The Comedy Show That Isn’t Afraid to be Honest

There used to be a time when celebrities were honest, not tucked away behind PR teams and the need to curate flawless personas. I’ve noticed a real desire, as of late, to revisit these former glory days of media—not a reflection of the past itself, but a need for transparency. The name that comes to mind is the one and only Joan Rivers. 

The bedrock of cultural transparency, confrontation, and a pioneer in comedy, Joan was brutally honest, unafraid to be unpolished, and pushed boundaries for women in comedy. My mom and I used to spend hours watching Fashion Police, quite literally clasping our hands in horror and delight as Joan ripped celebrities, and dresses, to metaphorical shreds. These same facets, this horrifically comical absurdism, can be found within television’s latest icon, Deborah Vance. 

Hacks, the new HBO classic, is a blend of modern-day commentary that contains a dryness and vulnerability rarely found within current media. Starring Hannah Einbeinder and Jean Smart as Ava Daniels and Deborah Vance, the show’s premise is based around the mentorship of a dried out Las Vegas comedian, Deborah, and a cringey, but earnest, writer—Ava. 

What makes this show so special, though, is its commitment to not be afraid of controversy. It’s a breath of fresh air, and unlike most saturated gunk on streaming services, Hacks isn’t terrified of saying anything real—whether it’s a conversation on aging, emotional dynamics, queerness, or sexism. Here are three episodes that best summarize Hacks, and reaffirm why you should watch it—not in any particular order. 

S2, Episode 6: “The Click”

The entirety of Season 2 of Hacks lays the groundwork for both Ava and Deborah’s evolution. “The Click” is a moment of reckoning. After a season and a half of Deborah trying to undo her status as a “hack,” this episode unveils Deborah’s realization that in order to succeed, she needs to be vulnerable. Her jokes must come from her own stories—her own life—rather than trying to mirror what she assumes others find funny. Her shift in comedic approach is also a reflection of how Deborah struggles with being open—with whether it be her employees, Ava, and even her own daughter. Through self acceptance in her art, Deborah, after decades of feeling stuck, is finally evolving. 

S2, Episode 5: “Quid Pro Quo”

One of the strongest dynamics within Hacks is the fluctuation of Ava and Deborah’s relationship. One day, they’re best friends, and the next, mortal enemies. “Quid Pro Quo” confronts the intensity of this volatile relationship. This episode is the intersection of power dynamics, emotional manipulation, and the delicacy of love and disdain. It’s also wildly comedic. How is Ava expected to write jokes for Deborah, stuck on a bus in the middle of the desert, while also  grappling with a lawsuit? She is terrified, Deborah is vengeful, and the audience is entertained. 

S3, Episode 1: One Day

I would like to state on record that Season 3 is actually my favorite. This is mostly because of the more ominous tonal shift, but I also credit Ava and Deborah’s hard work finally paying off. It’s validating to see the pair find success in their respective careers, even as they’re apart from one another. The episode begins a year after Ava is fired, as Deborah wants her to grow as a writer. And through this act of firing, Ava—even in her new line of work—is unsatisfied. Deborah, now riding a new high of relevancy, is still not truly happy. This episode reaffirms that despite achieving one’s dreams, success is lonely if there’s no one there to share the moment with.

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