Jean Smart Renaissance Continues As 'Hacks' Renewed For Season Two

After already landing a buzzworthy breakout with “The Flight Attendant,” HBO Max has done it again with the critically acclaimed dramedy “Hacks.” Created and produced by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, the series focuses on a legendary Las Vegas comedienne, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), who finds herself dealing with a “canceled” television writer, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), who wants nothing more to return to her life in Hollywood. With Emmy nominations on tap in the weeks ahead, HBO Max surprised no one by announcing today that the series has officially been renewed for a second season.

READ MORE: “Hacks” with Jean Smart sharply unpacks how comedians are fundamentally flawed [Review]

In a release from HBO Max, Jean Smart says, “I am absolutely thrilled we are picked up for a second season and I told Hannah it’s ‘No more Miss Nice Guy; from now on it’s Bette and Joan! And guess who’s BETTE??!!’”

Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max remarked, “We knew immediately that Lucia, Paul, and Jen brought us a winner. We couldn’t be happier about the tremendous response from our viewers and critics alike, and we salute the executive producers; Jean, Hannah, and the rest of the brilliant cast; and our partners at Universal.” 

Co-creators and showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky quote added, “We have been blown away by the positive reception to ‘Hacks’ — we owe this renewal to every single person who tuned into the show and then told a friend to watch. We are so grateful we get to continue and want to thank our partners at HBO Max and Universal Television for supporting the show so fiercely, and our wonderful cast and crew for delivering on every level. Many years ago, we set out to tell a deeply important story that needed to be told — that of a handsome, charming talent manager and his two demanding female clients. We’re so glad that story resonated with audiences, and we can’t wait to get to work on season two. See you soon!”

The series also stars Downs, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Downs, Mark Indelicato, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Meg Stalter, and Rose Abdoo

The final two episodes of the first season will launch on HBO Max on Thursday.