Despite poor ratings, I’m enjoying Hacks Season 4 more than ever: Here are some reasons why

Hacks Season 4 brings back Deborah Vance who's finally hosting her dream late-night show. While she has achieved a milestone Deborah is still facing challenges due to her complex relationship wth head writer Ava Daniels.

Ava is also carrying out the pressure from her high-stakes job as personal issues take center stage. Season 4 also sheds light on Deborah's evolving bond with her daughter, all while ensuring the success and innovation of her show.

When it comes to Hacks Season 4's rating, the show doesn't seem to impress everyone compared to to previous chapters. However, I'm enjoying it more than ever because Jean Smart is giving it all to remain consistent in portraying Deborah.

The actress has been playing the lead since the beginning and for once, I didn't feel like Deborah had become less entertaining in Hacks Season 4. And if you believe this is the only reason I continue to love the show, think again.

The emotional complexity of Deborah and Ava's relationship has also increased. While many might see it getting bitter, the relationship is actually getting dramatic, which makes the show intriguing to watch.

Keep reading to find out more about the latest season and what else has paved its way.

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Reasons why Hacks Season 4 continues to thrive despite low ratings

Several shows that do not attract impressive ratings after a few seasons, yet they continue to captivate fans. Hacks Season 4 is one of the examples, as I still enjoy the story the way I did since Season 1.

As explained earlier, Jean Smart's acting skills play a major role in the show's success, but there are more reasons for it:

Hacks Season 4 is taking creative risks: The latest chapter seems to be pushing the boundaries as the central relationship between Ava and Deborah evolves (and gets more toxic). This kind of risk-taking might not sit well with some fans, but for others (like me) it feels brave and raw.

Critics have praised the show: While the audience score for Season 4 is quite low, critics have given it a 97% rating, which is an excellent rating by any standard. This explains that the show's smart writing, unique tone and sharp performances are its main strengths.

Sharp and witty humor: Even though the season faced some narrative challenges, the sharp wit and dense joke-filled writing that made Hacks famous remained the same. The biting exchanges between Debrah and Ava prove it.

Guest stars and cameos: Hacks Season 4 also stands out for its exciting guest stars and celebrity cameos, like Julianne Nicholson and Michaela Watkins add to the show's surprises for viewers.

Not only this, but the show also delves into a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of producing late-night television. For someone passionate about the entertainment industry, it becomes informative and enjoyable.

Also Read: Emily in Paris Season 5 is officially in production as Netflix drops first-look

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Jean Smart's experience after stepping into the role of Deborah in Hacks

Hacks Season 1 debuted on Max in 2021, and the same year Jean Smart talked about the challenges that came with portraying a stand-up comedian. Although she appears fearless on screen as Deborah Vance, the actress felt nervous at times while filming.

Smart mentioned that she’d always thought being a stand-up comic would be fun, but it also seemed incredibly intimidating. The actress said:

"I always thought it would be fun to be a standup comic, but I always also thought it would be incredibly terrifying. You’re kind of living one of my fantasies. I get to do it for pretend."

Smart also compared working on a show with her experience in theatre as the pressure of the audience’s immediate reaction is different. She explained that it doesn't affect much when a joke goes wrong in the theatre, but things are entirely different in stand-up comedies.

Thankfully, Jean Smart’s performance didn’t fall flat. She remains an incredible actor and is lauded for balancing humor and emotional depth in her TV show.

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