The Culture

Hannah Einbinder Knows Everything Is Because of 'Hacks'

By H. Alan Scott

There's one show on TV everybody is talking about: Hacks. After a two-year hiatus, season 3 of Hacks premiered on Max this week and well, it's everything.

If you're unfamiliar with the show, it stars Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, a Joan Rivers-like Vegas comic navigating her sudden resurgence in fame alongside her comedy writer Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder. What makes this show so good are the performances and chemistry of the two leads, Smart and Einbinder, and that dance they do between comedy and drama. It's one of the most well-written shows on TV right now.

I've been an early fan of the show—I mean, my Instagram account has basically become a Hacks fan account. Last year, I spoke with Smart about her Emmy-winning turn as Vance, and now I'm speaking with Einbinder about her own performance and what it's like to stand in the presence of Jean Smart.

Speaking of Smart, can we talk about how great she is for a moment? One of my favorite moments in television history is this one moment from the sitcom that made Smart famous, Designing Women. Basically, she's met in a dream by her guardian movie star, Dolly Parton. I spoke with Smart and Parton about this moment, and the fact that they also remember this moment fondly, well little kid me is screaming right now that I was able to even talk to them about it. But Smart went on from there to show she's more than just a comedic actress, winning and being nominated for countless Emmys for her work on projects like 24, Fargo, Mare of Easttown and Watchmen. Do yourself a favor and have a Jean Smart watch party this weekend.

Listen to my chat with Einbinder about this new season of Hacks on the latest Parting Shot podcast. And scroll down for more entertainment news. I'll be back Monday with my hot takes. (And getting prepped for Monday night's Met Gala.)