentially a buddy comedy but with your non-typical duo: an aging rich lady with an entitled Gen-Z female sidekick instead of your typical two white men. This combo takes you to unprecedented fresh jokes, and thanks to the undeniable chemistry of the two actresses, "Hacks" is one of the funniest new comedy series to come around.
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jordaneuserwalker13 May 2021I'm not entirely sure what people are talking about. This show is glamorous, it's fun, it's dramedy, it's accurate to the entertainment industry and what people, especially women go through. It deals with the aftermath of cancel culture, it has religious undertones, it's layered. It's brilliant and I think you should give it a chance!
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Hacks, starring Jean Smart, is a rare, smart and actually funny comedy to stream on TV these days. The setup is that established, and successful comedy legend Deborah Vance (brilliantly played by Jean Smart) is in danger of losing her Vegas residency because the owner of the casino wants to bring in more 'relevant' acts to appeal to a younger crowd. To punch up her act, she is (against her will) paired with a young, talented but also arrogant and entitled Gen Z comedy writer Ava (Played by newcomer Hannah Einbinder, original SNL cast member Laraine Newman's daughter) so she can be more current. The smart writing that features the dynamic of a grizzled, baby boomer comedy veteran with a strong work ethic clashing with a talented but spoiled Gen Z'r is sauce that makes this show. It's hard to believe that this is Einbinder's first gig because she more than holds her own against the always dazzling Jean Smart. Unlike so many current comedy series that telegraph their jokes before they hit you in the face, Hacks understands that most of the comedy is what happens between the characters and, the really funny dialogue, like in all great comedies, is never hammered at you but thrown away. Finally, a comedy series to look forward to every week.
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lee_eisenberg26 June 2021Jean Smart first entered my consciousness when she co-starred on HBO's "Watchmen", although it turned out that I had seen her in movies for years. With her back-to-back roles on HBO's "Mare of Easttown" and "Hacks", Smart has truly secured her place in TV history. Her lead role in the latter is funny without being insulting, dramatic without being boring, and all-around lovable. Both a look at standup comedy and the differences between generations, this show does everything perfectly. I hope that Jean Smart finally earns the renown that she's long deserved.
Playing the writer is Hannah Einbinder (Laraine Newman's daughter). -
filmjim99914 May 2021While watching the first two episodes I thought maybe this is ever so loosely based on Joan Rivers.
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debren14 May 2021Thank you Jean Smart for a "Quality All-American Comedy Series" to quote another review. My Husband & I have loved/adored you in everything! We are just a few years younger than you but this is what America needs right now...Take away the sadness, let us belly laugh, escape in "Real Comedy" & just laugh together. You have brought back what Comedy should be like. We are so very sad to hear about you're Husband's passing. Sending Prayers/Love/Thoughts to you & you're Family. Thank you for all that you do & have done. BEST SHOW EVER!!
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MovieQween-3362218 May 2021This role was made for her and no one else. She is pure magic & I hope she wins every award! My mom & I both love this show. Also newcomer Hannah Einbinder (Lorraine Newman's daughter) is also quick & whitty, they have great chemistry. Can't wait to enjoy the rest of the season!
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ocean_breeze1ca21 May 2021Love Jean Smart, at first thought I wasnt going to get into this show. But I was wrong.. I am enjoying her and the cast, its super funny and warm, and the different personalities of her and her new hired writer;
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tlwgvlle4 June 2022I certainly don't consider this show hilarious, but it is amusing and fairly interesting. Jean Smart does her best with rather clumsy writing- she's always a delight. I do wonder why the writers made the Ava character so very hard to like. Ava is constantly a drag on scenes. My problem is the writing, not the actress.
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Definitely deserves the 3 Emmy wins, I'm glad I decided to watch Hacks. It's very entertaining, captivating, and an exciting story about 2 people in need of work! I started running out of shows to watch recently so this is perfect fun!
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haydengray-535777 February 2022Honestly I don't hate this show, and I get where it can have it's fans. I am just simply not one of them. I like the premise and on a technicality level it's actually pretty great, very well shot and edited. That and Jean Smart (along with most of the cast) does a pretty great job. Smart delivers a very strong performance, both emotionally and comedically, and is easily the best thing about this show. However my problems begin with the other lead played by Hannah Einbinder. This is where it falls apart for me, her character and performance just don't click with me whatsoever. Einbinder is supposed to be the one that audience is supposed to relate with, and a lot of her dialogue is fully of "quirky dialogue" that is supposed to connect with the Millennial/Gen Z crowd, and it absolutely fails. None of what she says is even remotely funny. Too many of her jokes consist of her either getting high, her saying something sexual/shocking, or just saying something "quirky" cause that's supposed to relate to the younger crowds (which I am part of). It also feels like she never stops talking and needs to say something all the time. It's not quite "exposition machine" but it does become annoying. On top of her overly pretentious and self-righteous attitude that makes her incredibly unlikeable. And Einbinder's performance is more unnatural than endearing, occasionally she does some of the more emotional moments decently, but overall her performance just doesn't work for me. I know this is one issue, but it is an issue that plagues the whole show and makes most scenes and episodes focused on her completely rather irritating. Again, I see the appeal, but this one character completely hinders my experience. Again the rest of the show is actually solid and I see how it has its audience, but I just wish Einbinder's character was less frustrating. 6/10.
