Hacks Season 4 Review: Is It the Best Yet?

A deep dive into the latest season of Hacks, exploring its highs, lows, and what makes it stand out.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 29, 2025

A deep dive into the latest season of Hacks, exploring its highs, lows, and what makes it stand out.

Is Hacks Season 4 the Best Yet?

When Hacks Season 4 premiered on Max on April 10, 2025, it arrived with a roar. The show, which centers on the complex relationship between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her sharp-witted head writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), has always been praised for its biting humor and emotional depth. But with Season 4, the stakes are higher, the drama is fiercer, and the dynamic between the two leads is more intense than ever. Is this the best season yet? Let’s dive in.

Explosive Start, Fiery Depth

Season 4 of Hacks kicks off with a sense of urgency and intensity. The relationship between Deborah and Ava, which has always been a mix of mentorship, rivalry, and friendship, is pushed to new limits. The show breathes new life into their partnership, exploring themes of legacy, identity, and the cost of success. The first few episodes are particularly strong, setting the stage for a season that is both thrilling and emotionally charged.

Deborah Vance: A Legacy in Crisis

Deborah Vance, played with brilliance by Jean Smart, is at the heart of Season 4. Her character is grappling with her legacy, both personal and professional. The show delves into her relationship with her son, DJ, and her obsession with her version of ‘Late Night.’ This single-minded determination, however, is never fully examined, leaving viewers with a sense of unease. Deborah’s malaise of idleness is out of character and deeply unappealing to watch, but it also sets the stage for a powerful arc that culminates in the finale.

Ava Daniels: Paranoia and Fear

Ava Daniels, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder, is also facing her own challenges. The season hinges on her paranoia and fear, which culminate in her believing Deborah has killed herself. This shift in tone is a departure from the earlier seasons, where the show carefully balanced dramatic tension with comedy. In Season 4, the jokes don’t land as often, and the drama becomes increasingly repetitive. Ava’s spiral is a highlight, but it also highlights the show’s struggle to maintain its comedic rhythm.

Supporting Cast and New Dynamics

One of the major issues with Season 4 is the phasing out of much of the supporting cast. Characters like Jimmy and Kayla, who were once the worst part of the show, are now regular highlights. However, the new dynamics that are introduced never fully settle in, and the banter is mostly reserved for Deborah and Ava or Jimmy and Kayla. The rest of the cast is left with little to do, and many scenes fade into empty silence. Previous seasons used this for comedy, but it often feels like the show cannot conclude the moment.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of Season 4 is a significant issue. The season often feels like a series of clips stapled together, rather than a cohesive ten-episode arc. The major problem is that the show rushes its climax in the episode prior, leaving the finale with nowhere to go. This results in a finale that is almost mundane, despite the buildup. The pacing is a letdown, especially for a show that has always been praised for its tight storytelling.

Critical Reception

Despite the issues, Hacks Season 4 has received critical acclaim. It currently holds a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the performances of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. The show is described as compelling and insightful when focused on its core story: the bizarre friendship/enemyship/working relationship between Deborah and Ava. However, some critics have noted that the show’s tone and scope have shifted, making it feel more like a dramatic comedy than a comedic drama.

What Works and What Doesn’t

Strong Performances: Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continue to deliver powerhouse performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
Emotional Depth: The show explores complex themes of legacy, identity, and the cost of success, adding new layers to the relationship between Deborah and Ava.
Humor: While the jokes don’t land as often, the show still has moments of sharp, biting humor that fans will appreciate.
Pacing: The pacing is a significant issue, with the season feeling disjointed and rushed.
Tone Shift: The shift from a comedic drama to a dramatic comedy is a departure from the earlier seasons, which may not appeal to all fans.

Episode Highlights

While the season as a whole is uneven, there are several standout episodes. The first three episodes are genuinely good drama, setting the stage for a season that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. Episode Seven, titled ‘D’Christening,’ is among the best episodes of the series, delivering a powerful and emotional arc for both Deborah and Ava.

What’s Next for Hacks?

With Season 4 now concluded, fans are left wondering what’s next for Deborah and Ava. The show has already been renewed for another season, and the finale sets up a dynamic between the two that is both intriguing and unresolved. The future of their relationship, and the show itself, remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Hacks continues to be one of the most fascinating series on television.

FAQs

Is Hacks Season 4 worth watching?

Yes, Hacks Season 4 is worth watching for fans of the show. While it has its flaws, the performances of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, as well as the emotional depth of the story, make it a compelling watch.

How does Season 4 compare to previous seasons?

Season 4 is a departure from the earlier seasons in terms of tone and pacing. It is more dramatic and less comedic, which may not appeal to all fans. However, it still delivers strong performances and emotional depth.

What are the main themes of Season 4?

The main themes of Season 4 include legacy, identity, and the cost of success. The show explores these themes through the relationship between Deborah and Ava, as well as their individual struggles.

Who are the standout performances in Season 4?

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continue to deliver standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Their chemistry is the heart of the show.

What are the criticisms of Season 4?

The main criticisms of Season 4 include pacing issues, a shift in tone, and the phasing out of much of the supporting cast. Some fans may find the season less comedic and more dramatic than previous seasons.

Conclusion

Hacks Season 4 is a bold and ambitious season that pushes the boundaries of the show’s established formula. While it has its flaws, the performances of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, as well as the emotional depth of the story, make it a compelling watch. Whether it is the best season yet is a matter of debate, but one thing is certain: Hacks continues to be one of the most fascinating series on television.