GAYAone recently published a feature on the series High Potential and actress Kaitlin Olson. Today, we turn our attention to the series Hacks—one of the most sharp-witted, poignant, and audacious projects of the last decade, featuring both the legendary Jean Smart and the brilliant Kaitlin Olson.
Hacks: When Comedy Becomes Art and Actresses Become Icons
Hacks (2021–2026) is far more than a simple comedy-drama. It is a masterclass in acting, screenwriting, and the art of discussing age, ambition, and female solidarity without relying on sentimentality or clichés.
The series explores the collision of two different worlds: Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is a Las Vegas stand-up icon whose career needs a spark, and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) is a young, bold writer with nothing to lose.
Their reluctant partnership results in one of the most compelling duos currently on television.
Jean Smart: A Queen Who Does Not Age—She Evolves
Jean Smart, born September 13, 1951, in Seattle, is a true phenomenon proving that talent has no expiration date.
Awards That Speak for Themselves:
- Seven Emmy Awards, including victories for Hacks in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
- Three Golden Globes, with the most recent awarded in 2026 for the final season of Hacks.
- Tony and Grammy nominations, which is a rare achievement for an actress working across various media.
Jean Smart’s Boldness Comes From Her Uncompromising Nature
She is not afraid to play complex, unpleasant, or contradictory characters. Deborah Vance is self-centered, powerful, and sometimes harsh, yet she is also vulnerable and deeply loves her profession. Smart does not attempt to make the character sweet; she makes her real, and that is where her genius lies.
Critics have noted that playing Deborah is like dancing on a razor's edge where one wrong move could turn the character into a caricature, yet Jean never slips.
Kaitlin Olson: From Philadelphia to Hacks—A Comedic Force of Nature
Kaitlin Olson, born August 18, 1975, in Portland, is known to millions of viewers for her role as Dee in the cult sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
However, in Hacks, she reveals a completely different side of her talent.
The Role in Hacks:
Kaitlin plays DJ Vance, the daughter of Deborah Vance and an ambitious producer and businesswoman who both adores and fears her mother.
Although it is not the lead role, every one of her scenes is a small masterpiece of comedic timing and dramatic depth.
- She became famous for playing a woman capable of the wildest antics for a laugh, and she is just as daring in real life.
- She is not afraid of physical humor, exaggerated expressions, or the absurd, yet she also knows how to be moving when necessary.
- In interviews, she admits that acting with Jean Smart is like receiving a masterclass every day, as she sets a bar that anyone would want to reach.
The jokes here are not merely for laughs; they are weapons, therapy, and a way to survive. The writers—Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky—create dialogue that begs to be quoted.
The relationship between Deborah and Ava is a dance of love and hate, respect and annoyance, while the appearance of Kaitlin Olson as the daughter adds a new layer of family drama.
In the series, Las Vegas is not just a setting; it is a character that is glamorous, fake, enticing, and draining all at once.
Hacks addresses ageism in the industry, the price of success, female competition and solidarity, and the search for oneself with sharp honesty and no preaching.
Who Should Watch Hacks?
For fans of intelligent humor—if you like Ted Lasso, Fleabag, or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this series will be your new favorite.
For supporters of strong female characters—Deborah Vance will join the pantheon of great TV characters alongside Fleabag and Midge Maisel.
For lovers of fine acting—the duo of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, along with the brilliant support from Kaitlin Olson, is a standard to aspire to.
For those who are tired of predictability—Hacks constantly surprises with touching scenes, sharp satire, and unexpected turns.
For anyone who believes comedy can be profound—laughter and tears go hand in hand here, and it works perfectly.
Hacks is a series that does more than just entertain; it makes you think, feel, and laugh through tears. Jean Smart has delivered the role of a lifetime, proving that great actresses do not leave—they simply move to a new level. Kaitlin Olson perfectly complements the cast, showing that a comedic actress can be funny, dramatic, and daring all at the same time.
Hacks isn't about being crafty; it's about the truth. It's about how difficult it is to be yourself in a world that wants to change you, and how beautiful it is to have someone who understands that.
Watch it. Fall in love. Quote it. This is a rare instance where the praise is no exaggeration; it truly is one of the best series of the streaming era!
P.S. The final fifth season of Hacks was released in 2026, bringing a beautiful conclusion to the story of Deborah and Ava. But as the creators say, "A good joke never dies"—and this series will certainly stay with us for a long time.
