Hacks season 3: next episode, cast, plot and everything we know about the Jean Smart comedy
While the full roster of Max original series includes dramas, reality, docuseries and more, many of the streamer's best offerings to date have been comedies. Perhaps none more so than Hacks, which is back with Hacks season 3.
Hacks is one of the most acclaimed shows of the last few years. Between Hacks season 1 and Hacks season 2, the show has earned 32 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series noms for both seasons, and six wins, with star Jean Smart winning twice for her performance as Deborah Vance. We have every reason to expect more grade-A TV as the key players both in front and behind the camera are returning to continue the story of Deborah and Ava (Hannah Einbinder).
Find out everything you need to know about Hacks season 3 right here.
Hacks season 3 next episode
The Hacks season 3 finale is now available to stream on Max, meaning you can binge the entire nine episode season at your leisure now.
If you want to watch the latest season of Hacks, you're going to need to have a Max subscription.
However, if you're in the UK, Hacks streams on Prime Video.
Hacks season 3 episodes
Here are the synopses and links to our in-depth recaps for Hacks season 3 episodes:
Hacks season 3 episode 1, "Just for Laughs"
"In Montreal to receive an award, Deborah finally gets a chance to break out a custom gown that's been in her closet for years. Meanwhile, Ava attempts to avoid Deborah, and Jimmy and Kayla hustle to land new clients." Read WTW's Hacks season 3 episode 1 recap.
Hacks season 3 episode 2, "Better Late"
"After finally agreeing to appear on Late Night, Deborah gets an unexpected opportunity, while Marcus leverages a cottage industry into "The House of Vance." Read WTW's Hacks season 3 episode 2 recap.
Hacks season 3 episode 3, "The Roast of Deborah Vance"
"After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah snaps into high gear to make sure everything — and everyone — is perfect for her upcoming roast. While Ava consults Kiki about boundary-setting, DJ invites Deborah to speak at her NA meeting."
Hacks season 3 episode 4, "Join the Club"
"Deborah is invited to hang with some of her favorite comedians, Jimmy finally lands a general meeting with Winnie, and Marcus recruits Ava for trivia."
Hacks season 3 episode 5, "One Day"
"As Deborah struggles with writer's block and Ava with a broken heart, the pair decide to take advantage of the Pennsylvania woods and clear their heads."
Hacks season 3 episode 6, "Power Play"
"Deborah participates in a golf tournament to get face time with affiliates — including Bob Lipka, the single most important voice in picking the new host for Late Night — while Ava is pursued by one of the golfers."
Hacks season 3 episode 7, "The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular"
"Deborah braces for Kathy's appearance at her Christmas extravaganza but struggles to keep the past from creeping into the celebration. Refusing to accept that Deborah's Late Night dreams are truly dashed, Jimmy and Kayla make a Christmas detour."
Hacks season 3 episode 8, "Yes, And"
"A calendar mix-up finds Deborah double booked... just as an unfortunate supercut of her most problematic early jokes start circulating."
Hacks season 3 episode 9, "Bulletproof"
"Deborah does everything in her power to ensure that her second run at Late Night is bulletproof. Meanwhile, Ava fields a dream offer, and Jimmy and Kayla meet with a rising star in an effort to grow their company."
Hacks season 3 cast
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder play the two main characters on Hacks, with Smart as Deborah Vance, the comedy legend looking to give her career a second act, and Einbinder as Ava, a young comedy writer helping her. The chemistry between the two is what helps make Hacks stand out, as their bickering causes many of the show's best laughs while their connection gives it the emotional payoff.
Smart was already a TV staple before starring in Hacks, appearing in classic TV shows like Frasier, 24 and Designing Women. More recently she has appeared in Babylon, Mare of Easttown and Watchmen.
Meanwhile, Hacks was Einbinder's breakout role, since then, she has appeared in History of the World Part II, Strange Planet and Julia.
Other recurring members of the Hacks cast that are back as part of season 3 are Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Candyman), Kaitlin Olson (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Christopher McDonald (The Watcher), Paul W. Downs (Broad City), Rose Abdoo (Reboot), Mark Indelicato (With Love), Meg Stalter (Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain) and Poppy Liu (Dead Ringers).
Cast members from previous seasons including Jane Adams (The Idol), Angela E. Gibbs (Not Dead Yet) and Luenell (Coming 2 America) have not been confirmed for season 3.
As far as guest stars for the new season, a number of big names have been announced, including Helen Hunt (As Good As It Gets), Christina Hendricks (The Buccaneers), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Dan Bucatinsky (Air), George Wallace (Clean Slate) and Tony Goldwyn (Scandal).
UPDATE (April 5): Variety has reported that Succession's J. Cameron-Smith is going to have a recurring guest star role throughout the season.
Hacks season 3 plot
Before we talk about what Hacks season 3 is going to be about, so let's recap where things left off in Hacks season 2.
After spending most of the season on the road honing her new stand-up act, the Hacks season 2 finale saw Deborah have a rousing success with her taped special, putting her back on top. Though Ava was critical in helping her and the two have formed a deep bond, Deborah fires Ava at the end of the season. However, it's meant to force Ava to make her own path.
With that in mind, here is the official synopsis for Hacks season 3:
"A year after parting, Deborah Vance is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles."
Hacks season 3 trailer
The official trailer for Hacks season 3 is now online, and you can watch it directly below:
Also check out the previously released teaser trailer: