Yes, it is actually ending

If you heard Hannah Einbinder hint that the comedy Hacks was wrapping up, she was not imagining things. Einbinder, one of the show’s stars, has said that season five is the last. Now HBO Max has made it official.

When to watch

The fifth and final season will premiere on Thursday, April 9 at 9pm ET. The season has ten episodes and will stream weekly. There will be two-episode drops on April 30 and May 7. The series concludes with its finale on May 28.

Where the story picks up

The end of season four left Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance tangled in a non-compete issue and off on a messy trip to Singapore with Einbinder’s Ava. After the partying, a false report circulates that Deborah has died. Season five opens in the wake of those false and embarrassing headlines. Deborah and Ava return to Las Vegas determined to protect Deborah’s career and secure her legacy as a comedian.

Who’s in it

The core cast returns alongside an expanded roster of guest players. The show stars:

  • Jean Smart
  • Hannah Einbinder
  • Paul W. Downs
  • Megan Stalter
  • Carl Clemons-Hopkins
  • Mark Indelicato
  • Rose Abdoo

Guest appearances in season five include Robby Hoffman, Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Jane Adams, Lauren Weedman, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Luenell, Angela E. Gibbs, Caitlin Reilly, and Christopher Briney. Leslie Bibb, Cherry Jones, and Ann Dowd also appear.

Behind the scenes

Creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky have said they always knew how the show would end. They described the finale setup as “very full-circle.” The trio continue as showrunners.

Executive producers on the series include:

  • Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello via their Paulilu banner
  • Jen Statsky via First Thought Productions
  • Michael Schur via Fremulon
  • David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment
  • Morgan Sackett
  • Joe Mande
  • Aisha Muharrar
  • Nate Young
  • Ashley Glazier

The series is produced by Universal Television.

Final note

So yes, the show that mixed sharp comedy with unexpected heart will be wrapping on a schedule. If you want to see Deborah Vance’s last stand, mark April 9 on your calendar.