By Peter Harris
Copyright manchestereveningnews
A television series that viewers claim to have binge-watched in just two sittings has scooped up two Emmys, making it a ‘perfect piece of television’. Hacks, which first aired on the US network HBO in 2021, has since found a home on Sky Max and NOW in the UK, with all episodes available for streaming. The show has added two more Emmys to its collection, ensuring it has won at least one of the esteemed TV awards each year it has been on air. The latest accolades were awarded to its stars, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, who both clinched trophies for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series respectively. In previous years, Hacks has triumphed in categories such as Outstanding Writing, Directing, Comedy Series and Guest Actress. Notably, Smart has won her category for every season to date. With the announcement that the upcoming fifth season will be its last, now is the perfect time for viewers to catch up, reports the Mirror . Hacks, according to its synopsis, is a comedy-drama centred on an unlikely partnership between legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (played by Smart) and a young, entitled writer, Ava Daniels (Einbinder). Forced together to rejuvenate Deborah’s career, their relationship delves into generational differences, sexism and ageism in the entertainment industry, and how comedy can challenge and heal deep personal wounds. Critics have heaped praise on the programme from the very beginning. Across its four-season journey, it boasts an outstanding 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the opening two series achieving a flawless 100% score. One critic proclaimed: “Send this show to anyone who tells you women aren’t funny. Better yet, tell them that debate ended decades ago, then put your feet up and enjoy this year’s most perfect piece of television.” Another insisted: “Watching Hacks is the best way to spend five hours on the couch right now, and its frank, funny and biting assessment of being a woman in entertainment is as always as canny as it is hilarious.” Meanwhile, one reviewer simply declared: “The smartest, most genre-defying comedy on TV right now.” Numerous supporters expressing their views online about the series praise its addictive quality. One wrote: “I binge watched the entire season today in two sittings and I can’t say enough good things about how great it is. “There’s so much to love. There are literally laugh out loud funny moments, some deep and intense character development, some crushing drama, and a lot of cringey and uncomfortable moments. But even those have a deep meaning in some way either for the characters or the story.” Another viewer concurred: “Absolutely binge-worthy . Great script with genuinely LOL moments. A great reflection on fame and the cut-throat culture of entertainment. And with 2 female leads who steal the show, a real peach.” Hacks is streaming on Sky Max and NOW.
