Hannah Einbinder and the creative team behind HBO Max's "Hacks" are saying goodbye to the five-time Golden Globe winner this week as the comedy-drama concludes its run. Einbinder, who plays Ava Daniels alongside Jean Smart's Deborah Vance, took to social media Monday to express gratitude toward creators Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello.
The actress highlighted how the series transformed her career and personal life. Einbinder's role as the younger comedy writer mentored by legendary performer Vance became a breakout showcase for her talents, earning her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The dynamic between her character and Smart's career icon drove the show's emotional core across five seasons.
The creators noted a full-circle coincidence in filming the finale in Paris, the city that served as a symbolic backdrop throughout the series' exploration of legacy, mentorship, and artistic reinvention. That location choice added poetic weight to the show's conclusion, capturing the European sophistication and glamour central to the narrative.
"Hacks" premiered in 2021 and quickly became HBO Max's prestige vehicle for character-driven comedy. The show balanced sharp comedy writing with genuine pathos, following the unlikely partnership between a washed-up Vegas performer and a struggling young writer navigating the entertainment industry. Smart's performance earned her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations, while the series itself collected accolades across major award ceremonies.
The finale's Paris setting reflects how the show evolved beyond its initial Vegas premise, expanding Deborah's world and exploring new creative chapters. Einbinder emphasized pride in the show's accomplishments, praising the collaborative environment Downs, Statsky, and Aniello cultivated. The trio maintained quality control across all five seasons while allowing their cast room for growth