“Hacks” Season 4 Premiere: Everything You Need to Know About the Emmy-Winning Comedy’s Return

The wait is almost over—Hacks is back, and it’s bringing all the sharp wit, brutal honesty, and deliciously messy drama fans love. The Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award-winning Max Original comedy returns for its highly anticipated fourth season on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

With a ten-episode season lined up, Max is sticking to a staggered release format. The first two episodes drop on April 10, followed by one episode per week for four weeks. Then, things heat up with a double-episode release on May 15, leading into the penultimate episode on May 22 and the grand finale on May 29.

Deborah and Ava Are Back—And They Mean Business

The tension between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her millennial comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) has always been the heart of Hacks. Season 4 takes their dynamic to a whole new level as they attempt to launch a late-night show that could change both of their careers forever.

The official logline teases that “tensions rise as Deborah and Ava endeavor to get their late-night show off the ground and make history doing it.” If you thought these two had finally found a way to work together without trying to kill each other, think again.

An All-Star Cast, Old and New

Of course, it wouldn’t be Hacks without its stellar ensemble. The fourth season sees the return of fan-favorite cast members, including:

• Jean Smart – Six-time Emmy winner and national treasure
• Hannah Einbinder – Three-time Emmy nominee and comedy’s rising star
• Paul W. Downs – Three-time Emmy winner, co-creator, and the ever-stressed manager Jimmy
• Megan Stalter – The internet’s favorite chaotic queen, playing Kayla
• Carl Clemons-Hopkins – Emmy-nominated for their role as Marcus
• Mark Indelicato – The effortlessly cool and hilarious Damien
• Rose Abdoo – SAG Award nominee and scene-stealer

But wait, there’s more. Season 4 boasts an impressive roster of guest stars, including:

• Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown, Blonde)
• Michaela Watkins (Casual, The Dropout)
• Bresha Webb (Run the World, Marlon)
• Robby Hoffman (Work in Progress)
• Eric Balfour (Six Feet Under, Haven)
• Danny Jolles (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)
• Gavin Matts (Ramy)
• Lorenza Izzo, Johnny Sibilly, Poppy Liu, Luenell, and more

With this lineup, expect plenty of scene-stealing moments, unexpected twists, and, of course, some truly iconic one-liners.

Behind the Scenes: The Geniuses Running the Show

The creative team behind Hacks is a force to be reckoned with. The show was created and is showrun by Emmy winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, who continue to deliver some of the sharpest comedy writing on television.

The series is executive produced by:

• Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello under their Paulilu banner
• Jen Statsky through First Thought Productions
• Michael Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation) via Fremulon
• David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment
• Morgan Sackett, whose credits include Veep and The Good Place

Produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Hacks continues to be one of the best-written, best-acted, and most addictive shows on TV.

What’s Next for Deborah and Ava?

At the end of Season 3, we saw Deborah and Ava at a crossroads. Deborah, fresh off her Vegas comeback, was ready for her next big move, while Ava had finally started carving out her own path in Hollywood. But, because fate (and television writers) are messy, they’re back in each other’s orbit—this time, with the high stakes of a late-night show.

The Season 4 trailer teases power struggles, unexpected betrayals, and, of course, Deborah absolutely demolishing everyone in her path with her signature deadpan delivery. Vulture calls the upcoming season “a masterclass in comedic tension,” while Vogue gives an exclusive first look at the duo’s high-stakes attempt to break into the late-night boys’ club.

Where and When to Watch

Season 4 of Hacks premieres exclusively on Max, with episodes releasing weekly from April 10 through May 29.

Release Schedule:

• April 10: Episodes 1 & 2
• April 17: Episode 3
• April 24: Episode 4
• May 1: Episode 5
• May 8: Episode 6
• May 15: Episodes 7 & 8
• May 22: Episode 9
• May 29: Season finale

Mark your calendars, grab a cocktail (or several), and get ready for what might be Hacks‘ most deliciously chaotic season yet.