Hacks Season 3 Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need To Know
The critically acclaimed comedy series “Hacks” returned for its third season on Max in May 2024, continuing the story of legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder).
After a successful second season that left fans wondering what more the duo had to offer, Season 3 delivers compelling storylines, character growth, and the sharp humor that made the show a hit.
Hacks Season 3 Story
Season 3 begins a year after the events of Season 2, with Deborah enjoying unprecedented success following her stand-up special. Her newfound popularity has brought her more attention than ever before, including a Super Bowl commercial. Meanwhile, Ava has found success as a writer on a prestigious comedy show and has a live-in girlfriend who stars in a superhero series.
The season premiere intentionally starts on a rocky note, making the audience feel the discomfort of Deborah and Ava’s separation. Their paths cross again at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival, where it becomes clear that despite their professional successes, something is missing for both of them. Their reunion snaps their connection back into place, and they commit to navigating a new dynamic as peers rather than boss and employee.
Deborah’s biggest goal in Season 3 is securing a late-night TV talk show, which catalyzes reviving her partnership with Ava. This opportunity represents Deborah’s chance to fulfill a long-held dream, with the awareness that it never will if it doesn’t happen now. The urgency adds stakes to the season, as Deborah recognizes that the clock is ticking on her ability to achieve this final career milestone.
Hacks Season 3 Character Evolution
| Character | Actor | Role & Development in Season 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Deborah Vance | Jean Smart | Grows from relying on popularity to valuing strong performance. Relationship with Ava evolves into professional equality. |
| Ava Daniels | Hannah Einbinder | She learns humility and respect, moving past her initial arrogance toward Deborah. |
| DJ Vance | Kaitlin Olson | Deborah’s daughter is navigating recovery and life changes, with a significant role in the roast episode. |
| Marcus | Carl Clemons-Hopkins | He struggles to find his place in Deborah’s evolving career; the storyline highlights the diva-gay fan relationship. |
| Jimmy | Paul W. Downs | More integrated into the plot, helping Deborah secure a late-night TV opportunity. |
| Kayla | Megan Stalter | It gains depth as a character, with moments showcasing more serious acting skills. |
Hacks Season 3 Critical Reception
Critics have praised Season 3 for maintaining its sharp humor while expanding its storytelling. The chemistry between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continues to be a highlight, with their performances receiving particular acclaim. Whether getting drunk at a frat party or embarking on a disastrous hike, their ease and simplicity make for one of television’s most nuanced and complicated relationships.
The season has been described as more intelligent, funnier, and more moving than ever, with the show successfully reinventing itself while staying true to what made it popular in the first place. The higher budget and more expansive sets reflect the series’ growth since its inception, but what truly sets Season 3 apart is how effectively it raises the stakes from previous seasons.
However, some critics have noted that specific comedic formulas are becoming repetitive. Ava’s disapproval of Deborah’s problematic punchlines, followed by Deborah’s sharp reversals and Ava’s eventual compromise, is a pattern that some feel the show relies on too heavily. Similarly, interactions between Deborah, Jimmy, and Kayla sometimes fall into predictable routines that can halt momentum and soften jokes.
Hacks Season 3 Release Schedule
Unlike many streaming shows that release entire seasons at once, Hacks Season 3 followed a weekly release schedule on Max. The season premiered on May 2, 2024, with the first two episodes, “Just For Laughs” and “Better Late.” Subsequent episodes were released in pairs every Thursday until the season finale on May 30.
The complete nine-episode season includes:
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Just For Laughs | May 2 |
| 2 | Better Late | May 2 |
| 3 | The Roast of Deborah Vance | May 9 |
| 4 | Join the Club | May 9 |
| 5 | One Day | May 16 |
| 6 | Power Play | May 16 |
| 7 | The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular | May 23 |
| 8 | Yes, And | May 23 |
| 9 | Bulletproof | May 30 |
Hacks are available exclusively on Max in the United States, and they cost $9.99 per month with ads or $15.99 per month ad-free. International viewers can access the show through various platforms: in the UK, it’s available on Sky and Now (as of February 7, 2025); in Canada, it’s on Crave; in Australia, it’s on Stan; and in New Zealand, it’s available for free on TVNZ Plus.
Hacks Season 3 Guest Stars
Season 3 features an impressive roster of guest stars, including Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace, Tony Goldwyn, Aristotle Athari, and J. Smith Cameron. These high-profile additions reflect the show’s growing prestige and popularity.
The season premiere episodes were written by co-creator Lucia Aniello, who continues to guide the series’ creative directions along with Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky. Their writing maintains the show’s signature blend of industry satire and generational comedy, skewering Gen Z and Boomers with razor-sharp specificity.
Hacks Season 3 Themes and Cultural Impact
Hacks continues exploring significant themes relevant to the entertainment industry and society. The show examines what happens after aging and what it means when people realize the following years of their lives could be their last chance to fulfill their dreams. It also delves into questions of external validation versus internal fulfillment as Deborah grapples with whether her widespread popularity makes her happy.
The series remains one of the most authentically queer shows on television, with its portrayal of Ava’s bisexuality and Deborah’s evolving perspective. It satirizes the entertainment industry while offering genuine insights into the challenges faced by women comedians of different generations.
FAQs
Q. When did Hacks Season 3 premiere?
A. Hacks Season 3 premiered on Max on May 2, 2024, with the first two episodes.
Q. How many episodes are in Hacks Season 3?
A. Season 3 consists of nine weekly episodes, released in pairs (except for the finale).
Q. Will there be a Season 4 of Hacks?
A. Season 4 has been confirmed and is expected to air in 2025.
Q. What is the main storyline of Season 3?
A. The main storyline follows Deborah’s pursuit of hosting a late-night TV talk show, which brings her back together with Ava despite their separation at the end of Season 2.
Q. Where can I watch Hacks outside the United States?
A. Depending on your location, Hacks is available on Sky/Now (UK), Crave (Canada), Stan (Australia), and TVNZ Plus (New Zealand).
Final Words
Hacks Season 3 demonstrates why the series has become one of television’s most celebrated comedies. By allowing its characters to evolve while maintaining the sharp humor and authentic relationships that made it popular, the show continues to find new stories to tell and new depths to explore.
The chemistry between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder remains the series’ beating heart, proving that their partnership—both on screen and off—is among the most compelling in contemporary television.
As Deborah Vance pursues her late-night dreams and Ava navigates her success, Hacks reminds us that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line and that even the most successful people continue to search for fulfillment. With Season 4 already confirmed, fans can look forward to more laughs, more heart, and more of the unique magic that makes Hacks one of the most brilliant comedies of our time.
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