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hotseatotsie11 December 2021Jean Smart is a legend and this show has so much potential. But the actress playing Ava is beyond annoying. She overacts, makes really fake obvious facial expressions and there's just no chemistry with her and Jean. She is trying way too hard and it fails. Unfortunately she's on the screen more than Jean and I ultimately lost interest. I kept wishing they had just cast someone else because I wanted to keep watching but just couldn't.
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becca-dietz21 May 2021Jean is amazing to watch. The writing on this show is so great. Her character is a typical Las Vegas Diva but also relatable and hilarious. There are some real moments on this show that tug at heartstrings amongst all the comedy. I was hooked by episode 1, can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out!
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bosporan12 May 2022A breath of fresh air, beautifully illustrating generational misunderstanding and strife in a thoughtful and humorous way. Jean Smart is absolutely fabulous as the jaded, acerbic comedian Deborah, who fears her relevance is fading. Hannah Einbinder is Ava, a Gen Z/Millennial who has been cancelled due to an offensive tweet.
The two are thrust together to help Deborah reboot herself and Ava rehabilitate herself by writing jokes together. The chemistry between the women is palpable, despite them being in constant conflict, they develop a growing mutual admiration and affection though neither will admit it.
The stories that emerge are clever, honest and interesting with some wonderful comedy and a deep exploration of relationships. -
So far, we saw the first episode only and love it. Jean Smart is always outstanding and highly watchable. She has the acting gravitas to pull off anything. The glitz of character's lifestyle, fashion, style, humors are a sorely needed gift. This series is exactly what we need right now. It's a high-quality form of escapism. I thought of Joan Rivers which is fantastic as I'm a major fan. She would have loved it too. Looking forward to seeing all episodes. Thank you!!!
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mjbogdanov17 May 2021Subtle, insightful, hilarious in a non-stupid way. Jean Smart can do anything. She shines here and manages the detachment and observational life a true comedian must inhabit with skill and ease. Love her! Love it!
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khconsteng21 May 2021I love Jean Smart. Anything she is in is always worth watching. I am having a hard time liking Hannah Einbinder. I don't know if it's the story line or the actual actress herself. She's unbearable to watch. 3rd episode and I can't stand the character Ava.
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blanbrn3 June 2021"Hacks" is sure one interesting and pushing the envelope like original series from "HBO Max" as it's words and actions are so outspoken and blunt. It features Jean Smart(as an elegant shiny silk colored blouse wearing cougar who's washed up and past her prime as standup comedian Deborah Vance) and Deb is living her days out feuding with her manager over shows and money, it's painful still her tone and mouth pack a punch on stage! Yet newer crowds want modern material so Vance is hired a writer to do her jokes and that's Ava(Hannah Einbinder) who's been suspended from sitcom jokes after being to racy. Both clash from the outset as ego and youth vs. Old school plays a factor in the drama. Each episode is a fun filled raunchy witty journey with actions and words as this feels at home for the city of Las Vegas. Vance is lonely yet still good even her relationship is strained with her grown daughter a sexy colored bra wearing care free party girl(Kaitlin Olson "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"). Overall this may not be everyone's cup of tea for it's character clashes still it's open and honest and a journey for both the two central lead gals and it's very blunt and funny watch it for the brash outspoken roars of one Jean Smart.
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tomboyoutfitter7 June 2021Jean Smart killllllls in this well written, thoughtful show. However, her counterpart Ava is perhaps one of the most annoying characters I've ever seen on TV. And what's sad, is it's likely not even the character of Ava but rather the actress's take on the character. Her performance is like nails on a chalkboard. Her expressions, the delivery, it's made me want to quit watching the show almost every episode but then Jean and the decent writing saves it. Is it too late to recast?! Ugh.
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chimesstreet-8567624 May 2021This show is everything I want and everything I need.
I feel like anything I write would pale in comparison to the thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining writing in Hacks.
The show is delightful, engaging, and just plain fun. Jean Smart is a national treasure. I wish I could give it 11 stars. -
desrocchi4 September 2021A show that revolves all around good writing is ironically completely devoid of it.
The story is uninspired, predictable, flat. The "fun" parts are boring or incredibly stupid.
Unlike "Marvellous miss Maisel", all the scene with the protagonist on stage are absolutely devoid of humour, all her jokes are tame and old. -
ljvanblaricum20 May 2021Watched just out of random boredom and wow! Now I can't wait for the next episodes.
Love love Jean Smart, she's truly perfect as Debra.